0,00
0
0,00
0

Café Bombón: The Sweet Pleasure From Spain

The Café Bombón is a true taste sensation that not only delights with its sweet note but also with its simple preparation. In this article, we take a closer look at this delicious coffee, exploring its history, preparation, and variations. Whether you’re an experienced barista or simply want to discover a new coffee treat – here you’ll find everything you need to know about Café Bombón.

The History of Café Bombón

Café Bombón has its roots in Spain, specifically in Valencia, and more precisely in the Castelló de la Plana region.1 Originally, this sweet and visually appealing drink became popular in the 1950s and has since made a name for itself in many parts of the world. The original recipe consisted of equal parts of espresso and sweetened condensed milk, served in a small glass. This simple yet effective combination has made Café Bombón a favorite coffee drink.

The name “Café Bombón” is derived from the Spanish word for praline, which already hints at the sweet nature of the drink. In Spanish cafés, Café Bombón was often served as a dessert coffee and quickly gained popularity. Its visual appeal played a significant role: the layers of dark espresso and light condensed milk created an attractive appearance that captivated customers.

Today, Café Bombón can be found in many modern cafés around the world. With the growing coffeehouse culture and the interest in new and exotic coffee specialties, Café Bombón has secured its place in the international coffee scene. Especially in cafés specializing in Spanish or Latin American coffee specialties, Café Bombón is offered as a special delicacy.

Café Bombón

The Ingredients for a Perfect Café Bombón

To prepare a perfect Café Bombón, only a few carefully selected ingredients are needed. The quality of the ingredients plays a crucial role in the taste and appearance of this traditional Spanish beverage.

The Base – Espresso

The base of every Café Bombón is a high-quality espresso. For an intense flavor, the espresso should be prepared from freshly ground coffee beans. Arabica beans are particularly popular because they offer a balanced aroma and slight acidity. It’s important to use a portafilter machine or a moka pot to achieve a strong, concentrated coffee.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

The distinctive feature of Café Bombón – similar to Vietnamese coffee – is the use of sweetened condensed milk. This thick, sweet milk provides the unique sweetness and creamy texture of the drink. Be sure to use high-quality condensed milk for the best flavor. The sweetened condensed milk is typically added in equal parts to the espresso, creating a beautiful layering effect in the glass.

Optional: Flavors and Spices

Although the traditional Café Bombón consists only of espresso and sweetened condensed milk, the drink can be enhanced with additional flavors and spices. A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa on top can round off the flavor and add an extra layer of taste. You can also use vanilla extract or a small amount of chocolate syrup to give Café Bombón a special twist.

The Ingredients at a Glance

To summarize, you need the following ingredients for an authentic Café Bombón:

  • Approximately 30 ml freshly brewed espresso
  • Approximately 30 ml sweetened condensed milk
  • Optional: Cinnamon, cocoa, vanilla extract, or chocolate syrup

With these ingredients, you can prepare a delicious Café Bombón that impresses not only with its flavor but also with its appearance. The combination of strong espresso and sweetened condensed milk makes this drink a special treat for every coffee lover.

The Recipe: Preparing a Traditional Café Bombón

Preparing a traditional Café Bombón is simple but requires some care to achieve the perfect result. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can easily make this delicious drink at home.

Step 1: Brewing the Espresso

Start by brewing the espresso. Use freshly ground coffee beans and an espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker. Ensure the espresso is strong and aromatic, as it forms the base of the Café Bombón.

Step 2: Adding the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into the glass. The amount can be adjusted based on personal preference. The sweetened condensed milk forms the bottom layer of the Café Bombón and provides its characteristic sweetness and creaminess.

Step 3: Adding the Espresso

Slowly and carefully pour the freshly brewed espresso over the sweetened condensed milk. To achieve a clean layering, hold a spoon just above the surface of the condensed milk and pour the espresso over the spoon into the glass. This prevents the liquids from mixing immediately, creating a clear separation between the dark espresso layer and the light milk layer.

Step 4: Optional Enhancements

For additional flavors, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa over the Café Bombón. A dash of vanilla extract or a hint of chocolate syrup can also add a special touch to the drink. These enhancements are optional but can elevate the flavor experience.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

The Café Bombón is traditionally served in a small, clear glass to showcase its beautiful layering. Make sure the glass is heat-resistant. You can provide a small spoon so the drinker can mix the layers before enjoying.

Variations and Twists on the Café Bombón

The traditional Café Bombón consists of equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk. Over time, numerous variations and adaptations have emerged, making this delightful drink even more versatile. Here are some popular versions of this Spanish coffee specialty that you can try.

Caramel Bombón

This variation adds another sweet component – caramel. By adding caramel syrup to the sweetened condensed milk, you create an even richer and sweeter version. A dash of caramel syrup before pouring in the espresso results in a delicious flavor combination. If you love caramel, check out our recipe for the Caramel Macchiato.

Mocha Bombón

Another popular twist is the Mocha Bombón, which incorporates chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the robust espresso and sweet condensed milk, creating an intense flavor experience. This coffee is especially great for chocolate lovers. For an even chocolatier option, try the Marocchino.

Spiced Bombón

For a spiced twist, you can add various spices to this coffee specialty. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can bring an interesting flavor dimension to the drink. These spices complement the sweetness of the condensed milk and the bold taste of the espresso. Spices also play a role in the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Bombón Helado

During hot summer months, the Bombón Helado is a refreshing alternative. This version serves the Café Bombón over ice. Fill a glass with ice cubes before adding the sweetened condensed milk and then the espresso. The result is a cool, refreshing coffee that’s perfect for warm days. If you love it ice-cold, you might also enjoy the Frappuccino.

The simplicity of the Café Bombón makes it an exciting drink that can be easily tailored to different tastes and preferences.

Small Espresso Machine

Café Bombón at Home: Equipment and Technique

The Café Bombón is a simple yet elegant drink that you can easily prepare at home. With the right equipment and technique, this Spanish classic can be perfectly recreated. The following tips and recommendations will help you make this classic coffee at home.

Essential Equipment:

  • Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker: A high-quality espresso is the heart of a Café Bombón. A good espresso machine or a traditional stovetop pot (commonly referred to as a stovetop espresso maker) is essential for brewing a strong and aromatic coffee.
  • Coffee grinder: Freshly ground coffee beans always deliver the best flavor. A coffee grinder, preferably one with conical burrs, allows you to grind the beans just before preparation, preserving their full aroma.
  • Clear glass: Use a small, clear glass to showcase the beautiful layering. A heat-resistant glass is ideal for safely serving the hot espresso.
  • Spoon: A spoon helps to pour the espresso slowly and carefully over the condensed milk, achieving the characteristic layering.

With this equipment and the right technique, you can enjoy great coffee at home anytime and explore the variety of the coffee world in your own kitchen.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Café Bombón?

It is a Spanish coffee drink made from equal parts espresso and sweetened condensed milk. It is traditionally served in a small, clear glass to showcase the beautiful layering of the two ingredients.

How do you prepare a Café Bombón?

To prepare it, first pour sweetened condensed milk into a glass. Then, slowly and carefully pour freshly brewed espresso over a spoon into the glass to create a clear separation. Optionally, you can refine the drink with cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla.

What variations of Café Bombón are there?

There are many variations, including the Caramel Bombón with caramel syrup, the Mocha Bombón with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, and the Spiced Bombón with spices such as cinnamon or cardamom. Another variation, called Bombón Helado, is served on ice.

Can you prepare a Café Bombón without an espresso machine?

Yes, it is possible to prepare it without an espresso machine by using a stovetop espresso maker. This also produces a strong, aromatic coffee suitable for the drink. However, for the best taste, it is recommended to use a portafilter machine.

Where does the Café Bombón originate from?

It originates from Valencia, Spain, and became popular in the 1950s. Since then, the drink has spread worldwide and is especially popular in Europe, South America, and even Asia.

What is coffee with condensed milk called?

Coffee with condensed milk is often referred to as “Café Bombón,” especially in Spain. However, Vietnamese coffee is also made with sweetened condensed milk.

What is a coffee bonbon?

A coffee bonbon, often called “Café Bombón,” is a sweet coffee drink from Spain. It consists of a single or double espresso mixed with sweetened condensed milk in equal parts. This drink is characterized by its creamy texture and pleasant sweetness.

What is coffee with condensed milk called in Spain?

In Spain, coffee with condensed milk is called “Café Bombón.” It is a popular drink served in many Spanish cafés, known for its layering of espresso and sweetened condensed milk.

Is condensed milk the same as coffee cream?

No, condensed milk and coffee cream are not the same. Condensed milk is thicker and contains sugar, making it sweeter. Coffee cream is unsweetened and has a creamier texture, commonly used in coffee to soften the flavor.

What is a Cortado coffee in Spain?

A Cortado coffee is a Spanish coffee drink consisting of an espresso “cut” (Spanish: cortar) with a small amount of hot milk. This reduces the acidity and makes the coffee milder and creamier.

What is Vietnamese coffee?

Vietnamese coffee, often known as “Cà Phê Sữa,” consists of strong coffee brewed using a special drip filter, poured over sweetened condensed milk. It can be served hot or on ice and is characterized by its bold flavor and the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk.

Sources

  1. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_von_Kaffeespezialit%C3%A4ten

Newsletter

Keine News und Sonderangebote mehr verpassen

Novum Coffee im Shop
0
    Warenkorb
    Warenkorb ist leerZum Shop