How To Make the Best, Most Flavorful Café Cubano

Cuban espresso is decadent, powerful, and ever so sweet. Click here to learn how to brew the best, most flavorful café Cubano in just three steps.

Is there anything better than the rich, sweet aroma of a freshly poured café Cubano? This iconic espresso drink, translated as Cuban espresso, is a staple in Cuban households and the Caribbean community as a whole. Whether you’re new to this bold coffee or looking to perfect your brewing technique, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re uncovering the secrets to making the best, most flavorful Café Cubano that tastes like it came straight from Havana.

What Is Café Cubano? 

Let’s start with the basics: what is café Cubano? It is essentially straight espresso but with a twist; this drink is sweetened with espuma, a frothy mixture of sugar whipped with the first few drops of espresso. The addition of this velvety foam enhances the flavor and gives Café Cubano its signature sweetness and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need 

To create an authentic Café Cubano, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Espresso coffee (preferably a strong Cuban-style roast like Café Bustelo or Pilon) 

• Granulated sugar (brown sugar is the most traditional, but white granulated sugar works)

• Water

Additionally, you’ll need either a stovetop espresso maker (moka pot) or an espresso machine.

Step-By-Step Guide to Making Café Cubano

With your ingredients on hand, walk through the following steps to make the best, most flavorful café Cubano.

1. Brew a Strong Espresso 

Start by brewing a concentrated espresso using your moka pot or espresso machine. Make sure to choose the right coffee for your brewing method, keeping in mind that this recipe caters best to rich, dark roasts.

2. Prepare the Espuma 

While your espresso is brewing, place 2–3 teaspoons of sugar into a metal or heatproof cup. Once the espresso begins to brew, capture the first few drops and add them to the sugar. These early drops are the most concentrated and create the perfect foam. Whisk vigorously until the sugar transforms into a thick, pale, caramel-colored foam. This is espuma—the heart of café Cubano.

3. Combine and Serve 

Once your espresso finishes brewing, pour it over the prepared espuma, stirring gently to mix. The sugar foam will rise to the top, creating a beautiful layer of crema. Pour the sweetened espresso into small demitasse cups and serve immediately.

Bring the Caribbean Tradition to Your Home 

Café Cubano is a celebration of culture and connection. Whether you’re enjoying it on your porch in the morning or sharing it with loved ones after a delicious meal, this little cup of joy is bound to bring warmth and tradition to your day.