Cuban Coffees in Miami (What is a Colada?)
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Coffee is undoubtedly the most popular drink for those seeking that caffeine boost. Cuban coffee, however, isn’t the typical cup of Joe. It has an intense flavor and a noticeable sweetness.
What exactly is a colada cup of coffee? If you’ve visited Miami, you probably thought about this question as you attempted to find your caffeine fix.
Cuban coffee (or cafe Cubano in Spanish) is among Miami’s most loved coffee drinks. It is sold in cafeterias, restaurants, and “ventanitas” all over the city.
This article will help you learn the basics about this Miami essential, how to get Cuban coffee, and where to locate the finest Cuban beans in Miami.
Cuban Coffee (aka Cafe Cubano)
Cuban coffee, also known as cafe Cubano, is prepared by mixing hot water with espresso and sugar. The result is a high-quality espresso coffee with a caramelized and syrupy body. The recipe used for café Cubano can be adapted to suit the preferences of the person drinking it by including more or less sugar. There are a variety of variations that include evaporated milk or milk (which I would recommend trying).
Compared to American Coffee, Cafe Cubano can be described as a robust coffee due to its dark roast and distinctive production methods. Additionally, Cubans have their own techniques for brewing and preparing coffee.
Types of Cuban Coffee
Cuban coffee is an espresso. However, unlike Italians, who prefer black and a little acidic, Cubans go all out with the sugar. There are four kinds of Cuban coffee: cafecito, cortadito, and cortada, and cafe con leche.
Cuban Coffee Names
Cuban coffee can be a favored beverage readily accessible in Magic City. However, if you require assistance (and an English dictionary) to find the right drink, look no further.
This quick glossary will guide you through Miami’s Cuban café scene.
Cafecito
The cafecito is a one-time portion of Cuban espresso made using a cafeteria rather than the typical machine. It is decorated with espresso.
Colada
A colada is a complete four-time styrofoam mug of pure Cuban espresso laced with sugar. It’s meant to be shared, so share the love of coffee with the tiny cups that it comes in!
Cortadito
Cortadito is one half Cuban espresso and half steamed milk. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Cafe Cubano with evaporated milk.
Cafe con Leche
Cafe con Leche is a Spanish word meaning coffee made with milk (you could refer to it as”the” Cuban version of cafe Latte). It’s steamed milk and one or two shots of Cuban coffee. Be aware that sugar is already added!
Cafeteria
Cafetera can be described as a Cuban coffee maker. It’s an oven-based Italian coffee maker that uses a percolator called Moka pot (but don’t say this to Cubans!). Today, the electronic cafeteria model is more popular.
Espumita
The thick foam layer on the uppermost part of the colada is known as espumita. It’s pure white sugar, whipped until perfect with the first drop of a freshly made batch of coffee.
Ventanita
Ventanita is a “little window” in Spanish. It’s the place to grab your coffee to take away. Many people are seated or leaning against the window that opens to walk-in customers outside of cafés, restaurants, and gasoline stations around Miami. There are even Starbucks outlets that offer ventanitas available in Miami!
Demerara Sugar
Demerara Sugar is the most traditional sugar commonly used to make Cafe Cubano. It’s that nutty brown sugar that is available in crystals.
Tiny Plastic Cup
Ultimately, these tiny 3/4-ounce plastic cups are perhaps the most significant thing in Cuban coffee. They help make colada sharing a social one.
What is a Colada?
The colada coffee is Cuban and comes in a four-ounce Styrofoam cup and a couple of smaller cups that can be shared with others. The colada is generally served very hot in bell creamer or small styrofoam cups, with small plastic cups that can be shared between 3 or six persons. Although some variants of Cuban coffee that include evaporated milk are offered, the colada is traditionally served only with sugar.
Tip: If you’re not seeking a high caffeine and a massive sugar level, I would not recommend drinking a full Colada alone!
Cuban Coffee Culture in Miami
Amid diverse Latin and European cultures, coffee is firmly embedded in Miami culture. Miami culture.
However, Cuban coffee has a unique spot in Miami.
This is so much that the Mayor of Miami declared the time of 3:05 pm as the official cafécito hour.
The concept was first introduced through Cafecito305 Cafecito305, a local social media organization that organizes activities and reminds Miami residents to grab their fix of coffee around 3:05 p.m. all day.
Then, Miami-Dade County declared March 5 (3-05) as the day, officially “Miami 305 Day,” you’ll find cafecito-related events and examples throughout the city.
Make reservations for this walking tour through the food of Little Havana and taste the best of Miami’s delicious and well-known foods.
Where to Find the Best Cuban Coffees in Miami
Its distinctive flavor and deep heritage internationally acclaim Cuban coffee. If you’re looking to find genuine Cuban coffee to enjoy in Miami, Here are a few places to visit:
Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana (and Various Locations)
Versailles was been in existence since 1971. It was a meeting place and gathering place for the city’s Cuban exiles. Versailles is among Miami’s top Cuban eateries and is the best place to taste authentic Cuban coffee. If you’re not looking for an entire meal, drop by “La Ventana” at Versaille’s and enjoy a traditional coffee Cubano.
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina in Little Havana
The restaurant is located in Miami’s historic Little Havana neighborhood. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina serves one of the most delicious Cuban dishes available in town… as well as one of Miami’s most delicious cafecitos!
Mas Cuba Cafe in Miami Beach
Mas Cuba Cafe in Miami Beach accurately represents the spirit of the 1950s in Cuba. Visit them to sample their cafécito and live music every weekend.