Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the bold, sweet flavor of Cuban coffee. Known for its strong espresso and frothy espuma, this iconic drink is a staple in Cuban households and cafés alike. The best part? You don’t need to travel to Havana to enjoy it. With quality coffee beans, a few essential tools, and our step-by-step guide, you can brew authentic Cuban coffee right in your kitchen. Whether you love it straight or as a creamy café con leche, this guide will help you make the perfect cup every time.

For the best results, using a manual coffee grinder and a frothing pitcher can elevate your Cuban coffee experience, giving you the freshest flavor and perfect foam every time.

What You’ll Need

• Espresso maker or stovetop Moka pot
• Finely ground Cuban-style coffee (or grind fresh with a manual coffee grinder)
• Sugar (traditionally white)
• Espresso cup(s)
• Optional: frothing pitcher for café con leche

Tip: Freshly grinding your coffee beans with a manual grinder ensures maximum flavor and authentic Cuban taste.

Step 1: Measure and Grind Your Coffee

• Use 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee per espresso shot.
• Grinding your beans just before brewing keeps the flavor vibrant and aromatic.
• A manual coffee grinder gives you precise control over the grind, perfect for Cuban-style espresso.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar

• Cuban coffee is famous for its sweet, caramelized sugar layer called espuma.
• Place 1–2 teaspoons of sugar in a small cup.
  

Step 3: Brew the Espresso

• Fill the Moka pot with water and coffee grounds.
• Brew over medium heat until you hear bubbling.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent bitterness.

Pro Tip: Measure water using your espresso cups for accuracy. For example, if making three cups, fill the espresso cup three times to measure water for the Moka pot.

Step 4: Combine Coffee and Sugar

• Use a frothing pitcher and pour the first 1 to 3 drops of espresso into the sugar cup and mix vigorously by hand until frothy. This is the authentic Cuban espuma.
• Let the rest of the coffee finish brewing in another recipient.
• Pour the brewed espresso over the sugar foam in the frothing pitcher. A frothing pitcher not only makes pouring easier but also allows you to create a smooth, professional-looking layer of foam.
• Stir gently until all the top surface of the coffee is covered in espuma, and enjoy a strong, sweet, and authentic Cuban coffee!

Optional: Make a Café con Leche

• Heat milk separately and pour it into a frothing pitcher.
• Combine equal parts espresso and milk.
• Froth with the pitcher for creamy, velvety foam.
• Sweeten further if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cuban Coffee

1. Use freshly roasted beans for maximum flavor.
2. Froth the first drops with sugar for authentic espuma.
3. Serve in small cups to enjoy concentrated flavor.
4. Experiment with coffee-to-sugar ratios to suit your taste.
5. Use a manual coffee grinder and frothing pitcher for a true café-quality experience at home.

Recommended Tools

• Manual coffee grinder – freshly grind your beans for richer, more aromatic espresso.
• Frothing pitcher – perfect for pouring and frothing milk for café con leche.
• Stovetop Moka pot – essential for authentic Cuban coffee.

Tip: Upgrade your Cuban coffee routine, get the manual coffee grinder and frothing pitcher in our store to make every cup perfect!