There are many ways to make a Cuban cafecito, but this method has been perfected and loved by coffee drinkers worldwide. The key is blending the sugar perfectly with the coffee, and that’s exactly what this process ensures. Using a Cuban cafetera—also known as a Moka pot or Italian percolator—adds authenticity and rich flavor. Start by setting aside a cup for mixing the sugar and coffee. Add 3 teaspoons of sugar, then wait for the first bit of coffee to drip from the coffee maker. Pour a teaspoon of coffee into the sugar and stir until it turns a golden caramel color. Then, pour in the rest of the coffee and stir until the golden sugar floats to the top. Now you’ve got an authentic Cuban coffee. There are three popular ways to enjoy it: the cafecito, the strong classic; the cortadito, made with half milk and half coffee—extra tasty with evaporated milk; and the café con leche, similar to a cappuccino or latte, made with about one-third coffee for a lighter flavor.

In Miami, the cafecito isn’t just coffee — it’s a daily ceremony, a cultural heartbeat, and a symbol of Cuban identity that has become woven into the fabric of the entire city. From Little Havana to Brickell, the sound of a moka pot brewing and the smell of strong, sweet Cuban espresso drifting through the air is as Miami as palm trees and pastelitos.

🌴 Why the Cafecito Is So Popular in Miami

Miami is home to one of the largest Cuban communities in the world, and with that came the traditions, flavors, and rituals of the island. The cafecito became the city’s unofficial fuel because:

It’s strong, sweet, and full of character
It’s inexpensive and accessible to everyone
It brings people together — coworkers, neighbors, families
It’s a taste of home for generations of Cuban families

In Miami, the cafecito is more than caffeine. It’s comfort. It’s nostalgia. It’s culture in a tiny cup.

🔥 The Culture & Fame Behind the Cafecito

The cafecito has become legendary because it represents everything Cuban culture stands for:

1. Community

Sharing a cafecito — especially a colada — is an act of friendship.

It’s passed around in tiny cups, inviting everyone to take a sip and join the moment.

2. Tradition

Cuban families have been brewing cafecito the same way for decades:

with a moka pot, espresso grind, and espuma whipped with sugar until it becomes creamy and golden.

3. Identity

For Cuban Miamians, the cafecito is a reminder of Havana mornings, family kitchens, and the rhythm of life back on the island.

4. Daily Ritual

Every day at 3:05 PM, Miami celebrates “Cafecito Time” — a playful nod to the city’s 305 area code and its Cuban roots.

📍 Where You Can Usually Find a Cafecito in Miami

You don’t have to look far — the cafecito is everywhere.

• Ventanitas (Cuban Coffee Windows)

These iconic walk‑up windows are the heart of Miami’s coffee culture.

You’ll find them in:

Little Havana
Calle Ocho
Coral Gables
Hialeah
Westchester
Downtown Miami

• Cuban Bakeries

Places serving pastelitos, croquetas, and pan cubano always serve cafecito.

• Restaurants & Cafeterias

Every Cuban restaurant — from the humblest cafeteria to the most famous spots — has a moka pot working nonstop.

• Gas Stations & Markets

In Miami, even gas stations serve Cuban coffee. That’s how deep the culture runs.

💛 Why the Cafecito Is Such a Big Part of Cuban Culture

The cafecito represents:

Family — mornings together, conversations, laughter
Resilience — a small luxury that survived hardship and migration
Connection — a way to bring people together, even strangers
Heritage — a flavor passed down through generations

It’s a reminder of home, of identity, and of the warmth that defines Cuban life.

How To make a Cuban Cafecito

Cuban Coffee Recipe

Cafecito Cortadito Cafe Con Leche

The perfect Cuban Coffee Recipe