Tag: Cafecito

In Cuba, coffee is prepared with such a significant amount of sugar that it forms a thick, foamy layer known as 'espuma'. This tradition transforms the strong, dark brew into a signature sweet beverage that is deeply ingrained in the nation's culture.

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.

While a standard 8-ounce cup of American drip coffee contains roughly 95 milligrams of caffeine, a typical small 2-ounce serving of Cuban coffee, known as a cafecito, is surprisingly similar in concentration. However, the crucial difference lies in volume and preparation, which can make a single serving feel much more powerful, and in cumulative intake, which is the real reason people wonder, "is Cuban coffee higher in caffeine?".

Cuban coffee is often double the strength of a standard cup of drip coffee due to its preparation methods and the types of beans used. While regular coffee relies on longer extraction times, Cuban coffee is a concentrated, espresso-like brew known for its potent kick and unique, syrupy-sweet profile.

The average cafecito, or shot of Cuban coffee, can contain between 2 to 7 grams of sugar per serving, though traditional recipes are known for their high sugar content. This rich, sweet brew is a staple in Cuban culture, but the exact amount of added sugar can vary significantly depending on the brewing method and personal preference.

The term 'Cubano' can refer to a pressed sandwich or a strong coffee, leading to wildly different sugar content, from as little as 1 gram in a sandwich to over 13 grams in a coffee. It's essential to specify which 'Cubano' you're discussing to accurately gauge its sugar load.