How to Make Cuban Coffee the Magical Way
If you’ve ever sipped on a tiny cup of Cuban coffee and felt your soul wake up, you already know—it’s more than just a drink. It’s a ritual that starts or deepens conversation. A magical moment.
Whether shared with family on the porch or handed to a stranger at a ventanita in a coffee shop, Cuban coffee connects people, and brings a bold sweetness to daily bochinche.
Here’s how to make Cuban coffee the magical way, right in your own kitchen.
🌟 What You’ll Need:
Stovetop Espresso maker (Moka pot)
Ground Cuban espresso coffee (like Café Bustelo, Pilón, or La Llave)
Sugar (traditionally white granulated)
Cup or narrow bowl
Demitasse cups (tiny but mighty)
✨ Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Fill the bottom chamber of your moka pot with water (up to the valve).
Pack the filter basket with ground coffee
Assemble the moka pot and place it on low heat - the slower the brew, the more flavorful the coffee.
Watch closely—the magic starts fast- and you will need the first few drops that come out.
✨ Step 2: Make the Espumita
While the coffee’s brewing, add 3 to 4 teaspoons of sugar to a larger cup or narrow bowl You can add more sugar, if you prefer a sweeter coffee.
The moment the coffee bubbles up, pour only two to four drops into the sugar. If you add too much coffee, you will need to start from scratch. You need to add just enough liquid to create a “thick-oatmeal-like” paste consistency.
Vigorously stir the sugar-coffee mixture with a spoon until it becomes a thick, pale, caramel-colored paste. This takes about 1–2 minutes. (Yes, your arm might get a workout. Worth it.) Remember, you can adjust the sugar amount as you prefer.
✨ Step 3: Combine & Pour
Once all the coffee is brewed, pour it slowly over the espumita paste, stirring gently so the foam rises to the top.
Serve in small demitasse cups, with the thick sugar crema floating beautifully on each one.
Its also typical to hand each person their coffee, instead of having them take it themselves from a table. This personal interaction, is a recognition that they are welcomed into your home.
🌞 The Magic Behind It All
Cuban coffee isn’t just a coffee fix—it’s a moment. Typically, you can serve the coffee with something sweet - cookies, pastries, or even sweet bread. Its a small offering you are making to each person in your home. This repeated ritual, enhances the warmth of your home, and fills it with joy, love and protection.
