When you visit Miami or Cuba, you’ll come across locals drinking Colada coffee. You may be wondering if you could make it yourself.
A colada coffee is a small, sweet espresso that is well known in Cuba and Miami. Caffè Americano has a light, sweet foam on top, and you can make it using a Moka pot or espresso machine. Colada coffee is typically served in a large cup and shared with friends or family.
This article will explain what Colada coffee is, how to make it, and how it compares with other Cuban coffee types.
Different Ways of Making Colada Coffee
Colada coffee is a Cuban version of espresso. A large cup of coffee is poured into several smaller cups so it can be shared.
A layer of foam, called “crema,” forms on top of the espresso when a tablespoon of sugar is added.
Although colada coffee is made with espresso and sugar, there is much more to it than that. The drink is made in large quantities and then distributed among several other people, making it the ideal drink to share and enjoy a peaceful conversation.
If you understand what Colada coffee is, you may be interested in trying to make some.
With an espresso machine or Moka pot, you can make delicious Colada coffee. Below, I’ll show you how to make around six servings using both of these methods:
Making Colada coffee with a Moka Pot
The most popular way to make Colada coffee is with a Moka pot. This method only takes a few minutes and only requires two ingredients. Here’s how to create tasty Colada coffee with your Moka pot:
- Fill the coffee chamber with four tablespoons of coffee grounds. Cuban coffee works best as it’s what locals typically use. Cuban coffee is usually dark-roasted, giving Colada coffee its distinctive strong taste.
- Tamp the coffee lightly and fill the water chamber. Tamping down the coffee grounds lightly ensures that the maximum flavor is extracted. However, don’t press it down too much.
- Place the Moka pot on the stove over medium heat. Medium stovetop heat ensures that the coffee flows freely and helps manage the pressure in the pot. If you’re in a hurry, you could use hot instead of cold water.
- Prepare the sugary mixture in a jug while the Moka pot is heating up. While your Moka pot is on the stove, prepare the surgery mix by combining two tablespoons of brown sugar with the first few drops of coffee from the Moka pot. Beat the sugar mixture until it has dissolved into the coffee, and continue until it forms a beige color with a foamy consistency.
- Pour the brewed coffee into the sugar mixture. When your coffee has been brewed, pour it over the sugary mix and stir it gently until it’s well combined. There should be a light foam (or “crema”) on top.
- Serve the coffee in six Colada coffee cups. Now you can serve your prepared Colada coffee in six small cups. If you don’t have traditional “tacitas” (the Spanish word for a small cup), you can use espresso cups or shot glasses.
Making Colada Coffee with an Espresso Machine
If you want to prepare Colada coffee with a strong taste, you can use either a Moka pot or an espresso machine.
Below is the best way to make Colada coffee with an espresso machine:
- Fill the coffee chamber with fine coffee grounds and pack them down tightly. With Colada coffee, the stronger it is, the better, so be sure to pack in as many coffee grounds as possible. The sugar content offsets the bitter and robust coffee taste.
- Prepare the sugary mixture in a separate jug. Place two heaped tablespoons of brown sugar into a jug. If you don’t have brown sugar (which has a subtle caramel taste that pairs well with Colada coffee), white sugar is fine, too.
- Fill your espresso machine with water, switch it on, and place the jug underneath it. When the espresso machine starts working, capture the first few drops into the jug containing the sugar. Once you’ve done this, replace the jug with your coffee cup.
- Create the sugary, foamy “crema.” Stir the espresso and sugar mixture vigorously with a teaspoon or small whisk until it forms a beige-colored, foamy substance.
- Pour the espresso into the jug with the sugar foam. When the espresso is ready, pour it into the jug containing your sugary foam. Stir it gently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely, and you can see a light foam on top.
- Serve your Colada coffee. Now you can serve your Colada coffee in six tiny cups and enjoy.
Colada Coffee Vs. Other Cuban Coffee Types
There are several types of coffee in Cuba, and it can be challenging to figure out how they differ from one another.
Here is how Colada coffee differs from other popular Cuban coffee types:
Colada Coffee vs. Cafe Cubano
Cafe Cubano, also known as cafecito, is a Cuban espresso that contains sugar.
Cappuccino coffee is prepared using the same method as Colada coffee and has the same light sweet foam on top. Instead of preparing the espresso in batches, only one serving is made.
Colada coffee vs. Café Con Leche
A direct translation of “cafe con leche” would be “coffee with milk”.
This coffee is prepared by combining a shot of sweetened espresso with steamed or hot milk.
Cafe Con Leche is similar to a latte, but it is served in larger cups than Colada coffee. This beverage is popular in Cuba and does not contain any sugar, unless you add it yourself for taste.
Colada coffee vs. Cortadito
A Cortadito is prepared in the same way as a Cafe Con Leche. The coffee is served in small, espresso-sized cups instead of regular coffee cups.
It’s like Colada coffee in that it’s meant to be drunk while socializing with friends.
How to Drink Colada
The drink known as a colada is served in tiny glass bottles, which are known as ventanas. There are three sizes, each named after a different region in Colombia.
How you drink a colada differs depending on where it’s from. In Medellin, the preferred way to drink the beverage is sitting outside on a patio. There is a popular tradition in Cartagena of drinking coladas inside bars.
In Cartagena, people pour coladas into their mouths using one hand to hold the glass and the other to pour. This method of making a colada is called mamando, which means “sucking.” People often say that this method makes the best colada.
Sharing a colada is like having a conversation with someone over coffee. How someone talks can say a lot about them. If someone asked you how you were doing, you might feel obligated to tell them about yourself. Would you like to know more about the person who is asking? If you ask a friend how he feels about his job, he might tell you about how much he hates his boss. However, if you question him about his favorite hobby, he may let slip some personal information.
Is Brewing Colada Hard?
To make a colada, you will need a Moka Pot, sugar, espresso, a cup, and some ice cubes.
Espumitas are fried dough balls that are sprinkled with salt. Cuban coffee is flavored with these and they are served with it frequently.
No prior coffee brewing knowledge is necessary to make a great cup of coffee using this recipe.
Best Coffee Beans for Colada Coffee
There are two distinct groups of people when it comes to coffee – those who love it, and those who hate it. It’s one of the most cherished beverages globally. There are some coffees that would be great for making a Colada coffee. These are the best coffee beans for Colada.
1. Colombian Supremo
This coffee bean is probably the best choice for making Colada coffee because it has a very smooth taste. The aroma is also quite pleasant.
2. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Yirgacheffee is known for its rich flavor. It is often described as having a chocolate-like taste.
3. Kenyan AA
AA is a blend of Arabica and Robusta. This coffee bean is ideal for making Colada coffee because it has a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
4. Brazilian Santos
Santos is a Robusta coffee bean. This bean is often combined with other beans to create a more pleasurable taste.
5. Indonesian Kona
Kona is a hybrid variety of coffee beans. This coffee is known for its rich body and deep flavor.
6. Mexican Chiapas
Chiapas is a cross between Arabica and Robusta. It is known for being mild and fruity.
7. Hawaiian Kona
Kona is a hybrid of Arabica and Robusta. It is known to be bold and complex.
8. Guatemalan Antigua
Antigua coffee beans are a mix of Arabica and Robusta beans. It is known for its full-bodied flavor.
There is a great selection of beans that would be perfect for making a Colada. The roast of your coffee beans is a matter of preference. The coffee beans need to be ground into a powdery grind to make espresso.
How to Make Cuban Coffee at Home
Cuban coffee can be made at home using any of these methods:
The traditional way to make Cuban coffee is to use a small coffee maker called a “cafetera.” The easiest way to make Cuban coffee is to use a small coffee maker called a “cafetera” and boil it. Add coffee beans to a bowl and pour hot water over them until they have soaked up all the liquid. First, remove the excess water from the beans. Next, grind the beans until they are a fine consistency.
You will need: coarse ground coffee, French press, water, sugar This is another way to make Cuban coffee at your own home using a French Press. You will need: coarse ground coffee, French press, water, sugar. First, soak the coffee beans overnight. Next, rinse the beans and then grind them. Finally, add the ground coffee to a french press along with 2 cups of hot water. Let the french press sit for 5 minutes with the cover on. Remove the plunger and coffee from the French press and pour it through a fine mesh strainer to get rid of the grinds.
This is an alternative to the French press method that produces coffee that is less bitter and more acidic. To make coffee, combine 1 part water to 3 parts coffee grounds. Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture and serve immediately.
This is another way to make Cuban coffee without brewing it. Just mix together cold water and coffee beans and let it sit overnight. In the morning, strain the mixture and serve. The Chemex coffee maker is similar to the cold brew method. The mixture is not left to steep overnight, but only for several hours.
It is quick, easy and clean to use. The Aeropress is a quick, easy, and clean way to make coffee using the vacuum brewer method. To use this method, first rinse the coffee beans and then place them inside the aeropress. You want to use enough water so that the coffee is about halfway up the sides of the aeropress. After the allotted time has passed, close the lid and let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, carefully open the lid and filter the coffee.
One of the oldest ways to make coffee is with a Moka Pot. To make coffee using this method, you will need a moka pot or stovetop espresso maker. Heat the coffee beans on the stovetop until they begin to make a cracking sound. See the full directions on Allrecipes Let the beans cool down before grinding them.
This electric coffee maker is a great way to make Cuban coffee in your own home. All you need is an electric coffee maker. Put the coffee grounds in the machine and add filtered water. To make coffee using this machine, first turn it on. Then, wait for the coffee to drip out.
This coffee maker doesn’t require any manual effort. It automatically makes perfect Cuban coffee every time. Simply follow the instructions and enjoy!
An espresso machine is the best way to make espresso for a Cuban coffee. An espresso maker is not the only thing you need to make a good cup of coffee at home. If you want to make delicious espresso at home, you’ll need the right tools and techniques. Use these steps to make espresso that is perfect every time.
Final thoughts
In Cuba and Miami, colada coffee is widely consumed as a social drink. The most popular method for making Colada coffee is using a Moka pot, but an espresso machine can also be used.
You will need to create a sugar and foam mixture by combining a few drops of espresso and sugar.
The best type of beans to use for Colada coffee are dark-roasted Cuban beans.
Colada coffee is a Cuban coffee variety that is served in tiny cups and prepared in a large batch. It contains sugar but no milk.