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Learn how to make Cafézinho, Brazil’s traditional sweet and strong coffee. This simple recipe uses dark roast coffee, sugar, and a cloth filter for a bold brew served in a small cup.
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Traditional Brazilian Coffee Recipe (Cafezinho)

Learn how to make Cafézinho, Brazil’s traditional sweet and strong coffee. This simple recipe uses dark roast coffee, sugar, and a cloth filter for a bold brew served in a small cup.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup filtered water
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1½ to 2 tbsps finely ground dark roast coffee espresso grind preferred

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, bring filtered water to a boil.
  • Stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
  • Remove from heat. Add 1½ to 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee directly to the hot sugar-water. Stir to combine. Cover and let the mixture steep for 3–5 minutes to extract the rich flavor.
  • Slowly pour through a cloth or paper coffee filter into a small cup. Let it drip naturally—no pressing.
  • Serve immediately. Optionally, add a splash of milk, cream, or sweetened condensed milk for a richer variation.