In Cuba, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and community. Whether enjoyed at home, in cafés, or from street-side ventanitas (coffee windows), Cuban coffee is bold, sweet, and always shared.
Unlike other coffee cultures that focus on bitterness or complexity, Cuban coffee stands out for its unique brewing method, where strong espresso is whipped with sugar to create a rich, frothy texture called espuma.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ The different types of Cuban coffee and how they’re prepared
✅ The tradition of ventanitas (coffee windows) in Havana and Miami
✅ How to make authentic Cuban coffee at home
Let’s dive into the world of cafecito and conversation! 🇨🇺☕
Why Cuban Coffee is Special
✔ Small but powerful – Cuban coffee is served in tiny cups, but it’s packed with intense flavor and caffeine.
✔ Sweetened during brewing – Sugar is whipped with espresso, creating a thick, foamy crema (espuma).
✔ A social experience – Coffee is always shared with family, friends, and neighbors.
✔ Café culture is everywhere – From small cafés to iconic ventanitas (coffee windows).
💡 Fun Fact: Coffee was introduced to Cuba in the 18th century, and by the 19th century, Cuba was one of the world’s largest coffee producers!
The Different Types of Cuban Coffee
Unlike in Italy or France, where coffee comes in multiple variations, Cuban coffee is all about strength and sweetness. Here are the four most common types:
☕ 1. Café Cubano (Cafecito) – The Classic Cuban Espresso
A single shot of espresso whipped with sugar, creating a thick, sweet espuma (foam).
Served in tiny cups (tacitas) but packs a strong caffeine punch.
💡 Best enjoyed as a quick energy boost, any time of day.
☕ 2. Colada – Coffee for Sharing
A larger serving of cafecito (4-6 shots of espresso) served in a big cup with tiny cups for sharing.
Always meant to be shared—never drunk alone!
💡 Perfect for family gatherings, office breaks, and socializing with neighbors.
☕ 3. Cortadito – The Cuban Latte
A cafecito with a splash of steamed milk.
Still strong, but slightly smoother and creamier.
💡 Best for those who want a strong coffee with a little balance.
☕ 4. Café con Leche – The Cuban Breakfast Coffee
A large cup of steamed milk with a shot of espresso added.
Typically served with buttered Cuban bread for dipping.
💡 Perfect for slow mornings or pairing with pastries.
Ventanitas: The Heart of Cuban Coffee Culture
One of the most unique aspects of Cuban coffee culture is the ventanita—a small coffee window where Cubans order coffee, chat, and connect with their community.
☕ Popular in Havana and Miami, ventanitas serve fast, fresh coffee to people on the go.
🗣 More than just a place to buy coffee—ventanitas are hubs of conversation and social life.
💵 Cuban coffee is affordable—a cafecito usually costs less than $1.
💡 If you visit Miami, stop by Café Versailles or La Carreta for the ultimate ventanita experience!
How to Make Cuban Coffee at Home
Want to experience the rich, sweet taste of Cuban coffee in your own kitchen? Here’s how!
1️⃣ How to Make a Perfect Cafecito (Cuban Espresso with Espuma)
✔ Coffee: 1 shot of strong espresso (use Cuban brands like Bustelo or Pilón)
✔ Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons
✔ Water: 30ml (for espresso)
Steps:
1️⃣ Brew a strong espresso using a Moka pot or espresso machine.
2️⃣ In a small cup, add sugar first (before the coffee).
3️⃣ Pour the first few drops of espresso over the sugar and whip vigorously until a thick, golden foam (espuma) forms.
4️⃣ Pour the remaining espresso over the espuma, stir gently, and serve!
💡 The key to Cuban coffee is the espuma—it creates the signature creamy texture!
2️⃣ How to Make a Colada (Coffee for Sharing)
✔ Same method as cafecito, but brewed in a larger batch (4-6 shots).
✔ Served in a large cup with small tacitas for sharing.
💡 A great option for family brunches or office coffee breaks.
3️⃣ How to Make a Cortadito (Cuban Espresso with Milk)
✔ 1 cafecito (sweet Cuban espresso)
✔ 1-2 ounces of steamed milk
Steps:
1️⃣ Prepare a cafecito with espuma.
2️⃣ Add a splash of steamed milk to balance the strength.
3️⃣ Serve in a small cup and enjoy!
💡 Perfect for those who love lattes but want a stronger, Cuban twist.
Famous Cuban Coffee Brands
🫘 Café Bustelo – The most famous Cuban-style coffee brand, rich and bold.
🫘 Pilón Coffee – Smooth and slightly nutty, a Miami favorite.
🫘 La Llave – Strong, dark-roasted coffee, perfect for espresso lovers.
💡 These brands are available in most grocery stores, especially in the U.S. and Latin America.
Common Cuban Coffee Mistakes & How to Fix Them
❌ Forgetting the sugar espuma → Whip sugar with espresso for the signature Cuban foam.
❌ Using weak coffee → Cuban coffee is strong! Use dark-roasted espresso beans.
❌ Drinking a colada alone → It’s meant for sharing! Pass out small cups to friends.
❌ Expecting black coffee → Most Cuban coffee is sweetened—say “sin azúcar” if you want it black.
💡 Cuban coffee is about strength, sweetness, and social connection—never rush the experience!
Why Cuban Coffee Culture is Special
✔ A daily social ritual – Coffee is a way to connect with people, not just get caffeine.
✔ Rich, sweet, and strong – Cuban coffee is one of the boldest and most flavorful.
✔ Fast, affordable, and everywhere – From home kitchens to ventanitas, good coffee is always within reach.
✔ Espuma is everything! – The whipped sugar foam makes Cuban coffee unique.
Whether you’re in Havana, Miami, or your own kitchen, Cuban coffee is all about flavor, tradition, and togetherness.
So grab a cafecito, invite some friends, and enjoy coffee the Cuban way! 🇨🇺☕
