Simple Cortadito Recipes

CUBAN CORTADITO

Steps:

• With a traditional Cuban coffee maker, add water to bottom half. Add coffee to filter and tap gently with the back of a spoon. Replace filled filter in coffee maker and screw top on tightly. Over low to medium heat, brew the coffee on the stovetop. It should take approximately 3-5 minutes. Be sure not to overcook the coffee.
• Put the 4 tablespoons of sugar in the bottom of a creamer. Once the first 1-2 oz of coffee has brewed, remove coffee maker from heat and pour coffee into the creamer. Replace to stove so that the remainder of coffee can brew. Meanwhile, mix sugar and coffee together until a paste forms.
• Once coffee has finished brewing completely, pour all coffee into the creamer and stir until a slight froth appears. Pour in individual coffee mugs.
• Add warm, evaporated milk to each mug until there is a 50-50 ratio of coffee to milk.
• Enjoy!

SIMPLE CORTADITO RECIPE

Steps:

• The classic method uses a Moka pot, which is what we're doing here. If you're using a different method, prepare your espresso as usual.
• Fill the bottom section with filtered water up to the safety release valve. Fill the filter basket with finely-ground coffee, leveled off but not packed. Place filter into the bottom section and then attach the top section.
• Place on stove and turn on to medium heat. You don't want to rush the process or overcook the coffee.
• Warm the milk or evaporated milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be careful not to scorch it - you want it hot but not boiling.
• Place 4 teaspoons (to taste) of sugar in a creamer or small bowl. Once about an ounce of espresso appears in the top of your Moka pot, remove it from the heat. Pour it over the sugar and then return the pot to the stove to finish brewing.
• Whisk the sugar and espresso until the sugar dissolves and a layer of light brown foam appears.
• Once the rest of the espresso is brewed and ready, remove from heat. Pour the espresso into your coffee cup. Add the warm milk to each mug so there is a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk.
• Top with espuma and enjoy! Grab a friend and enjoy a sweet coffee moment together.