Cuban coffee, also known as “Cafecito” or “Café Cubano,” is a sweet and strong coffee that’s made using a Moka pot, often with sugar.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a great cup of Cuban coffee:
Ingredients and Equipment:
Moka pot (3-cup or 6-cup size is common)
Freshly ground coffee beans (espresso grind)
Cold, filtered water
Sugar (white or demerara, to taste)
A stovetop or heat source
Demitasse cups
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Moka Pot: Disassemble your Moka pot and fill the bottom chamber with cold water up to the safety valve or the safety release valve.
Place finely ground coffee into the filter basket, filling it evenly and leveling it off without pressing down. You can adjust the amount of coffee based on your preference, but a good starting point is around 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per demitasse cup.
Add Sugar (Optional): Cuban coffee is traditionally sweet. If you want sweetened coffee, add sugar to the coffee grounds in the filter basket. The amount of sugar varies, but a common practice is to add one teaspoon of sugar per demitasse cup. Adjust to your taste.
Assemble the Moka Pot: Reassemble the Moka pot, ensuring it’s tightly sealed.
Heat on the Stovetop: Place the Moka pot on a stovetop or heat source over medium heat. Be sure to use a low to medium flame to prevent burning the coffee.
Brew: As the Moka pot heats, you’ll hear a gurgling or hissing sound. This is the coffee being forced up into the upper chamber. The brewing process should take a few minutes.
Monitor the Brew: Keep an eye on the Moka pot during brewing. Once you hear a sputtering sound, it’s a sign that the brewing is almost complete. Remove it from the heat immediately to prevent over-extraction or burning.
Serve: Pour the Cuban coffee into demitasse cups. It’s normal for the coffee to be quite strong and concentrated.
Enjoy: Cuban coffee is traditionally sipped slowly to savor the flavors. The coffee is strong, and the sugar adds sweetness to balance the bitterness of the coffee.
Cuban coffee is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy your daily caffeine fix. The addition of sugar during brewing creates a sweet and robust coffee that’s a staple in Cuban culture. Adjust the amount of sugar and coffee to suit your taste, and you’ll have your perfect cup of Cuban coffee.
