Espresso coffee being tamped in portafilter next to espresso machine

HOW TO MAKE CUBAN COFFEE

A cuban coffee, café cubano or cafecito are all Cuban versions of espresso or a strong dark coffee, mixed with an espuma or sweet, frothy crema. The drink can be brewed at home with a few simple ingredients and in a variety of coffee makers.

Café Cubano is a social beverage people enjoy drinking with friends and family for breakfast, a late afternoon “pick-me-up” or after dinner. A “colada” is the ultimate social version of this coffee. This 4 ounce Cuban espresso drink comes in a large styrofoam cup with smaller cups for sharing with friends.

Espresso machine and milk frother on countertop with café style drinks Espresso machine and milk frother on countertop with café style drinks
Drip coffee maker on countertop Drip coffee maker on countertop

YIELDS1

4-6 servings

1 Exact yields will vary based on recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • Filtered water

  • Dark, medium ground roast 

  • 2 tablespoons white, brown or demerara sugar

TOOLS

  • Drip coffee maker

  • Bowl or cup for mixing espuma

  • Whisk

 

BREWING TIME

10 minutes

TOTAL TIME

15 minutes

STEP 1: PREPARE COFFEE

Using 6 ounces of filtered water and one tablespoon of finely ground coffee, brew coffee.

STEP 2: MAKE ESPUMA

When the coffee begins to brew, use approximately one tablespoon of coffee from the first few tablespoons brewed and whisk vigorously with ¼ cup of sugar until a caramel-colored foam appears.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE DRINK

Divide the espuma evenly between 4-6 espresso cups, top with the coffee, stir and enjoy.

Espresso machine and lattes on countertop with breakfast items Espresso machine and lattes on countertop with breakfast items

SEMI-AUTOMATIC ESPRESSO MACHINE METHOD:

YIELDS2

2 servings

2 Exact yields will vary based on recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • Filtered water

  • 28-32 grams finely ground roast (freshly ground whole beans or pre-ground coffee)

  • 2 tablespoons white, brown or demerara sugar

TOOLS

  • Semi-automatic espresso machine

  • Bowl or cup for mixing espuma

  • Whisk

 

 

BREWING TIME

Less than 2 minutes

TOTAL TIME

5 minutes

STEP 1: PULL ESPRESSO SHOT

Tamp 10-12 grams of finely ground fresh or pre-ground coffee beans into the portafilter, select 1 shot and brew.

STEP 2: MAKE ESPUMA

Pour 1 tablespoon of espresso from first shot into sugar and whisk vigorously with 2 tablespoons of sugar until a caramel-colored foam appears. You can’t over-whisk, so don’t be afraid to put some muscle into your whisking.

STEP 3: PULL 2 ESPRESSO SHOTS

Prepare 2 more espresso shots.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE DRINK

Divide the espuma evenly between 2 espresso cups, top with the espresso, stir and enjoy.

TIP: WHISKING

Whisking the espuma by hand can be accomplished with a hand whisk but a KitchenAid® hand blender can also quickly help create the creamy foam.

Woman pouring coffee grounds into drip coffee maker Woman pouring coffee grounds into drip coffee maker
Stack of breakfast pastries Stack of breakfast pastries

SHOP KITCHENAID® COFFEE AND ESPRESSO MAKERS

Whether you’re brewing the perfect cup of coffee or pulling shots of espresso for an espresso martini, the KitchenAid® Coffee Collection and the KitchenAid® Espresso Collection have all the tools you need to create robust coffees and rich espressos at home. Discover the KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Milk Frother Attachment, the first residential espresso maker that features dual, smart temperature sensors to maintain the perfect brewing temperature shot after shot. Pair it with a KitchenAid® burr coffee grinder that delivers consistent grinding every time—and you have just what you need to create delicious lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and more in your very own kitchen. 

DISCOVER MORE COFFEE RECIPES WITH KITCHENAID BRAND