How much caffeine is in a Cuban?

A single shot of Cuban coffee often packs a caffeine punch, generally containing a similar amount of caffeine as a standard espresso, around 40–80 milligrams [1, 2]. The intense concentration, brewing method, and serving style all contribute to its strength.

Quick Summary

Cuban coffee contains 40-80mg of caffeine per shot. Its strength comes from concentration and preparation, rather than sheer caffeine quantity.

Key Points

• Caffeine Level: A single shot contains 40–80 mg of caffeine, similar to espresso [1, 2].

• Concentration and Factors: The strength comes from the brew's high concentration, influenced by bean type, roast, grind, and brewing method [4, 2].

• Unique Brewing: The Moka pot and fine grind create a highly concentrated coffee [2].

• Serving Size: Small servings enhance the perceived strength.

• Social Impact: Shared coladas can lead to higher overall caffeine intake [2].

The Caffeine Content of Cuban Coffee

Cuban coffee, or cafecito, is known for its strong taste and stimulating effects. This is primarily due to its high concentration and preparation methods [2]. A typical single shot of Cuban coffee, served in a small tacita (demitasse cup), can range from 40 to 80 milligrams of caffeine [1, 2]. This is comparable to a standard shot of espresso [3]. However, the key to the Cuban's perceived strength lies in its intense concentration and small serving size.

Factors Influencing Caffeine Levels

Several factors affect caffeine content in Cuban coffee.

Bean Type and Roast: Cuban coffee often uses a blend that may include Robusta beans, which have higher caffeine levels than Arabica beans [4]. Darker roasts are common, providing a robust flavor profile.

Grind, Brew Method, and Coffee-to-Water Ratio: The coffee is finely ground, increasing the surface area for extraction. The Moka pot, a stovetop brewing device, uses pressure to create a highly concentrated brew [2]. The coffee-to-water ratio is higher than in standard espresso, which also increases the concentration.

Caffeine Comparison: Cuban Coffee vs. Other Drinks

Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Caffeine Content	Source
Cuban Coffee (Cafecito)	Single Shot	40–80 mg	[1, 2]
Espresso (Standard)	Single Shot	63 mg	[3]
Drip Coffee	8 oz cup	95 mg	[3]
Cold Brew	12 oz cup	150–200 mg	[3]
Instant Coffee	8 oz cup	60–80 mg	[3]

The Social Experience and Caffeine Intake

The Cuban coffee experience often involves sharing. A colada is a larger serving of Cuban espresso, served with small cups for sharing [2]. This can significantly affect a person's caffeine intake, as multiple individuals may be consuming multiple shots. A cortadito is Cuban coffee with steamed milk, making it less intense.

Conclusion: Caffeine in a Cuban Coffee

A single shot of Cuban coffee offers a potent dose of caffeine, typically 40-80mg. Its reputation for strength stems from its high concentration, dark roast, and unique preparation. While a single cafecito may not have more caffeine than a larger cup of drip coffee, the concentrated nature and social customs often lead to a more significant caffeine experience throughout the day. Understanding these factors allows for informed choices regarding caffeine consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cuban coffee compare to American drip coffee in terms of caffeine?

A single shot of Cuban coffee contains less total caffeine than a typical 8-ounce cup of American drip coffee (40-80mg vs. ~95mg). However, because Cuban coffee is served in much smaller, concentrated portions, it often feels more intense [1, 2].

Does adding sugar to Cuban coffee affect its caffeine content?

No, adding sugar does not change the caffeine content [1]. The espumita (sugar foam) adds to the flavor and texture but does not contain caffeine [2].

What is the caffeine content of a *colada*?

A colada is multiple shots of Cuban espresso [2]. Its total caffeine content will be significantly higher than a single shot. A 4-ounce colada could contain 80-160mg of caffeine or more [1, 2].

Is Cuban coffee made with stronger beans?

Cuban coffee often uses a blend that includes Robusta beans, which have a higher caffeine content than Arabica beans [4]. This, along with the dark roast, contributes to its strong flavor and high caffeine.

Does the Moka pot increase caffeine?

Yes, the Moka pot’s pressure-based brewing extracts caffeine efficiently from the finely ground beans [2].

Why is Cuban coffee perceived as stronger?

The perception of strength comes from the concentrated flavor and caffeine, delivered quickly in a small volume. The espumita foam also contributes to the sensory experience [2].

Can you order a Cuban coffee with less caffeine?

To reduce caffeine, you could ask for a decaffeinated blend, or request the use of fewer coffee grounds.