How to Drink Cafecito (Wait, There’s Actually a Specific Way to Do That?)

If you’re passionate about coffee, then surely you must’ve heard of “cafecito.” Well, if you haven’t had a sip of this finely blended Cuban coffee, then you’re missing out.

That would be an understatement for sure! Cafecito is so much more than just a cup of Cuban coffee. It has such a rich history and means so much to the people who drink it all across the globe. It represents culture, history, and is a tradition all by itself. People in South Florida love coffee so much that it’s served literally everywhere; at Cuban restaurants, coffee shops, and even at particularly hospitable hair salons if you’re a regular!

How to Drink Cafecito:

Yes, you heard that right! There’s a very specific way to drink cafecito. Be sure to try it out the next time you visit your closest Cuban restaurant (or Miami, if you are not in town) so that you can have the time of your life!

Step 1:

Head over to your nearest “ventanita,” or perhaps, a table at a Cuban restaurant and order the cafecito you want to drink. A ventanita is basically a small walk-up window that Cuban eateries have for serving delicious Cuban coffee or food.

While waiting for your coffee, make sure to drink a glass of water; the ventanitas will usually have a pitcher nearby. This will help cleanse your palette and prepare your taste buds for cafecito’s intricate flavors.

Step 2:

You need to sip your cafecito slowly so that you can fully immerse yourself in its rich flavors. It will usually be served in a thick, rounded cup.

Fun fact! This is how smokers drink Cuban coffee:

They grab their favorite Cuban cigar and lightly dip it in the “espumita” (the frothy part of cafecito). After dipping it, they then light up their cigars and enjoy the enticing blend of flavors as they inhale the smoke. The espumita moistens the cigar and makes a wonderful companion to a cafecito.

Step 3:

The authentic, frothy Cuban coffee isn’t the only star of the show at the ventanitas. They also sell sweet and savory snacks, which should definitely be part of your experience as well. The crispy croquettes, delicious empanadas, and mouthwateringly sweet pastries pair best with a Cuban cafecito.

Although there are many who prefer to enjoy their cafecito by itself, the choice is yours. However, there is one sure thing and that is the energizing jolt you get with every sip of cafecito.        

Step 4:

Remember to socialize with the people around you! People at ventanitas are extremely hospitable and love to strike up conversations, especially over a cup of cafecito. If you see someone you know, call them over for a nice cup of coffee and a little bit of gossip. Even if you don’t know anyone, you can still talk to the person next to you!

After you finish your cafecito, you might want a glass of water, though this can vary from person to person. Some people actually prefer not to drink water for a half hour after drinking cafecito, and allow the taste to linger in their mouth for a bit. Others, however, will drink water after finishing their coffee to help dilute it in their stomach.

Have a great time drinking your delicious cup of cafecito!