Cuban espresso has been named the world’s best coffee preparation in a new ranking published by prestigious gastronomic guide Taste Atlas, beating out 80 other globally recognized coffee preparations.
The Cuban specialty earned 4.6 stars out of 5, topping a comprehensive list that evaluated roasting methods, fermentation processes, and distinctive characteristics that contribute to the overall sensory experience, according to a review by Clarín.
“A unique type of pre-sweetened espresso, originating in Cuba. It is often known as Cuban espresso, Cuban coffee, Cuban tirada, or Cuban shot,” Taste Atlas explains. The guide acknowledges the beverage’s widespread popularity beyond its country of origin, noting that “While it enjoys a unique status in Cuba, where it has traditionally become an essential social and cultural beverage, Cuban espresso is also very popular and widely available in Latin America and Florida.”
The distinctive preparation features a sweetened shot of espresso that combines the darkest roasts with brown sugar, creating a characteristic light brown foam on top of the coffee. “Cuban-style espresso is considered a mid-afternoon classic, often served with a glass of water,” the publication adds.
Indian filter coffee secured the second position with a 4.4-star rating. According to Taste Atlas, “The filter consists of two chambers: the upper one, with a perforated bottom, for the ground coffee, and the lower one, where the brewed coffee is slowly poured. This technique results in a full-bodied, intensely flavored coffee, which is usually mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar.”
The remaining top positions are dominated by European and Asian preparations, including Greece’s freddo espresso (third place), Turin’s cappuccino (fourth), Italian ristretto (fifth), Vietnamese iced coffee (sixth), Greece’s freddo cappuccino (seventh), Italian espresso (eighth), Turkish coffee (ninth), and Thessaloniki’s frappé coffee (tenth).
Greek and Italian preparations featured prominently in the top 10, with three entries each.
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