Cuban Style Frothy Coffee (Cafecito) in the Moka Pot
Rich, foamy stovetop espresso with a story in every sip.
What It Is
This drink is a celebration of coffee culture that spans continents. Using an Italian moka pot, a Cuban frothing technique, and Café Du Monde, you’ll create a strong, creamy coffee that feels like a café treat but comes from your own stovetop. The result is smooth yet robust, with a sweet foam (“espumita”) that makes each sip special.
Why You’ll Love it…
- Approachable: no expensive espresso machine needed, just a stove top and a moka pot.
- Customizeable: adjust sweetness and creaminess to your taste
- Memorable: it’s perfect for when you have 2-3 guests coming over!
I learned this method from Olimpia, my Cuban math tutor, when I lived in Puerto Rico. While working through algebra problems, her kitchen would fill with the aroma of coffee. Cubans are famously passionate about their café because it is strong, sweet, and creamy. I’ve adapted her technique using Café Du Monde, which is popular among Vietnamese coffee lovers, and my 6-cup moka pot. Every time I make this, it feels like a little journey to the past!
What is a Moka Pot?
A moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that brews strong, espresso-like coffee by passing pressurized steam through ground coffee. It has three main parts: a bottom chamber for water, a metal filter basket for the coffee grounds, and a top chamber where the brewed coffee collects. As the water heats, steam pressure forces the hot water up through the grounds and into the top chamber. Moka pots are popular in many countries because they are affordable, durable, and make rich coffee without needing an electric espresso machine.
Did You Know?
Espresso machines were invented before, long before moka pots. The earliest espresso machine patent dates back to 1884 in Italy, while the moka pot was created later in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti. Espresso machines started as large café equipment, and the moka pot was designed decades afterward as an affordable, stovetop way for home cooks to enjoy espresso-style coffee.
Where can I get a Moka Pot?
You can find moka pots in most kitchenware stores, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. Popular options include online shops such as Amazon and specialty coffee retailers. They are also commonly available at European grocery stores or Italian delis that sell coffee supplies. If you prefer a classic brand, Bialetti is widely trusted, but many other brands like Coffee Gator or Grosche make reliable moka pots too. Here is a link to the Moka Pot I purchased on Amazon. I’ve had it since 2023.
Creamy “Cafecito” on Moka Pot (Cuban -Style Frothy Coffee)
Equipment
- 1 Moka Pot Read blog post for details
Ingredients
- 10 oz water until right below the Moka Pot's valve
- 2 tbsp Café du Monde Coffee more if preferred stronger
- 1 tbsp Coffee Mate Powder Original flavor
- 2 tsp Brown Sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Moka Pot
- Fill the bottom chamber with water just until the safety valve.
- Add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee to the filter basket—level it gently without packing.
- Screw on the top firmly.
- Place the moka pot over high heat.
- Listen for the bubbling sound—this means the coffee is extracting.
- When the bubbling becomes a gentle hiss and the top chamber is nearly full, remove from heat.
For the foam base
- In one of the stainless-steel cups, mix 1 tablespoon powdered creamer and 1–2 teaspoons sugar.
- Pour in just a splash of the freshly brewed coffee (about 1–2 teaspoons).
- Froth with a handheld frother until thick and foamy on top.
Assemble the coffee
- Pour the remaining coffee from the moka pot into the cup, letting it mix with the foam.
- Leave the foam on top for a layered look.
