Cuban Coffee

 

Cuban coffee and music,
Two pleasures that entwine,
In the streets of Havana,
They are always intertwined.

 

The sweet aroma of espresso,
Brewed strong and dark as night,
Mixed with the rhythms of salsa,
It's a sensual delight.

 

The beat of the drums,
The strum of the guitar,
It's a sound that transports you,
To a place that's near and far.

 

Cuban coffee and music,
They go hand in hand,
A perfect combination,
In this tropical land.

 

So raise your cup,
And let the music flow,
Savour the flavours,
Of Cuban coffee and soul.


Culture

Cuban coffee culture is an integral part of daily life in Cuba, with coffee being a staple drink and an important social tradition. Cafes or "cafeterias" can be found on nearly every street corner, offering a variety of coffee styles and brews.

Cuban coffee is known for its strong, bold flavour and rich, creamy texture. It is typically made with a dark roast of Arabica beans and brewed using a small espresso machine called a "cafetera." The coffee is served in small demitasse cups called "cortaditos," and is often accompanied by a shot of sugar syrup called "azucar."

In Cuban culture, coffee is often consumed as a social activity, with friends and family gathering at cafes or homes to enjoy a cup and engage in conversation. It is also common for people to stop at a cafe for a quick espresso on their way to work or school.


Preparation

Ingredients

  • Fresh, finely ground Cuban coffee beans (such as Bustelo or Pilon)
  • Water
  • Sugar (optional)

 

Steps

  1. Heat water in a small saucepan until it comes to a boil.
  2. Add the ground coffee beans to the saucepan and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the coffee simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes thick and syrupy.
  3. If using sugar, add it to the coffee mixture and stir until it is fully dissolved.
  4. Pour the coffee mixture into a small cup or demitasse. The coffee should be thick and strong, with a layer of foam on top.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Cuban coffee!


Rafael the professional barista

There was once a young man named Rafael who lived in the small town of Havana, Cuba. Rafael was a barista at the local coffee shop, and he was known throughout the town for his skill at making the perfect cup of Cuban coffee.

Cuban coffee, or cafe cubano, was a traditional drink that was made with strong, dark roasted coffee beans, a small amount of sugar, and a splash of milk. Rafael had spent years perfecting his craft, and he took great pride in his ability to make the perfect Cuban coffee for his customers.

Every morning, Rafael would arrive at the coffee shop early to prepare for the day. He would grind the fresh coffee beans, heat up the milk, and carefully measure out the sugar. As he worked, he would hum to himself and dream of one day owning his own coffee shop.

As the day went on, Rafael would serve coffee to the locals and tourists who came in to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. He would chat with them and listen to their stories, always making sure to give them the best possible service.

One day, a group of tourists came into the coffee shop and asked Rafael to show them how to make Cuban coffee. Rafael happily obliged, and spent the afternoon teaching them the art of making the perfect cup.

The tourists were so impressed by Rafael's skills that they asked him to come back with them to their home country and open a coffee shop there. Rafael was hesitant at first, but after much contemplation, he decided to take the opportunity and follow his dream.

And so, Rafael packed his bags and said goodbye to his beloved Havana, embarking on a new adventure in a foreign land. There, he opened a coffee shop and began serving Cuban coffee to a whole new group of customers.

Rafael's coffee shop quickly became a popular spot in the town, and he became known as the expert in Cuban coffee. And even though he missed his home and the warm sunshine of Havana, Rafael knew that he had made the right decision in pursuing his dreams.