Cuban Coffee (Cafecito)

A rich and sweet Cuban-style espresso coffee topped with a distinctive sugar foam (crema). This traditional cafecito is made by beating sugar with the first drops of espresso to create a creamy, caramel-colored foam that tops the intense coffee.

6 servings
13 min

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Espresso ground coffee
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 piece Stovetop espresso maker

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Fill a 6-cup stovetop espresso maker with water and coffee according to the manufacturer's instructions, making sure to pack down the coffee. Place the espresso maker over moderate heat.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    While the coffee is brewing, place the sugar in a tall container with a spout, such as a liquid measuring cup. As soon as the coffee starts to fill the reservoir, pour about 1/2 tablespoon of coffee over the sugar and return the espresso maker to the heat.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Using a spoon, beat the sugar and espresso until the mixture turns a pale beige color and most of the sugar granules begin to dissolve, about 1 minute. The mixture may seem a bit dry at first, but keep beating, and it will come together.

    1 min

  4. 4.

    Once all the coffee has been brewed, slowly pour the coffee over the creamed sugar, stirring to make sure all the sugar dissolves. A thin layer of sugar foam (crema) should float on top of the coffee. Pour the coffee into espresso cups and serve immediately.

    2 min

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