Lifestyle

La Ventanita

A trip to “la ventanita” is always a promising encounter. Here’s a Cuban Coffee reference guide to help you order up the perfect power boost while sounding like a local…just remember to always say gracias.
Text by Estrellita S. Sibila | May 28, 2018 | Lifestyle

Café Con Leche
How to say it: “Ka-fe Cone Le-CHE”
What it means: This “coffee with milk” is an espresso (without sugar) served alongside a cup of hot or steamed milk.
Adjustment: If you prefer a more powerful punch, ask for your café con leche “oscuro” for a 75/25 mix of bold pre-sweetened espresso with just a hint of milk.

Cafecito
How to say it: “Ka-fe-SEE-TOE”
What it means: The cafecito is the afternoon pick-me-up of choice in The Magic City. In fact, Miami recently proclaimed 3:05 p.m. as the “Official Cafecito Break Time” in celebration of the #305cafecito coffee culture.
Adjustment: You will rarely hear anyone say “sin azucar” when ordering a cafecito because sugar is what makes the whole experience so sweet.

Cortadito
How to say it: “Core-TAH-dee-TOE”
What it means: The Spanish translation literally means “small cut.” The cortadito is an espresso topped with steamed milk.
Adjustment: When you want a lighter dose of espresso on your cortadito, ask for it “clarito” and you’ll get about a 30/70 mix of pre-sweetened espresso & milk.

Colada
How to say it: “Co-LA-dah”
What it means: It doesn’t translate to “rocket fuel” but you’ll get 4-6 shots of Cuban-style espresso served in a styrofoam cup along with small, plastic demitasses so you can share with your compadres.
Adjustment: If you like a little jazz with your jolt, ask for it “con espuma” for a nice frothy cap to get your day off to a good start — or to end your afternoon right.

3:05 Cafecito: Did you know that Miami is the only city in the U.S. with an official coffee-break time? Well, it is. And it has been for the past 2 years, thanks to the #305Cafecito Movement created by homegrown JennyLee Molina that resulted in the City Of Miami proclaiming 3:05 p.m. the official time for an afternoon cafecito break. Since the declaration, caffeine connoisseurs have celebrated their love of all things cafecito by sharing pictures of their tasitas, espumitas and sonrisas online as they wonder whether or not they’ll make it back to work to close out the day.