Imagine if wherever you went, you were offered coffee. It’s just commonplace to enjoy coffee everywhere you go, whether at a coffee shop or at work. If this sounds ideal, it’s time to book a trip… to Brazil.
Brazil is a gorgeous country with a lot to offer, including great coffee. Brazil is the world’s largest coffee-producing country. It has been at the top for a while, and we do not see that changing. A good amount of this coffee is exported to other countries. At the same time, it contributes to strong coffee culture in Brazil.
[amazon box=”B079XXX1TX, B079Y6GG6W, B07BQ5HY4L” grid=”3″ link_id=”26502″]
Enjoying Coffee in Brazil
All of those times that you are offered coffee in Brazil expect a Cafézinho. Cafézinho is a Portuguese word that translates to “little coffee”, but the act of offering it is associated very closely with Brazilian hospitality. There is no bad time for a cafézinho in Brazil, and they are enjoyed on numerous occasions and locations.
It’s usually is larger than espresso, but does not taste like one because it is not pressurized. Given the ratio of water to coffee, which can be found below, it is a strong coffee that may be a lot different from anything that you have ever had before. It only makes sense that it is common to have a good amount of sugar in the coffee because not even those who are used to this coffee can always drink it without sugar.
How to Make Cafézinho
There are a few things to keep in mind before making a cafézinho. For every 3/4 cup of water that you use, a tablespoon of coffee ground for espresso (aka finely) is needed. Only double those amounts if you are making multiple cafézinhos because a single one should not be bigger than that. Add sugar based on preference, but keep in mind what it can do to balance out the more intense flavor. An authentic cafézinho is made using something called a cafézinho, which is similar to a coador but with a cloth
flannel filter. They can sometimes be found in the Brazilian market, but if
that is not an option, then it is still possible to make it with a plane filter
and cone. Don’t stress!
The recipe for Cafézinho
- Boil water with sugar in a regular saucepan.
- Turn the heat to low as soon as the water comes to a boil and the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the finely ground coffee to the saucepan.
- Stir, then instantly remove from heat.
- Pour through the filter. Do this slowly to ensure that the water does not come out to wide from the saucepan to avoid a bad burn or spill. Pouring it slowly also results in a better-tasting coffee.
- Enjoy! Given the sweetness, start by trying it black. From there, add cream or sugar to taste. If you use a cloth filter, be sure to clean it right away.
There are sure to be small varieties of making cafézinhos in Brazil. When traveling, do not be afraid to take a look at how locals are making coffee—don’t go taking pictures without asking! Just watch, and then enjoy the fantastic coffee that follows.
What Coffee to Use
We have mentioned this brand before when discussing the 10 Best Types of Coffee Beans, and we’ll repeat it. Brazil Santos Bourbon uses 100% arabica coffee beans that make for rich flavor with low acidity. This is an awe-inspiring blend, as well
as the brand Piláo. Single-origin coffees from Brazil are also a great option
too considering how high quality most of the coffee is.
Thank you for exploring Brazil’s coffee culture with us. Try making a cafézinho at home, and then compare it to one in Brazil! Sometimes nothing beats the real deal, but you might get something close. Let us know in the comments what you want to hear from us next.
Be sure to also check out similar articles to spark your interest like “7 Popular Coffee Drinks In Asia” or “Caribbean Coffee Explained For Newbies“. Learn more about other kinds of coffee around the world today!
Become a part of our exclusive Coffee Sesh Facebook Group, Daily Coffee Talk, and join our expanding coffee community. And don’t forget— we’re on Pinterest and Instagram! Check us out for daily coffee content.
We’ll brew ya later! ☕️
