As the sun beams down with relentless enthusiasm and the days stretch out with the promise of endless summer adventures, I can’t help but crave the kind of refreshment that not only cools me down but also reignites my spark. Yes, I’m talking about the bold, rich, and vibrant sensation of Cafe Bustelo’s magic, but not in its usual steaming hot attire. Instead, let’s embark on a flavor-filled journey with a twist—a Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightfully delicious.
In my kitchen, where the aroma of freshly-ground coffee beans usually greets anyone who walks in, I’ve taken to experimenting with the iconic Cuban espresso to craft the ultimate iced coffee experience.
Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee is a ready-to-drink coffee beverage made by the Cafe Bustelo brand. It consists of brewed coffee that has been chilled and sweetened, often with added milk or cream.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of Cafe Bustelo espresso coffee
1 cup of water (for brewing)
Ice cubes (as needed)
2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
Milk or cream (to your liking)
Instructions:
Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing your Cafe Bustelo espresso coffee. If you have an espresso maker, follow the machine instructions to pull a strong shot. If not, don’t fret! A stovetop Moka pot or even a strong brew using a French press or a drip coffee maker will get you that intense coffee base you’re looking for. To achieve this, use about 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of Cafe Bustelo coffee.
Sweeten the Brew: While the coffee is still hot, add your desired amount of sugar. This helps dissolve the sugar completely, ensuring your iced coffee is sweetened. If you prefer a calorie-free option, consider using a sugar substitute that also dissolves well in hot liquid.
Cool the Coffee: Allow the brewed coffee to reach room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. This step is crucial to avoid diluting your iced coffee when you add ice.
Ice It Up: Fill a large glass to the top with ice cubes. The more, the merrier, as it’ll keep your coffee chilled without watering it down quickly.
Pour Over Ice: Once your coffee is chilled to your satisfaction, pour it over the prepared glass of ice.
Add Milk or Cream: Add milk or cream to your iced coffee, depending on your preference. A traditional choice would be whole milk for its richness, but feel free to experiment with almond, soy, or oat milk for dairy-free options.
Stir and Enjoy: Give your iced coffee a good stir to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust the sweetness or milkiness as needed.
Tips for Perfect Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee:
Chill Your Glass: Before building your iced coffee, place your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. A cold glass will further ensure your coffee remains chilled for longer.
Coffee Ice Cubes: For an even more robust coffee flavor that doesn’t get diluted as the ice melts, try freezing some Cafe Bustelo coffee in an ice cube tray and use these coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice.
Cold Brew Concentrate: If you have time, make a cold brew concentrate with Cafe Bustelo by steeping the ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours. This makes for an even smoother iced coffee experience.
Customize Your Drink: Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch—whether it’s a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top for those extra indulgent days.
What to serve with
Pairing the right food with your Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee can transform your coffee break into a delightful experience. Here are some delightful options that complement the robust flavors of your iced coffee, catering to different times of day and various taste preferences.
Morning Kickstart:
Pastries: A buttery, flaky croissant or a sweet and tart lemon scone can be the perfect light yet satisfying accompaniment to your coffee. The richness of the pastry balances the boldness of the coffee beautifully.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Think of a classic ham, egg, and cheese on a toasted English muffin or bagel. The savory elements of the sandwich pair well with the smooth, crisp taste of the iced coffee, providing a hearty start to your day.
Afternoon Delight:
Fruit Salad: For a refreshing midday treat, a bowl of fresh fruit salad with a mix of berries, mango, and pineapple offers a sweet and tangy contrast to the deep flavors of Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee.
Cheese and Crackers: Select a variety of cheeses (think Brie, cheddar, and goat cheese) and serve them with artisan crackers. The creaminess of the cheese complements the coffee’s richness and can be quite a sophisticated snack or light lunch.
Sweet Indulgence:
Chocolate Desserts: Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. A slice of rich chocolate cake, a few decadent truffles, or even double chocolate cookies can enhance the coffee experience, making for a luxurious treat.
Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert, with its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa, pairs exceptionally well with iced coffee. Each bite harmonizes with the coffee’s boldness, creating a delightful synergy of flavors.
Savory Snacks:
Empanadas: For those who love a savory snack, consider serving your Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee with a couple of empanadas. Whether filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, the spiced filling and the flaky pastry make empanadas an exciting, flavorful complement to the coffee.
Quiche: A slice of quiche, with its savory custard and variety of fillings encased in a buttery pastry crust, pairs wonderfully with the smooth, refreshing quality of iced coffee. It’s a fantastic option for a brunch or afternoon gathering.
Health-Conscious Pairings:
Nuts and Seeds: A bowl of mixed nuts or roasted pumpkin seeds can offer a satisfying crunch and a boost of energy without overwhelming the palate, making for a balanced snack alongside your coffee.
Avocado Toast: For a healthy yet hearty option, avocado toast on whole-grain bread, topped with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili flakes, complements the iced coffee with its creaminess and spice.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee is a straightforward and delightful process. Still, sometimes you may need ingredient substitutes due to dietary preferences, health considerations, or simple curiosity to experiment with flavors. Here’s a detailed look at various substitutes for the primary components of a Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee.
Cafe Bustelo Substitute: If you’re out of Cafe Bustelo or want to try a different coffee base while still aiming for that strong, rich flavor, consider using another brand of espresso ground coffee. Alternatively, you can opt for a dark roast instant coffee for a less caffeinated version. For a decaffeinated option, use a decaf espresso or a robust decaf instant coffee to keep the flavor profile as close as possible.
Sweeteners
Sugar Substitute: If you’re looking to avoid sugar or reduce calorie intake, consider several alternatives. Stevia, erythritol, or a blend of monk fruit extract with erythritol can be used in the same proportions as sugar. These sweeteners tend to dissolve well and have a minimal aftertaste. Another option is to use sugar-free syrup, which comes in various flavors, adding a new dimension to your iced coffee.
Milk and Cream
Dairy-Free Options: For a lactose-free or vegan Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee, substitute cow’s milk or cream with almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Each has a distinctive flavor and consistency. For instance, oat milk tends to be creamier and slightly sweet, complementing the robust coffee well, while coconut milk adds a tropical twist.
Lighter Options: If you want something lighter than whole milk or cream, you can use skim milk or 2% milk. These options provide the smoothness of milk with fewer calories. Another alternative is to use coffee whiteners that are lower in fat and calories than traditional cream.
Ice
Coffee Ice Cubes: To prevent your iced coffee from diluting as the ice melts, you can make ice cubes from brewed Cafe Bustelo coffee or any strong coffee. This way, your drink maintains its robust flavor even as it gets colder.
Flavored Ice Cubes: Another fun twist is to freeze milk or cream into cubes or use alternatives like coconut water for an added flavor profile. You can also experiment with freezing almond milk mixed with a little vanilla extract or a sweetener of your choice for a subtly flavored, refreshing addition to your beverage.
Final Thoughts
Creating the perfect Cafe Bustelo Iced Coffee is all about finding the right balance that caters to your taste. With these straightforward instructions and helpful tips, you’re on your way to becoming a homemade iced coffee lover.
Brew the Coffee: Start by brewing your Cafe Bustelo espresso coffee. If you have an espresso maker, follow the machine instructions to pull a strong shot. If not, don't fret! A stovetop Moka pot or even a strong brew using a French press or a drip coffee maker will get you that intense coffee base you're looking for. To achieve this, use about 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of Cafe Bustelo coffee.
Sweeten the Brew: While the coffee is still hot, add your desired amount of sugar. This helps dissolve the sugar completely, ensuring your iced coffee is sweetened. If you prefer a calorie-free option, consider using a sugar substitute that also dissolves well in hot liquid.
Cool the Coffee: Allow the brewed coffee to reach room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. This step is crucial to avoid diluting your iced coffee when you add ice.
Ice It Up: Fill a large glass to the top with ice cubes. The more, the merrier, as it'll keep your coffee chilled without watering it down quickly.
Pour Over Ice: Once your coffee is chilled to your satisfaction, pour it over the prepared glass of ice.
Add Milk or Cream: Add milk or cream to your iced coffee, depending on your preference. A traditional choice would be whole milk for its richness, but feel free to experiment with almond, soy, or oat milk for dairy-free options.
Stir and Enjoy: Give your iced coffee a good stir to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust the sweetness or milkiness as needed.
After completing my studies in culinary arts and literature, I embarked on a quest to explore the diverse flavors and cultural nuances of tea and coffee across the globe.
