The Story of the Cafecito: Inside Cuba’s Bold Coffee Ritual

What Is a Cafecito?

Tiny cup. Big presence. A cafecito is Cuba’s signature espresso drink, a small, powerful shot sweetened with whipped sugar foam, known as espumita. It’s not just a drink. It’s a symbol of energy, culture, and connection.

A Ritual of Strength and Sweetness

What makes a cafecito different from a typical espresso?

Cafecito isn’t your average espresso shot, it’s brewed intentionally strong, using dark-roasted coffee that delivers a deep, intense flavor with every sip. What makes it distinct isn’t just the roast, but the preparation.

The first drops of espresso are whisked together with raw sugar to create espumita, a caramel-colored foam that sweetens and softens the intensity of the brew. Once the rest of the shot is added, what you get is more than a drink, it’s a moment.

Traditionally served in small doses, often in tiny plastic thimble cups, cafecito is never a solo act. It’s brewed to be shared, poured from hand to hand across desks, kitchen counters, and porches. This fusion of bold strength and communal warmth is what defines the cafecito ritual, you don’t just sip it, you participate in it, together.

The Cultural Roots of the Cafecito

In Cuban homes and bodegas, the cafecito is more than caffeine. It’s tradition.

• Morning wake-up call with family
• Midday break with co-workers or neighbors
• Post-meal digestivo after dinner
• Anytime excuse to connect, chat, and pause life’s hustle

Whether in Havana or Miami, you’ll find cafecito windows where locals gather not just for coffee, but for conversation. This is why cafecito matters: it’s an invitation, not just a beverage.

How to Make a Traditional Cuban Cafecito

Making cafecito isn’t complicated, but it’s a ritual that deserves intention.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 shot of strong espresso (Opaqa Havana Midnight works beautifully)
• 1–2 tsp raw sugar
• Small mixing cup or demitasse glass
• Spoon

How to Brew:

1. Brew a shot of espresso.
2. Place sugar in a small glass.
3. Add the first few drops of espresso (the strongest part).
4. Whip until it forms a pale, foamy paste.
5. Pour the rest of the espresso over it and stir.
6. Serve in small cups and share.

Tip: Some Cubans add a pinch of salt or drop of vanilla to deepen the flavor.

With its dark roast, chocolate undertones, and smoky finish, Opaqa Havana Midnight is an ideal modern blend for cafecito. It’s bold enough to hold up to sugar, smooth enough to sip without it, and balanced with Cuban and Italian espresso influences

If you’re looking to brew bold and connect with culture, this is your roast.

🖤 Bringing the Cafecito Home

Want to start your own cafecito ritual? Try this:

• Brew a cafecito in the morning and share it with your father or partner before work
• Invite a neighbor over for a 5-minute coffee break
• End a family dinner with mini espresso shots and a toast

It doesn’t take much to start a ritual, just intention and a bold brew.