3 Bold Espresso Recipes for Legendary Dads

The Bold Flavor of Havana Midnight

There’s a certain kind of boldness dads bring to the table, steady, grounded, full of depth. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Havana Midnight, Opaqa’s dark roast espresso, inspired by the timeless coffee traditions of Cuba and Italy. With its smoky richness, cocoa undertones, and velvety crema, this blend is for those who savor the strong, the smooth, and the unforgettable.

This Father’s Day, we’re inviting you to brew like Dad! Bold, unapologetic, and full of flavor. Here are three espresso recipes that channel Havana Midnight’s daring character.

Espresso Rituals Worth Passing Down

For many of us, brewing espresso was more than a task, it was a ritual we watched Dad (or Grandpa) perfect. The rhythmic sound of the grinder in the early morning. The firm tamp, done with care and confidence. The slow, steady drip of espresso into a warm ceramic cup, filling the room with deep, roasted aroma.

These weren’t just cups of coffee. They were legacy moments, small, repeated acts that became memories, passed down like a family recipe or a favorite song.

In homes across the world, from the kitchens of Little Havana to the cafés of Rome, espresso rituals are bonding experiences. They’re about presence. Precision, and passion. Now, it’s your turn to carry that forward.

To elevate your espresso ritual even further, we’ve crafted the perfect companion: the Havana Midnight Spotify Playlist. Put it on while you brew. Let the music guide your pour, your pace, your pause. Because a great espresso isn’t just about taste, it’s about atmosphere.

Let’s brew a few bold memories of our own.

The Havana Classic: Cafecito with a Twist

This one’s for the dads who like their coffee strong, sweet, and unapologetically bold. Inspired by the traditional Cuban cafecito, this version brings a sensory twist to a timeless ritual. The creamy whipped sugar base, known as espumita, is a nod to heritage, while the hint of cinnamon and orange zest adds a modern layer of texture and aroma.

It’s the kind of espresso that fills the room with warmth before the first sip even hits your lips, and it’s the perfect way to start a legacy-worthy morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot Opaqa Havana Midnight espresso
• 1 tsp raw sugar
• 1 dash cinnamon (optional)
• Orange peel zest

Instructions:

1. Brew your espresso with Opaqa Havana Midnight.
2. In a small glass, mix sugar and a teaspoon of the first espresso drops until creamy.
3. Pour in the rest of the shot and top with a dash of cinnamon and orange zest.
4. Sip it slowly or shoot it boldly, just like Dad would.

Midnight Macchiato: Layered Boldness

Sometimes the boldest things come in the smallest cups.

The Midnight Macchiato is a minimalist masterpiece, a single shot of Opaqa Havana Midnight crowned with a touch of velvety foam. No syrups. No distractions. Just dark roast depth layered with smooth texture. It’s the kind of drink that commands attention without saying a word, much like the quiet strength of a great dad.

Perfect for slow mornings, quick resets, or that moment of pause between fatherly wisdom and weekend projects.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot Havana Midnight espresso
• 1 tbsp frothed whole milk or oat milk
• Cocoa dust (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew espresso into a demitasse.
2. Froth milk until velvety.
3. Spoon milk foam gently over espresso.
4. Sprinkle cocoa dust for an extra layer of richness.

Affogato Al Papa: The Sweet Finish

Every bold journey deserves a sweet finale, and this one melts with meaning.

The Affogato al Papa is where dessert meets espresso, and legacy meets indulgence. A rich scoop of vanilla gelato drenched in hot, freshly brewed Opaqa Havana Midnight creates a contrast that’s as satisfying as it is nostalgic. It’s bold, smooth, and just a little unexpected, kind of like Dad when he breaks out the dance moves at the family BBQ.

Whether it’s the end of a great meal or a Father’s Day treat, this affogato is a toast to the man who taught you how to savor life, one bold moment at a time.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla gelato or coconut ice cream
• 1 shot hot Havana Midnight espresso
• Shaved dark chocolate or espresso beans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Scoop gelato into a chilled glass.
2. Pour fresh espresso over the top.
3. Garnish and enjoy as it melts into perfection.

Brewing Tips for the Bold at Heart

Brewing espresso isn’t just about precision, it’s about presence. The little steps matter just as much as the pull itself. These four foundational habits can turn your kitchen into a personal espresso bar that rivals any café.

Grind Fresh, Unlock the Flavor Within

The moment coffee is ground, the clock starts ticking. Aromatic compounds begin to fade, and stale notes can sneak in. That’s why fresh grinding is non-negotiable, it’s the gateway to unlocking Havana Midnight’s full spectrum of flavor.
Aim for a fine, consistent grind (like table salt), and grind only what you need for the moment. Your crema, body, and taste will thank you.

Use Filtered Water, The Secret to Clean Crema

Espresso is 98% water, so make it count. Filtered water removes impurities that can mute your coffee’s complexity or leave unpleasant aftertastes. With Havana Midnight, clean water brings out the smooth cocoa notes and smoky finish, and creates that beautiful, golden crema every barista dreams of.

Preheat Everything, Respect the Ritual

Heat affects extraction. If your portafilter, cup, or machine is cold, your espresso will lose temperature too quickly, flattening the flavor and texture.
Preheat your equipment by running hot water through it before brewing. When everything is warm, the shot flows evenly, and the crema stays rich and velvety. Small step. Big flavor difference.

Brew Confidently, Boldness is a Dial, Not a Rule

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to espresso strength. Some dads like it thick and intense. Others prefer it smooth and balanced.
Use your grind, dose, and extraction time to dial in the boldness to your taste. Start with a 1:2 ratio (18g in, 36g out), then adjust until the shot feels right to you.
It’s okay to experiment. It’s okay to miss. Every great espresso starts with a little boldness.

Ready to Brew Your Bold Moment?

This Father’s Day, skip the tie. Give him something far more meaningful: a cafecito, brewed with boldness and intention. Or better yet, make it together.

Because a perfectly pulled shot isn’t just a drink, it’s a moment. A shared pause. A chance to honor the rituals he’s passed down and maybe even start a new one of your own. Whether it’s standing side by side at the espresso machine, pouring sugar into a moka pot, or simply clinking demitasse cups at the kitchen table, those are the gifts he’ll remember.

This year, celebrate him with bold flavor, rich tradition, and time spent together, one cafecito at a time.