How to Make Cortadito: Cuba’s Boldest Coffee Secrets
Cortadito coffee is different from espresso drinks, it has more sugar and milk compared to espresso.
Overview
Are you a coffee person and want to try something exciting and new coffee flavours? Drinking the same coffee daily can get you bored. Why don’t you explore a new flavor? The Cuban cortadito may be just what you are looking for.
This guide will lead you to learn how to make contadito with the home comfort, understand its Cuban roots, and even learn where you can enjoy an authentic one if you are even in the area of snow. So let’s get ready to explore the world of the cortadito coffee drink that can make your day special and energetic. Keep reading and stay connected with us.
What Is a Cortadito coffee?
A cortadito is a Cuban coffee with extra sweetness that is made with warm milk and strong espresso. This unique and strong coffee is known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. Cortadito coffee is different from espresso drinks, it has more sugar and milk compared to espresso. But both are bold in flavor.
A Look at Its Cuban history
A cortadito was first introduced in Cuba and then became the most popular drink of Cuba. It was inspired by the Spanish drink named “Cortado” meaning of Cortado in English is “Cut” due to cutting the strong coffee with milk. Whereas, in Cuba, the “Cortadito” menas “little cut”, as generally it contains extra sugar.
The reason behind a cortadito’s popularity is that when Cuban people are facing hard times and they can’t find enough milk to make coffee. People started using canned milk as an alternative. Over time, the cortadito became more than just a drink and then it became a way for people to come together, talk, and share time with each other.
When Cuban families travelled to the United States, especially to cities like Miami, they brought their coffee traditions with them. The cortadito grew in popularity and became a favorite in Cuban-American communities. And now it’s a symbol of Cuban identity and flavor.
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What makes a cortadito special?
As mentioned above, a cortadito is a Cuban drink, it’s rich coffee taste and sweetness reflect the joy and warmth of Cuban culture. So it’s not just a simple drink but an experience. If you make it at home, it can give you a chance to bring a little bit of that essence into your daily routine.
How to make cortadito at home
To experience this amazing drink at home is very simple if you follow the steps. Here is what you will be required to do.
Ingredients
- Strong coffee or espresso (Cuban coffee is the best option.)
- Milk (whole milk or evaporated milk)
- Sugar (white sugar or brown sugar)
- Optional: a pinch of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor
Equipment:
- A moka pot or espresso machine
- Small pot or milk frother
- Small coffee cup
Step-by-step instructions
1. Brew the espresso
- Start by making strong espresso. If you’re using a moka pot:
- Fill the bottom part with water.
- Transfer fine coffee grounds into the filter section.
- Assemble the pot and place it on medium heat.
2. Make the Espumita (sugar foam)
While the coffee is brewing:
- Put sugar in a cup, 2- 4 TBS (tablespoon)
- The moment when the first drops of brewed espresso appear, take a spoonful and mix it into the sugar.
- Stir quickly until it becomes a creamy, light brown foam. This is called “espumita”.
3. Make a mixture of sugar and coffee
When brewing process completed, transfer it into the cup with the foam of sugar. Blend it gently. This step crafts the classic sweet flavor of a cortadito.
4. Warm the milk
Warm about 4 ounces of milk, in a separate pot. Be careful do not let milk boil. If using evaporated milk, the taste will be richer. To get creamy milk you can use whisk or frother.
5. Combine coffee and milk
Pour equal parts of the sweetened espresso and the warm milk into your coffee cup. Mix it gently to blend the ingrdients together.
6. Serve and enjoy
Your cortadito is ready! Drink it while it’s hot. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter.
Pro Tip: Cortaditos are meant to be sweet, so don’t be afraid to add more sugar than usual (but if you are a diabetic you should avoid the real taste rather than care for your health).
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Want to try a cortadito in a restaurant?
If you’re in Atlanta and want to taste a real Cuban-style cortadito, visit Cubanos ATL. This native restaurant will provide you with the authentic Cuban drinks as well as food items that make you feel you are in Havana’s cozy coffee spot.
They don’t just serve the classic hot cortadito you can also enjoy it iced! If you want a cool and revitalizing drink, the iced cortadito is perfect choice, especially in summer. It is not different from normal cortdito coffee but the difference is addition of ice.
Conclusion: Bring Cuba to your cup
Now you have the idea how to create a cortadito at home, you can enjoy this sweet and strong Cuban coffee anytime you want. Whether you like it hot or cold, this drink is a tasty way to explore new coffee flavors without leaving your kitchen.
And if you’re ever near Atlanta, make sure to stop by Cubanos ATL to taste an authentic version. It is not just a coffee shop, it is a cultural experience.
But if you are at your home and enjoy a cortadito sip with your friends, don’t be worried, just grab the ingredients, follow the steps as we described above, and enjoy the warmth and sweetness of Cuban flavor. Once you try it, the cortadito might just become your new favorite coffee.
