Cuban Coffee Dipper
Cuban Coffee Dipper, also known as 'Café Cubano' or 'Cuban espresso,' is a potent, sweet coffee beverage traditionally served in small cups. It is made by brewing dark-roasted espresso and stirring in a generous amount of sugar during the brewing process to create a rich, syrupy foam called 'espumita.' This iconic drink originates from Cuba and is a cornerstone of Cuban and Cuban-American coffee culture.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a high-carbohydrate beverage due to the significant amount of added sugar, with negligible protein and fat. A typical serving provides a quick energy boost from caffeine and sugar, along with antioxidants from the coffee, and contains roughly 60-80 calories per small serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
| Carbs | 17 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.03 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.2 mg |
| Potassium | 80 mg |
| Magnesium | 6 mg |
| Manganese | 0.05 mg |
| Antioxidants (Chlorogenic Acid) | Variable |
Per 1 shot (30 ml) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes Cuban coffee unique is the 'espumita'—the sweet, caramelized foam created by vigorously mixing sugar with the first few drops of espresso. Culturally, it's often served in a 'ventanita' (walk-up window) and is a social ritual, frequently shared among friends or offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality.
