That iconic yellow and red brick of Cafe Bustelo is a staple in many kitchens for a reason. It’s a powerful, full-bodied, and affordable espresso-ground coffee that delivers a serious caffeine kick and a rich, chocolatey flavor. But if you don’t have an espresso machine, you might be wondering how to do it justice. The good news is that this versatile coffee can be brewed beautifully using a variety of common methods you probably already have at home. Mastering How to Make Cafe Bustelo Like a Pro: 6 Fast & Easy Methods is all about understanding how to work with its fine grind to extract its best qualities.
Whether you’re aiming for a strong morning cup, a smooth iced coffee, or a traditional Cuban-style cafecito, there’s a technique for you. The key is to embrace the boldness and adjust your brewing to prevent bitterness. Let’s look at the best ways to turn that brick of Bustelo into a perfect cup of coffee.
Why Cafe Bustelo is Your New Secret Weapon
Before we get to the methods, it helps to know what makes this coffee special. Cafe Bustelo is pre-ground to a very fine consistency, much finer than what you’d use for a standard drip coffee maker. This fine grind is ideal for creating a concentrated brew and is packed with flavor. Because it’s so potent, a little goes a long way. Its robust character stands up beautifully to milk and sugar, making it the perfect base for creamy lattes and sweet, frothy cortaditos. Think of it as a building block for countless coffee creations.
Your Cafe Bustelo Toolbox: The Essential Gear
You don’t need a fancy machine to make great coffee with Bustelo. In fact, some of the best methods are the simplest. Here’s a quick list of equipment that will open up a world of possibilities:
- Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker): The classic choice for a strong, espresso-like concentrate.
- French Press: For a full-bodied, robust cup that captures all the coffee’s oils.
- Aeropress: A fast and versatile tool that can make anything from a strong concentrate to a cleaner Americano.
- Pour-Over Cone: With the right filter, this can produce a smooth, nuanced cup.
- Standard Drip Coffee Maker: A quick and easy option with one simple trick.
- Simple Saucepan or Turkish Cezve: For the traditional “cafe de olla” or cowboy coffee method.
How to Make Cafe Bustelo Like a Pro: 6 Fast & Easy Methods
Now for the main event. Here are six professional-grade methods to brew your Cafe Bustelo, each with its own unique profile and advantages.
The Stovetop Powerhouse: Moka Pot
The Moka pot is arguably the most authentic way to brew Bustelo without an espresso machine. It forces hot water through the fine grounds under pressure, creating a rich and intense concentrate perfect for drinking straight or using in lattes. Use cool, fresh water in the base, fill the basket with Bustelo without tamping it down, and brew on medium heat until you hear a gurgling sound. Remove from heat immediately to avoid bitterness.
The Full-Bodied Champion: French Press
For a coffee with real texture and depth, the French Press is your best friend. Because Bustelo is so fine, you’ll want to use a slightly shorter brew time to avoid over-extraction. Add your grounds to the press, pour in hot (just off the boil) water, stir, and let it steep for about 3-4 minutes before pressing down slowly and steadily. This method gives you a robust and oily cup that’s full of character.
The Quick & Versatile Performer: Aeropress
Speed and control are the name of the game with the Aeropress. It’s incredibly forgiving and fast, making a smooth, low-acidity cup in under two minutes. You can use the standard method for a stronger brew or the inverted method for more immersion. A good starting ratio is one heaping scoop of Bustelo, topped with hot water. After a quick stir, press gently for about 30 seconds. Dilute with hot water for an Americano-style drink.
The Smooth Operator: Pour-Over
Yes, you can use fine grounds in a pour-over! The secret is to use a thicker paper filter, like a Melitta-style #4 cone, which will help prevent clogging and over-extraction. Use a coarser pour and aim for a total brew time of around 2.5 to 3 minutes. The result is a remarkably clean and smooth cup that highlights the chocolatey notes of the coffee without the heavy sediment.
The Easy Morning Routine: Drip Coffee Maker
For your automatic drip machine, a simple hack will vastly improve your results. To prevent the fine grounds from passing through the filter and creating a muddy, bitter cup, use two paper filters instead of one. This creates a thicker barrier and ensures a cleaner brew. Simply add your Cafe Bustelo to the double-lined filter basket and run your machine as usual for an easy and satisfying pot of coffee.
The Old-School Classic: Cuban-Style “Cafecito”
This method is all about creating a sweet, frothy foam called “espuma.” Start by brewing a very small, strong amount of coffee directly in a cup or a small pot—a Moka pot shot works perfectly. In a separate measuring cup, vigorously whisk the first few drops of this hot coffee with several teaspoons of sugar until it becomes a pale, thick cream. Then, slowly pour the rest of the brewed coffee into the sugar mixture, stirring gently to combine. The result is a sweet, potent, and beautifully layered drink.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cup Every Time
No matter which method you choose, a few universal tips will help you get the most out of your Cafe Bustelo. Always start with fresh, cold water. Pay attention to your coffee-to-water ratio; a good starting point is one to two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water, adjusting to your taste. Since the grind is so fine, avoid over-brewing, as this can lead to bitterness. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with adding warm milk, cream, or sugar to find your perfect balance.
As you can see, that bright yellow can of Cafe Bustelo holds endless potential. From the intense kick of a Moka pot to the smooth clarity of a pour-over, you have all the tools you need to enjoy this beloved coffee like a true professional. The best method is simply the one that makes a cup you love. So, grab your favorite brewer and start experimenting.