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A glass mug of foamy Cuban cortadito coffee with a vintage spoon, wrapped in a blue-striped cloth.

Easy Cortadito Recipe

One sip of this sweet, creamy cortadito and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Cuban kitchen at sunrise.
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Course : Breakfast, Drinks
Cuisine : Cuban, latin American
Prep Time : 5 minutes
Cook Time : 5 minutes
Assembly Time : 2 minutes
Total Time : 12 minutes
Servings : 2
Calories : 85kcal
Cost : $2
Author : Aliana Recipes

Equipment

  • 1 French press To brew strong Cuban coffee
  • 1 Saucepan To warm the evaporated milk
  • 2 Glass mugs To serve the cortadito
  • 1 Spoon To stir sugar into paste

Ingredients
 

  • ½ cup filtered water - Use freshly boiled for blooming the coffee
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Cuban coffee grounds - Strong, finely ground
  • 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar - Can substitute with coconut or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup evaporated milk - Warmed separately before use
  • optional pinch cinnamon - For added warmth (optional)
  • optional dash vanilla extract - Adds dessert-like aroma (optional)

Instructions

  • Boil filtered water. Add Cuban coffee to French press. Pour half the water and let bloom for 1 minute. Add the rest, stir, and steep for 4 minutes. Press slowly.
    Side-by-side image of Cuban coffee brewing in a French press with steeping and pressing stages shown.
  • Add sugar to serving mug. Pour a small splash of hot coffee and stir vigorously until it forms a thick caramel-colored paste.
    Side-by-side image of Cuban coffee being poured into a glass mug with sugar and then stirred with a golden spoon to create a thick sugar paste.
  • Pour the remaining coffee into the mug and mix with the sugar paste. Slowly add warm evaporated milk and allow natural swirl to form.
    Side-by-side photo of Cuban coffee being poured into a mug and evaporated milk added to create a creamy caramel cortadito.
  • Serve hot in glass mugs or demitasse cups. Best enjoyed fresh while foam is intact and aroma is rich.
    Glass mug filled with layered Cuban cortadito coffee, topped with foam and surrounded by scattered coffee beans.
  • Leftover Cuban coffee can be stored for 2 days in the fridge. Reheat slowly in a saucepan and remake sugar paste fresh.
    Glass mug of layered Cuban cortadito coffee with foam, vintage spoon, and coffee beans on a soft cloth, suggesting reheating or serving.

Notes

This Cuban cortadito is more than a coffee—it’s a cozy ritual. From the first stir of sugar paste to the final silky sip, it delivers warmth, nostalgia, and sweet café comfort. Best served hot and shared with someone you love.

Nutrition

Serving : 210g | Calories : 85kcal | Carbohydrates : 12g | Protein : 2g | Fat : 3g | Saturated Fat : 2g | Monounsaturated Fat : 1g | Cholesterol : 10mg | Sodium : 25mg | Potassium : 130mg | Sugar : 11g | Vitamin A : 300IU | Vitamin C : 1mg | Calcium : 80mg | Iron : 0.2mg