Tag: Cuban coffee

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?".

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.

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.

Despite popular misconceptions, the term 'colada' refers to several distinct beverages, and the inclusion of milk is not universal. The creamy, coconut-flavored Piña Colada is not the same as a dairy-free Cuban coffee colada or a fruity Ecuadorian colada morada, so the answer to whether a colada has milk depends entirely on the drink.

Traditional recipes for Cubano café can call for up to 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar for a small moka pot, which typically serves 4 to 6 small cups. This highlights the significant role of sugar in creating the authentic, bold, and sweet flavor profile of a Cubano café.

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.