Discover the Art of Spanish Coffee: Your Complete Guide

Coffee is one of the essential parts of Spanish culture but it’s so much different than the coffee we Americans may be used to.

Here are a few differences:

• They don’t walk around with giant to-go coffees.
• They prefer going on coffee breaks.
• They like their coffee in smaller portions.
• They never add milk or fresh cream to their after-dinner coffee drinks.

And you know how else Spaniards like to take their coffee? With booze!

Indeed, traditional Spanish coffee is spiked with brandy and orange liqueur and topped with syrup. This isn’t the only fun Spanish coffee variation, either!

In this article, I will be exploring the mysteries of Spanish coffee and exciting recipes you can try at home!

But first, let’s talk about the basics of Spanish coffee.

What is Spanish Coffee Made Of?

Spanish coffee is usually made of torrefacto, which is a sugar-coated bean. 

The first thing you’ll notice when you take a sip of traditional Spanish coffee is that it has a bitter taste. That’s because the process of conserving coffee in Spain differs from other countries.

Traditionally, coffee beans are coated in sugar, also known as torrefacto.  When toasted, the sugar is burnt and gives the beans a very bitter flavor.

Take a look at how Spanish coffee is made in the video below!

What Does Spanish Coffee Taste Like?

Spanish coffee is not a specific type of coffee drink, so there is no definitive answer to this question. However, there are several coffee drinks that are popular in Spain, and each of them has its own unique taste.

One popular Spanish coffee drink is café con leche, which is espresso mixed with steamed milk. This drink has a creamy, smooth texture and a rich, bold flavor that is similar to a latte.

Another popular Spanish coffee drink is café cortado, which is espresso with a small amount of milk. This drink has a stronger, more intense coffee flavor than café con leche, with a hint of sweetness from the milk.

A third popular Spanish coffee drink is café solo, which is just a plain espresso shot. This drink has a very strong, robust flavor that is not diluted by any milk or sweeteners.

Overall, the taste of Spanish coffee will depend on the specific drink you order and how it is prepared.

Is Spanish Coffee Stronger?

Spanish coffee can be stronger in flavor than other types of coffee due to the way it is prepared and the roast level of the coffee beans used.

Spanish coffee is typically made with dark roasted coffee beans, which have a stronger and more intense flavor profile than lighter roasts.

Additionally, some Spanish coffee drinks, such as café solo, are made with a double shot of espresso, which can also contribute to a stronger coffee flavor.

However, the strength of a coffee also depends on factors such as the type of coffee bean and the ratio of coffee to water. So while Spanish coffee can be strong in flavor, it’s not necessarily always the case.

It ultimately depends on how the coffee is prepared and the personal taste preferences of the individual consuming it.

Spanish Coffee Origin

The first person to bring the torrefacto process to Spain was José Gómez Tejedor, the founder of Cafés La Estrella.

During his visit to Mexico, he saw that the Mexican miners were roasting sugar onto their coffee beans so that they would last longer.

José realized that torrefacto is perfect for his home country because it lasts longer, uses fewer beans, and the added sugar expands the roast’s volume without adding to the cost.

As torrefacto became the standard, buyers came to anticipate its dark, oily appearance and flavor.

Furthermore, it also has higher antioxidant properties compared to regular roast. This dark roast quickly became the preferred ingredient for many Spanish coffee variations.

Why is it Called Spanish Coffee?

The common Spanish coffee recipe we know is actually an Americanized version of carajillo, which is brandy-spiked coffee in Spain.

This local version was first made in Portland, Oregon in the 1970s. It’s a flaming drink spiked with rum and has a caramelized rim.

If you want to light up your meal, you can try to make this quick Spanish coffee recipe at home! It uses Kahlua, rum, nutmeg, and dark-brewed coffee. Be careful in handling the flame, though.

I would also recommend this fun Spanish coffee recipe with a citrus twist! You just need some Lemonhart rum, Dry Curacao, Colombian coffee, and some coffee liqueur.

Using lighter roast coffee really brings out the sweet fruity notes. Top this with whipped cream and cinnamon, and you’re in for a delight.

If you’re not up for whisking the cream, you can pour your cream with some sugar into a shaker tin and just shake it ’till you get the thick texture you want.

Why Is Spanish Coffee So Good?

Spanish coffee is often considered to be delicious due to a combination of factors, including the quality of the coffee beans used, the roasting process, and the way the coffee is prepared.

Spain has a long history of coffee cultivation and consumption, and many Spanish coffee producers take great care in selecting high-quality coffee beans that are sustainably grown and harvested.

Spanish coffee is often made with Arabica beans, which are known for their rich, smooth flavor and lower acidity compared to other coffee bean varieties.

Additionally, many Spanish coffee roasters use a dark roast profile, which results in a strong, bold flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste.

This roasting method can help bring out the complex flavors of the coffee, including hints of chocolate, caramel, and nuttiness.

Overall, the combination of high-quality coffee beans, expert roasting, and brewing techniques, and a commitment to quality all contribute to making Spanish coffee a delicious and enjoyable beverage.

What’s in a Cajarillo?

The difference between the original Spanish version and the American one is that the former does not have the caramelized rim or whipped cream on top. Also, it typically uses brandy rather than rum.

The name carajillo comes from the Spanish word coraje, which means “courage.”

It was first made during the war in Cuba when Spanish soldiers began spiking their coffee with liquor to get some courage before the battle.

Unlike its flashier counterpart, cajarillo is a lot simpler to make! You just need brandy, sugar, coffee, and a lemon peel.

Spanish Coffee VS Irish Coffee

Spanish and Irish coffee share common ingredients such as coffee and sugar. However, they also have a few key differences.

There are a lot of coffee variations across the world that incorporate some form of liquor. Both Spanish and Irish coffee fall under this category.

Irish coffee is distinctively very sweet and uses the trademark Irish whiskey. Most cafes would also serve it with whipped cream on top. As mentioned earlier, traditional Spanish coffee uses brandy and shies away from sweet flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Spanish Coffee

If you’re looking for more variety in your Spanish coffee, there are many other drinks you can try that don’t have alcohol in them.

Here are some of the non-alcoholic Spanish coffee beverages that I have tried:

Café Solo

Café Solo is simply an espresso served in small amounts and is also the most common type of coffee ordered in Spain. It tastes bitter, and thick, and has a deep flavor.

Café Americano

If you find Café Solo to be too strong, you can try Café Americano, which is espresso with water added to tone down the bitterness.

Café Cortado 

This is another espresso-based drink, but this time with steamed milk which results in reduced acidity in your coffee. For every 60 ml of coffee, you simply add 80 ml of milk. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also add some sugar.

Café Manchado

Now, this variation takes milk one step further. This drink is mostly comprised of milk with very little coffee added.

However, if you’re visiting Spain, you should first check what the local coffee custom is, as the meaning of Manchado can vary per region. In some places, Manchado is coffee with a little milk only.

In this case, you should order leche manchada to get that minimal coffee flavor.

Café con Leche 

This drink also has milk, but this time it’s scalded by a steaming wand. It’s perfect to pair with sweet merienda treats like cookies and shortbread.

For this recipe, you just need equal parts 1 oz 30 ml of espresso and whole milk.

Café Bombon

Café Bombon is made by slowly pouring condensed milk over an espresso. It’s such a visual delight because you can actually see the milk and coffee separating into two think bands.

Café Con Hielo

This is basically the Spanish equivalent of iced coffee. They will serve you ‘normal coffee‘ and a separate glass filled with ice, and you should then pour your coffee over the ice.

Barraquito

Barraquito is a multi-layered coffee that consists of espresso, frothed milk, condensed milk, and a touch of Licor 43 or Tia maria. Because of its sweetness, this drink is usually served after a meal.

How to Order Coffee in Spanish

In Spain, coffee orders can vary from city to city.

So, if you say “un café, por favor,” the waiter is most likely to ask you ¿Cómo lo quiere? (how do you want it?).

I’ve compiled a cheat sheet of all the different coffee orders you can make in Spanish.

Final Thoughts

Spain, in particular, is not only rich in history but also in coffee.

Spanish coffee can give you a crash course on Spanish culture. Aside from the showstopping flames, there are so many other Spanish coffee drinks that can wow you.

These drinks can be consumed no matter the time of the day, and are often the perfect pair for all the delicious food the country can offer.

However, it’s important to note that coffee orders differ across Spain, so take a little bit of time to get to know the area and the coffee order customs.

All-in-all, Spanish coffee is a good way for you to know more about their culture.

So, whether you’re planning your next trip to Spain or simply looking for a gift online, the extensive flavor profiles of Spanish coffee will keep you coming back for more!

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