Cuban coffee - colada, Photo credit: found on the internet …

Price: $ 16.50

4.5(493)

Photo credit: found on the internet Cafe Cubano..Cuban coffee is the octane that fuels south Florida. Once you try a cup, you will know why. Copyright 2014 by Mark Mathosian I started drinking Cuban coffee over twenty five years ago while visiting Miami on business. Our branch office was located on NW 2nd Avenue, close to Miami’s business district. We walked downtown to conduct business and lunch. One Cuban restaurant we regularly visited is Caciques Corner at 112 Flagler Street, between SW 1st & 2nd Ave. Caciques has an outside walk-up-window and counter where you can drink coffee or go inside for a meal. At the counter we didn’t order American coffee, we ordered Cuban coffee. To be exact, we ordered a shot of Cuban espresso called cafecito. A cafecito is an intense Cuban espresso served in a tiny plastic cup. It is very strong and very sweet. You sip it slowly or down it quickly, both ways are common. If a single shot is not enough or you want to share your coffee with others, order a colada. A colada is Styrofoam cup filled with espresso, provided with a lid and several small cups. Many tourists visiting downtown Miami feel overwhelmed and even intimidated by the hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone seems to be in a rush. The fast pace of downtown is often directly attributed to the drinking of Cuban coffee. That’s because no matter how Cuban coffee is brewed, it is strong. Probably twice as strong as American coffee. These powerful coffees filled with Cuban espresso, sugar and caffeine will certainly raise your energy level. Ordering Cuban Coffee There is no reason to feel intimidated or overwhelmed when you visit downtown Miami. The locals are friendly and drinking coffee is a socail event for Cubans and Miamians. Ordering a cafecito is easy. Just belly up to the counter and politely say, “cafe cubano, por favor” or cafecito, por favor.” You can also order your coffee in English, but that is no fun. Cafecito espresso is not the only way Cubans enjoy their coffee. Two other popular drinks include Cafe con leche and Cordatido. Cafe con leche is a Latin latte. It is hot steamed milk with a shot of Cuban coffee. Cortadito is Cuban coffee served with a few tablespoons of milk. From experience, I can assure you that Cafe con leche is the closest you will come to American coffee while still experiencing traditional Cuban coffee. Of course, you can always chicken out by ordering a Cafe Americano. Lots of hot water will be added to your Cuban espresso giving it similar strength to, but a different flavor from, regular American coffee. Sidebar How To Brew Brewing Cuban Coffee At Home Ingredients Ground espresso 1/4 cup sugar preferably natural brown sugar called Demerara. Prepare six servings of stove-top espresso. Put sugar in a glass measuring cup and add one tablespoon of the hot espresso. Use a small whisk to beat the sugar with the espresso until the mixture is dissolved and mixture appears thick (takes about 1 minute). Stir in the remaining hot espresso. Pour into espresso cups and serve. IMAGE CREDIT I found this image on the internet. I did not shoot the original image, therefore, the image is not available for reproduction without first getting permission from the original photographer. - Article available for reprint by contacting the author, Mmathosian@aol.com.