July 2026

Café Cubano – Strong, Sweet, and Hot

South America is an absolute powerhouse of global coffee production, especially when it comes to top-quality specialty coffees. However, here in Europe, it’s not that easy to find premium coffee from one country in particular: Cuba. Yet at the beginning of the 20th century, Cuba was still one of the world’s leading producers.

A Small Country and Its Thirst for Coffee

Before the 1959 revolution, Cuba was a major coffee exporter. Since then, production has been steadily declining. Because coffee exports are regulated by the government and primarily operate on a fixed-price basis, there is little room for growth. In addition, the majority of the coffee produced is consumed by the local population. That’s because in Cuba, Café Cubano—more commonly called “cafecito”—is a part of everyday life.

It’s a strong espresso topped with a layer of foam whipped with sugar, known as “espumita.” This Cuban coffee specialty is an integral part of life in Cuba—an expression of hospitality, conviviality, and relaxation.

Rich Flavours meet Caramel Sweetness

Coffee grown in Cuba delights with its spicy notes reminiscent of tobacco, accompanied by chocolatey undertones. Added to this is a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with brown sugar. An espresso maker is used to prepare the classic Café Cubano. The first few drops of coffee are caught in a spoon and whisked with 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar until creamy. The remaining coffee is then added.