As somebody who was born and raised in Miami, espresso is very vital to me. Lovingly known as cafecito, espresso is important to on a regular basis life again house. From the obligatory 3 p.m. cafecito break that each office abides by, to a night cafe con leche after a late evening out, I’m but to dwell in a spot the place espresso is extra culturally vital. There are numerous other ways to organize a correct Cuban espresso, however there may be one rendition that’s my absolute favourite. The remedy for my homesickness: the Cuban cortadito.

A cortado is a espresso drink that’s equal elements espresso to equal elements milk. It is the stereotypical order of a hipster or very stylish Brooklynite (or a really stylish hipster Brooklynite). As a result of it has much less milk than the extra modest latte, the espresso is much less diluted, and the flavour of the espresso comes by way of extra. It’s normally served in a cute little glass or paper cup and, for me, it’s much more satisfying in taste than a latte as a result of I can really style the espresso.

A Cuban cortadito is principally a cortado made with Cuban espresso (which is a frothy, sugary espresso, see this video for my extra in depth clarification of this) and evaporated milk. Sure, evaporated milk. While you order it at a espresso window in Miami, you say you desire a “cortadito evaporada,” or else they’ll give it to you with entire milk. The evaporated milk provides a delicate, wealthy, candy, and clean style to the bitter espresso and rounds out the intoxicating sugar of the froth. There’s additionally variations of Cuban espresso that use sweetened condensed milk, just like the cafe bonbon and a few locations sneak in a bit little bit of sweetened condensed milk to their cortaditos for an additional caramel-flavored kick.

So, when it’s method too chilly in New York and I want I used to be at a scorching sizzling espresso window ordering a guava pastry and a espresso (all for the value of $5), I seize a can of evaporated milk and make a cortadito at house. I don’t have an entire barista type setup at house, so I put my moka pot (cafetera) to brew, make my espuma, and heat up a shot or two of evaporated milk within the microwave. Mix it, sip, and it’s like I’m at house in Miami. Further factors if I serve it in a bit tiny demitasse cup for the complete expertise.

Evaporated milk is normally cheaper than entire milk and is available in a can so you’ll be able to at all times have some behind your pantry for a wet day. My household additionally makes use of it for the bottom of sizzling chocolate when utilizing the normal Puerto Rican Cortes bars. There’s nothing like the true deal, however for now, a cortadito evaporada at house should do.

Have extra questions on Cuban espresso? Extra concepts on improve my on a regular basis cup of joe? Let me know beneath!