Name: Cafe Bustelo Espresso Coffee
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 to 2 tablespoons of Café Bustelo espresso ground coffee; Fresh, cold water; Sugar (optional, to taste); Milk or milk alternative

For those of us enchanted by the vibrant and soulful essence of Latin culture, Cafe Bustelo offers an espresso that transports the taste buds straight to a bustling Cuban café or a quaint street corner in Madrid.

Founded nearly a century ago, Cafe Bustelo has mastered the art of crafting robust coffee that promises a caffeine kick and an immersive Latin experience in every cup. I’m thrilled to share something particularly close to my heart – the Cafe Bustelo Espresso Coffee recipe.

Table of Contents

How to make Cafe Bustelo Espresso Coffee

Café Bustelo is a popular brand known for its rich, bold espresso coffee. Originating from Cuba, it’s especially favored in Latin American and Hispanic communities. The Cafe Bustelo Espresso Coffee is often made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which gives it a strong, robust flavor.

Ingredients:

1 to 2 tablespoons of Café Bustelo espresso ground coffee (adjust to your preference for strength)
Fresh, cold water
Sugar (optional, to taste)
Milk or milk alternative (optional, for those who prefer a latte or cortado style)

For this recipe, we’ll assume you are using an espresso machine, which is the traditional way to brew a potent shot of espresso. If you don’t have one, don’t worry. I’ll include tips on how you can still enjoy Café Bustelo without it.

Instructions:

Preheat your espresso machine: Start by turning on your espresso machine and running it through a water-only cycle to ensure everything is heated properly. A warm machine makes a better espresso.
Grind your coffee (if not pre-ground): If you have whole beans, grind them to a fine, powdery consistency. Café Bustelo is typically sold as a fine grind perfect for espresso, so you might be able to skip this step.
Measure and tamp: Measure 1 to 2 tablespoons of the Café Bustelo espresso ground coffee into the portafilter. Use a tamper to press down the coffee grounds evenly with firm pressure. This step is vital to ensure the water will pass through the grounds properly, extracting maximum flavor and that signature crema on top.
Brew your espresso: Lock the portafilter in place on your machine and start the brew cycle. For a single shot, aim for about 1 ounce of espresso, which should take about 20-30 seconds to brew. For a double shot, you would want about 2 ounces.
Serve immediately: Espresso is best enjoyed immediately after it’s brewed when its flavors are at their peak. Pour it into a warm espresso cup and enjoy it straight for the most authentic experience.
Sweeten, if desired: If you enjoy your espresso with sugar, add it while the espresso is hot to help it dissolve more easily.

Tips:

No Espresso Machine? Try using a stove-top moka pot, a traditional Italian tool for making espresso-like coffee. Alternatively, Café Bustelo can be prepared with a regular coffee maker or a French press, though the result may not be as concentrated.
Creating Milk-Based Drinks: For a latte or cortado, steam or heat milk until it is hot and frothy. Pour the steamed milk over the brewed espresso. A general ratio is 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk for a cortado and 1 part espresso to 3-4 parts milk for a latte.
The Perfect Crema: Achieving a creamy, rich crema on top of your espresso shot is a hallmark of a well-brewed espresso. Make sure your espresso machine is clean and your coffee is fresh and evenly tamped to encourage the best crema.
Keep It Fresh: For the best flavor, buy small quantities of Café Bustelo espresso ground coffee and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
Water Quality: The quality of water can significantly affect the taste of your espresso. Using filtered or bottled water can produce a cleaner, purer taste, especially if tap water has a strong flavor or odor.

What to serve with

Pairing the right delicacies with your Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee can transform a simple coffee break into a memorable morning ritual or a delightful mid-afternoon treat. Café Bustelo’s full-bodied, assertive flavor profile stands up well to various flavors, from sweet pastries to savory delights.

Sweet Treats

Pastelitos de Guayaba (Guava Pastries): The sweetness of guava combined with the light, flaky pastry is a Cuban classic that complements the robust flavors of Cafe Bustelo Espresso Coffee beautifully. The contrast between the sweet fruit and the rich, dark coffee is sublime.
Churros: This traditional Spanish and Latin American treat, often dusted with cinnamon and sugar, is perfect for dipping into your espresso. The crispy exterior and soft interior of churros create a delightful texture combination when soaked with coffee.
Tres Leches Cake: A moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk, tres leches is a decadent dessert that pairs wonderfully with the strong and straightforward profile of Café Bustelo. The coffee cuts through the sweetness and richness, balancing each bite.
Biscotti: For a touch of Italian tradition, serve your Café Bustelo espresso with biscotti. These twice-baked, crunchy cookies are ideal for dipping in espresso. Opt for almond or chocolate chip biscotti for a classic experience.

Savory Options

Empanadas: Whether filled with beef, chicken, or cheese, empanadas offer a hearty complement to your coffee. The flaky pastry and rich fillings contrast nicely with the espresso, creating a satisfying savory snack.
Cuban Sandwich: For a more substantial meal, consider a Cuban sandwich made with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. The bold flavors of the sandwich pair beautifully with the intense, aromatic profile of Café Bustelo espresso.
Quiche: A slice of quiche, with its creamy filling and buttery crust, is a fantastic option for a brunch gathering. The eggs and cream in the quiche provide a smooth texture in contrast to the rich espresso.

Lighter Fare

Fruit and Cheese Platter: A simple platter of fresh fruits, nuts, and cheeses offers a range of flavors that can complement your Café Bustelo. The acidity and sweetness of the fruit and the richness of the cheese create a delightful pairing with the deep tones of the espresso.
Yogurt and Granola: For a healthier option, serve your espresso with a bowl of Greek yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey. The tanginess of the yogurt and the crunch of the granola make this a refreshing counterpart to the rich coffee.

Drink Pairings

Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water alongside your Café Bustelo espresso can cleanse your palate between sips, enhancing the coffee’s flavor.
Orange Juice: The acidity and sweetness of freshly squeezed orange juice can complement the boldness of the espresso, especially when enjoyed as part of a leisurely breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee involves a simple yet precise brew method to extract the rich, bold flavors Café Bustelo is known for. However, in situations where Café Bustelo coffee or traditional espresso-making equipment might not be readily available, there are ingredient substitutes and alternative brewing methods you can explore.

Coffee Substitutes for Café Bustelo

Strong, Dark Roast Coffee: Look for coffees labeled as Espresso or Italian Roast, which are darkly roasted and have a flavor profile similar to Café Bustelo. These types of coffee will give you the closest possible flavor and boldness.
Finely Ground Coffee: The grind size is crucial for making espresso. If you can’t find Café Bustelo but have access to another brand of coffee, choose or grind it to a fine espresso grind to ensure proper extraction.

Final Thoughts

Café Bustelo Espresso Coffee delivers a robust, no-nonsense coffee experience. Its ease of preparation and versatile nature make it perfect for both espresso enthusiasts and those who enjoy a full-bodied cup of coffee.

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