How to make Cuban coffee with a French press is a question many coffee lovers ask when they don’t have an espresso maker or moka pot nearby. The truth is, a French press cannot fully recreate Cuban coffee. The reason is simple: Cuban coffee depends on espresso-style brewing, and a French press doesn’t produce that kind of concentrated coffee.
That said, if you really want to experiment, you can try making a version of it with a French press. You’ll get a sweet, strong cup that carries some of the flavor, but it won’t match the intensity or texture of the real thing.
How to Make “Cuban Coffee” with a French Press
A French press can’t replicate espresso pressure, but you can still get the idea of Cuban coffee.
What you will need
- French press (8 oz or larger).
- Dark roast coffee ground slightly finer than usual for a press (but not as fine as espresso).
- White sugar.
- Hot water just off the boil.
- Small cup for the espumita.
- Spoon.
Step by step
- Prepare the sugar: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar to a small cup.
- Bloom the grounds: Place 4 tablespoons of coffee into the French press. Pour just enough hot water to cover the grounds. Stir and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
- Brew: Add the rest of the hot water to the French press (about 200 ml for this ratio). Stir once, then place the lid on with the plunger pulled up. Steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Extract a concentrate: After brewing, pour a small amount of the brewed coffee into the cup with sugar. Stir quickly to create a syrupy mix. Whip it until pale and foamy to form espumita.
- Finish the brew: Press the plunger down slowly. Pour the remaining coffee over the espumita while stirring gently.
- Serve: Pour into small cups. The foam will be lighter than with espresso but still adds sweetness and body.
What to expect
The result won’t have the same dense punch as Cuban coffee made with a moka pot or espresso machine. A French press gives a smoother, lighter body with less crema. The espumita still adds that signature sweetness, though it may not cap the coffee as firmly.
FAQ
Can I get real espumita with a French press?
Not quite. Since the French press doesn’t make true espresso, the first pour won’t be as concentrated. You can still whip sugar with a small portion of the brew, but the foam will be lighter and less stable.
How much coffee should I use?
Use more than your standard French press ratio. Around 4 tablespoons of dark roast coffee to 200 ml water will give you a stronger result.
Does this method change the flavor?
Yes. Expect a smoother, thinner body compared to stovetop or espresso versions. The sweetness from sugar will still carry through, but the coffee won’t feel as punchy.
Key Takeaways
Making Cuban coffee with a French press is possible, but it will never be the same as the stovetop or espresso version.
- Cuban coffee depends on espresso-style brewing, which a French press cannot fully match.
- The brew will taste sweeter and stronger than a regular French press, but lighter and less intense than true Cuban coffee.
- This method works as a substitute when no moka pot or espresso machine is available, but the traditional approach will always deliver the real experience.