5 Best Cuban Coffee Brands (To Try in 2024)

Cuban coffee is a beloved beverage that has gained popularity all over the world. The strong, sweet and aromatic flavor of Cuban coffee is something that every coffee lover must try at least once. Cuba is a country that is famous for its coffee production, and there are numerous brands that offer the best Cuban coffee. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the five best Cuban coffee brands that you must try in 2024.

Cafe Bustelo

Cafe Bustelo is a popular coffee brand in Cuba and the United States. The brand was founded in New York in 1928 by a Cuban immigrant named Gregorio Bustelo. Cafe Bustelo’s coffee is known for its strong flavor and aroma, which makes it perfect for espresso shots. The brand offers a range of coffee blends, including espresso, decaf, and instant coffee. Cafe Bustelo’s coffee is made from high-quality Arabica beans that are sourced from various countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Cafe Pilon

Cafe Pilon is another popular Cuban coffee brand that is well-known for its rich and smooth flavor. The brand was founded in 1963 in Miami, Florida, and has since become a favorite of coffee lovers all over the world. Cafe Pilon’s coffee is made from 100% pure coffee beans that are roasted to perfection to give it a unique and delicious taste. The brand offers a range of coffee blends, including espresso, decaf, and regular coffee.

Cafe La Llave

Cafe La Llave is a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality Cuban coffee since 1870. The brand’s coffee is known for its bold flavor and rich aroma, which makes it perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a strong cup of coffee. Cafe La Llave’s coffee is made from 100% pure coffee beans that are sourced from various countries, including Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica. The brand offers a range of coffee blends, including espresso, decaf, and regular coffee.

Cafe Santo Domingo

Cafe Santo Domingo is a popular coffee brand in Cuba that is known for its smooth and flavorful coffee. The brand was founded in 1956 and has since become a favorite of coffee lovers all over the world. Cafe Santo Domingo’s coffee is made from high-quality Arabica beans that are sourced from various countries, including the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Brazil. The brand offers a range of coffee blends, including espresso, decaf, and regular coffee.

Cafe Llave Roasting Company

Cafe Llave Roasting Company is a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality Cuban coffee since 1870. The brand’s coffee is known for its unique and delicious taste, which is derived from the traditional Cuban roasting process. Cafe Llave Roasting Company’s coffee is made from 100% pure coffee beans that are sourced from various countries, including Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica. The brand offers a range of coffee blends, including espresso, decaf, and regular coffee.

What is Cuban coffee?

Cuban coffee, also known as “Café Cubano,” is a type of espresso that originated in Cuba. It is a strong and sweet espresso made by brewing finely ground coffee beans with sugar. The sugar is added during the brewing process, creating a thick, sweet syrup at the bottom of the cup called “espuma.”

Cuban coffee is traditionally served in small espresso cups and is often enjoyed as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It is also a popular component of Cuban culture, often shared among friends and family during social gatherings. The preparation and enjoyment of Cuban coffee is considered an art form in Cuba, with its own unique rituals and traditions.

What are the best Cuban coffee brands to try in 2024?

The top 5 best Cuban coffee brands to try in 2024 are Cafe La Llave, Cafe Bustelo, Pilon, Cafe Cubano, and Cafe Santo Domingo.

Are these Cuban coffee brands widely available?

Cuban coffee brands may not be widely available in all countries, as it depends on factors such as import/export regulations, market demand, and distribution agreements. However, some Cuban coffee brands are available in certain regions or online.

One well-known Cuban coffee brand is Café Cubano, which is a strong and sweet espresso-style coffee traditionally served in small cups called “cafecitos.” Other popular Cuban coffee brands include Cafe Bustelo and Cafe La Llave, which are both available in the United States and other countries. However, it’s worth noting that these brands may not necessarily be produced in Cuba but are inspired by the country’s coffee culture and flavor profile.

In general, if you’re looking for Cuban coffee brands, it’s best to check with local specialty stores or online retailers that specialize in Latin American products.

What makes these Cuban coffee brands stand out?

Cuban coffee is renowned for its strong, bold flavor and its unique brewing process. The distinctive taste of Cuban coffee is due to several factors, including the type of coffee beans used, the roasting process, and the way it is brewed.

One of the main factors that makes Cuban coffee stand out is the use of high-quality Arabica coffee beans. These beans are grown at high altitudes in the mountains of eastern Cuba and have a rich, full-bodied flavor that is highly sought after by coffee lovers.

Another factor that sets Cuban coffee apart is the way it is roasted. Cuban coffee is typically roasted until it reaches a dark, almost black color, which gives it a strong, smoky flavor that is distinct from other types of coffee.

Finally, the way Cuban coffee is brewed is also unique. Traditional Cuban coffee is made using an espresso machine, but it is brewed differently from a standard espresso. Cuban coffee is brewed using a method known as “cafecito” or “cortadito,” which involves adding a small amount of sugar to the coffee grounds before brewing. This results in a sweet, caramelized flavor that balances out the strong, bitter taste of the coffee.

Overall, the combination of high-quality coffee beans, dark roasting, and the unique brewing process are what make Cuban coffee brands stand out and remain a popular choice for coffee lovers around the world.

How should I prepare Cuban coffee?

Ingredients:

1 cup of ground Cuban coffee beans (finely ground)

1 cup of water

1-2 tablespoons of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the finely ground Cuban coffee to a coffee maker or stovetop espresso maker (also known as a “moka pot”).
• Add the water to the coffee maker or moka pot and stir gently to ensure the coffee is evenly distributed.
• If you like your coffee sweet, add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the coffee maker or moka pot.
• Place the coffee maker or moka pot on the stove over medium heat.
• As the coffee starts to brew, you will hear a sputtering sound. This is a sign that the coffee is being extracted properly.
• Once the coffee has finished brewing, pour it into small espresso cups or demitasse cups.
• If you added sugar, stir the coffee before pouring to ensure the sugar is dissolved.
• Serve the Cuban coffee hot and enjoy!

Some tips:

• Make sure to use finely ground Cuban coffee beans, as this will ensure that the coffee is rich and strong.
• Don’t overheat the coffee, as this can make it taste bitter.
• If you like your coffee extra strong, add a little more coffee to the coffee maker or moka pot.
• If you prefer your coffee less sweet, you can adjust the amount of sugar you add to taste.

Can I drink Cuban coffee without sugar?

Yes, you can definitely drink Cuban coffee without sugar. In fact, some people prefer it that way. Cuban coffee, also known as cafecito or colada, is a strong and sweet espresso-like coffee. Traditionally, it is served with a lot of sugar, but you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste or skip it altogether. Drinking Cuban coffee without sugar will give you a stronger and more bitter taste, so you may want to try it first to see if you like it. If you do find it too strong, you can always add a little bit of milk or cream to mellow out the taste.

What is the best way to store Cuban coffee?

To keep your Cuban coffee fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can affect the flavor and aroma of the coffee.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Cuban coffee is a must-try for every coffee lover, and there are numerous brands that offer high-quality coffee with unique flavors and aromas. The five best Cuban coffee brands mentioned above are Cafe Bustelo, Cafe Pilon, Cafe La Llave, Cafe Santo Domingo, and Cafe Llave Roasting Company. Each of these brands has a unique taste that sets them apart from the others, and they are all worth trying in 2024. So, go ahead and treat yourself to a cup of delicious Cuban coffee and experience the richness of its flavor and aroma.