How much sugar is in a Cuban colada?

December 2, 2025 •

5 min read

According to traditional recipes, a Cuban colada can contain anywhere from 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar per serving, but this can vary depending on the preparation. The amount of sugar in a Cuban colada is key to creating the signature "espumita" foam and delivering its characteristically sweet and robust flavor.

Quick Summary

A Cuban colada's sugar content is determined by the preparation method, with most traditional recipes calling for 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar whisked into the first few drops of strong espresso. This process creates a thick, sweet foam called espumita, which is then blended with the rest of the coffee. The total sugar can vary based on personal preference and the number of shots used.

Key Points

Significant Sugar Content: A traditional Cuban colada contains a generous amount of sugar, typically 1 to 2 tablespoons for the entire shared portion, which is about 4-6 shots of espresso.
Espumita is Key: The sugar is vital for creating the espumita, a thick, creamy foam whipped from the first drops of coffee, which defines the colada's sweet flavor.
High Customizability: The sugar amount is adjustable to personal taste, though reducing it will change the texture and volume of the espumita.
Communal Drink: Coladas are meant to be shared, with the large serving portion divided among small cups, making the total sugar amount less significant per individual cup.
Health Consideration: The high sugar content is a consideration for health-conscious individuals, but alternatives like using less sugar or opting for a cortadito are available.
Flavor Balance: The sugar perfectly balances the robust, dark-roasted flavor of the Cuban-style espresso, creating a unique and delicious beverage.

Understanding the Sugar in a Cuban Colada

A Cuban colada, often served in a large styrofoam cup with small plastic cups for sharing, is a strong, sweet espresso beverage and a cornerstone of Cuban-American coffee culture. The iconic sweetness comes from the espumita, a rich, sugary foam that tops the coffee. Creating this foam involves whisking sugar vigorously with a small amount of the initial, highly concentrated coffee drops.

The Role of Espumita in a Colada

The espumita is not just for show; it is an essential part of the colada experience. It balances the strong, dark-roasted flavor of the Cuban-style espresso with a creamy, sweet layer. While standard recipes suggest 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar for a colada (which is typically four to six shots of espresso), the final sugar content is highly customizable. Some coffee shops and home brewers may add more or less depending on their preference for sweetness.

Brewing a Traditional Cuban Colada

To make an authentic colada, a moka pot is typically used, though an espresso machine can also work. The finely ground, dark-roasted coffee is brewed, and the very first drops of coffee are collected into a separate cup with the sugar. A spoon or whisk is then used to mix the sugar and coffee drops until a pale, thick paste forms. The remaining coffee is then brewed and poured over this paste, and the mixture is stirred to create the signature espumita. The entire 4-ounce beverage is then distributed into smaller cups for sharing.

Factors Influencing Sugar Content

Several factors can alter how much sugar is ultimately in your colada:

Serving Size: A single colada is a generous, multi-shot serving meant for several people. The sugar is distributed across many small cups. A single cafecito (a small, single shot) will naturally contain less sugar overall, though it may be equally sweet on a per-ounce basis.
Type of Sugar: While granulated white sugar is common, some recipes specify brown sugar, which can add a richer, molasses-like flavor to the espumita. Brown sugar may also affect the texture of the foam slightly.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the sugar is added to taste. A home recipe can be adjusted to reduce the sweetness, though this may impact the texture and volume of the espumita foam. True connoisseurs would argue that a proper espumita is non-negotiable.

Colada vs. Other Cuban Coffee Drinks

To better understand the colada's sugar content, it helps to compare it with other popular Cuban coffee variations. The following table breaks down the key differences.


Feature	Cuban Colada	Cuban Cortadito	Cafe con Leche
Serving Size	Large, meant for sharing (approx. 4 oz)	Small, single serving	Large, single serving
Sugar	Made with generous sugar to create espumita foam.	Sweetened to taste; less sugar than a colada on a total basis.	Sweetened to taste, often with sugar added after preparation.
Milk	Traditionally served without milk, just sweet espresso.	A shot of espresso with a splash of steamed milk.	A larger portion of coffee with hot or steamed milk.
Purpose	A social ritual for sharing with friends or coworkers.	A strong but softer coffee drink, often for a midday boost.	A breakfast beverage or larger, milder coffee drink.

Health Considerations for a Colada

For health-conscious coffee drinkers, the high sugar content of a traditional colada is a primary consideration. While estimates vary depending on the recipe, a single colada can easily contain 10-15 grams of sugar, or more. For those monitoring their sugar intake, this can represent a significant portion of their daily allowance. Alternatives can include:

Adjusting the Recipe: Simply use less sugar when making the espumita. While the foam will be less thick, the beverage will still be sweet.
Using Substitutes: Some people experiment with sugar substitutes, though the foam's texture will be different. Stevia or monk fruit sweeteners may not whip into a proper espumita.
Opting for a Cortadito: A cortadito is naturally less sweet and offers a milk component to soften the espresso's intensity, providing a middle ground between the strong cafecito and the very sweet colada.

Conclusion

The amount of sugar in a Cuban colada is a defining characteristic of this beloved beverage. It is intentionally sweet to create the iconic espumita foam and to be shared as a communal drink. While a traditional colada will contain a significant amount of sugar (around 1-2 tablespoons for the entire, multi-shot drink), the exact quantity can be customized to suit individual preferences. Understanding the role of espumita and comparing the colada to other Cuban coffee drinks like the cortadito helps clarify its place in the culture. Ultimately, whether enjoyed as a celebratory shared ritual or a personal treat, the colada's sweetness is part of what makes it special, though health-conscious individuals should be mindful of its nutritional profile. For those interested in Cuban culture and coffee, the colada offers a unique and memorable experience. Find out more about Cuban coffee traditions and how they differ on websites like Barista Magazine, which covers the social significance of the colada.

Resources

For those interested in learning more, here are some resources:

The Kitchn's "A Guide to Ordering & Drinking Cuban Coffee".
A Sassy Spoon's "How To Make Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano)".
Barista Magazine's "Misunderstood Drinks: Meet the Café Cubano".
787 Coffee's "What is Cafe Cubano? Drinks Explained".
Twisted Goat Coffee's "Colada Coffee: A Guide to Crafting This Cuban Espresso Delight".
Cuban Coffee Queen's "Café Colada Recipe".

Citations

Twisted Goat Coffee. (2023, June 24). Colada Coffee: A Guide to Crafting This Cuban Espresso Delight. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://twistedgoatcoffee.com/blogs/espresso/colada-coffee How to make a traditional Cuban Colada coffee [Video]. (2023, January 13). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7eNR5-38Ys Sassy, A. (2024, August 14). How To Make Cuban Coffee (Café Cubano). A Sassy Spoon. https://asassyspoon.com/how-to-make-cuban-coffee/ Pariyat, N. (2022, September 30). Misunderstood Drinks: Meet the Café Cubano. Barista Magazine Online. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.baristamagazine.com/misunderstood-drinks-meet-the-cafe-cubano/ Nutritionix. (2016, August 3). Calories in Cafe Cubano - 1 cup. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.nutritionix.com/i/nutritionix/cafe-cubano-1-cup/57a20be80779d7fb73bbe5a5 The Spruce Eats. (2023, May 26). Cuban Coffee (Cafecito) Recipe. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.thespruceeats.com/cuban-coffee-4796807 787 Coffee. (2023, May 6). What is Cafe Cubano? Drinks Explained. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.787coffee.com/drinks-explained-787-coffee/what-is-cafe-cubano The Kitchn. (2019, December 17). A Guide to Ordering & Drinking Cuban Coffee. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.thekitchn.com/a-guide-to-ordering-amp-drinking-cuban-coffee-242431 Cuban Coffee Queen. Café Colada Recipe. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://cubancoffeequeen.com/company/what-is-cuban-coffee/make-your-own/cafe-colada/

Frequently Asked Questions

A Cuban colada is a sweetened, multi-shot espresso beverage specifically prepared with sugar to create a signature foam called espumita. Unlike a regular espresso, it is traditionally served in a large cup with smaller ones for sharing.

Espumita is a thick, pale-colored sugar foam created by whisking a small amount of the first espresso drops with sugar. It is crucial to the colada as it provides the sweet balance to the strong coffee and gives the drink its characteristic creamy texture.

Yes, you can use less sugar, but it will affect the espumita. The foam will be less thick and less creamy, as the sugar is essential for achieving the correct texture during the whisking process.

Using brown sugar is a matter of personal preference. It can create a slightly richer, thicker foam and add a subtle molasses flavor, but white granulated sugar is also commonly used and works just as well.

To make espumita, take the first few drops of highly concentrated espresso and whisk them vigorously with sugar using a spoon in a separate cup until a pale, creamy paste forms. This paste is then combined with the rest of the brewed coffee.

While the total calories can vary based on the amount of sugar and preparation, a traditional colada can contain significant calories due to its sugar content. Some sources indicate a single 4-ounce colada could have around 10-15 grams of sugar, contributing to its caloric value.

Cuban coladas are traditionally a social beverage meant for sharing. A single colada is served in a large cup, accompanied by several small plastic or ceramic cups (tacitas) for everyone to enjoy together.