When it comes to morning rituals, few debates are as flavorful as Cuban coffee vs American coffee. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how these two coffee styles differ, from how they’re brewed to how they taste, and how strong they are.
What Is Cuban Coffee?
Cuban coffee is a strong, espresso-style coffee brewed using a moka pot on the stove. What makes it unique is the sugar foam, known as espuma, created by whipping sugar with the first few drops of hot coffee.
This foam is then mixed back into the rest of the brew, giving Cuban coffee a caramelized sweetness and a creamy, syrupy texture. It’s typically served in small espresso cups called tacitas and shared among family or friends.
The flavor is rich, bold, and sweet, with a deep roasted aroma. Unlike American coffee, Cuban coffee isn’t about volume, but about intensity and connection.
What Is American Coffee?
American coffee is the classic drip-brewed coffee found in most homes, diners, and offices. It’s made by slowly pouring hot water over medium-ground coffee, allowing gravity to pull the water through a paper or metal filter.
The result is a mild, balanced cup that’s larger in volume and lower in concentration. A standard serving is 8 to 12 ounces.
American coffee usually has a smooth flavor with a lighter body and subtle acidity. It can be enjoyed black or with milk and sugar added afterward. It’s the “comfort coffee” most people associate with a slow morning or a long workday.
Cuban Coffee vs American Coffee – Brewing Method Comparison
| Aspect | Cuban Coffee | American Coffee |
| Brewing Tool | Moka pot | Drip coffee maker or pour-over |
| Pressure Level | Steam pressure | Gravity-based brewing |
| Coffee Grind | Fine (espresso grind) | Medium grind |
| Serving Size | 1-2 ounces | 8-12 ounces |
| Sweetened? | Yes, with sugar foam (espuma) | Usually unsweetened |
| Texture | Thick and syrupy | Smooth and light |
Flavor and Texture Comparison
Cuban coffee is bold, sweet, and full-bodied. The caramelized sugar creates a thick texture and a rich, roasted taste that coats the palate. Every sip is smooth, concentrated, and slightly smoky, with a hint of sweetness in every drop.
American coffee is lighter and more refreshing. It’s mild, smooth, and often enjoyed over several minutes rather than a few sips. Its flavor depends on the roast. Light roasts taste brighter and more acidic, while dark roasts have deeper, earthier tones.
Want something more sweater? Check out the comparison of Cuban coffee and Vietnamese coffee. Let’s see how espuma and condensed milk bring the best out of coffee.
Caffeine and Strength
A 2-ounce serving of Cuban coffee has about 90 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of American coffee can contain anywhere from 95 to 200 mg.
The catch? Cuban coffee feels stronger because it’s more concentrated. It’s brewed with less water and finer grounds, giving it a dense, syrupy character that hits harder in smaller doses.
FAQ
Is Cuban coffee stronger than American coffee?
Yes, Cuban coffee tastes much stronger because it’s brewed as a concentrated espresso-style drink in a moka pot. However, American coffee usually contains more total caffeine per cup because of its larger serving size.
Why is Cuban coffee so sweet?
Cuban coffee is sweetened during brewing. The first few drops of coffee are whipped with sugar to create espuma, a light caramel-colored foam. This blends into the rest of the coffee, giving it a smooth, sweet, and rich taste.
Does Cuban coffee have more caffeine than American coffee?
Per ounce, yes, Cuban coffee is more concentrated. But an 8-ounce cup of American coffee usually has more total caffeine overall because it’s a larger serving.
Is Cuban coffee the same as espresso?
No. Cuban coffee is brewed in a moka pot using lower pressure than espresso. It’s sweetened with espuma, while espresso is served unsweetened.
Key Takeaways on Cuban Coffee vs American Coffee
Cuban coffee and American coffee may start with the same beans, but they deliver completely different experiences.
- Cuban coffee is brewed in a moka pot, concentrated, and sweetened with whipped sugar foam for a caramelized, creamy flavor.
- American coffee is brewed by drip or pour-over, resulting in a lighter, smoother cup that’s meant to be enjoyed slowly.
- Cuban coffee has a thick, syrupy texture and strong, sweet taste, while American coffee is mild and balanced.
- Per ounce, Cuban coffee is more concentrated, but a full cup of American coffee often has more caffeine overall.
- Cuban coffee is served in small cups (tacitas) and shared; American coffee is served in large mugs and often enjoyed alone.