Café Bombón: The Sweet Coffee Treat from Spain

Café Bombón is the ultimate coffee for those with a sweet tooth. Originating from Spain, this drink combines strong espresso with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a rich and decadent coffee experience. It’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy coffee with a sugary twist, perfect for those times when you’re craving something sweet but still need your caffeine fix.

Discovery

Café Bombón comes from Spain, where it’s traditionally served in a small glass to show off its beautiful layers of dark espresso and creamy, golden condensed milk. The name “bombón” means “candy” in Spanish, which perfectly describes the drink’s sweet and indulgent nature. Although it started in Spain, it’s become popular in other parts of the world, especially in Latin America.

Café Bombón Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 shot (equal amount) of sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. Brew a shot of espresso.
2. In a small glass, pour an equal amount of sweetened condensed milk (about 1 ounce) at the bottom.
3. Gently pour the espresso on top of the condensed milk, creating two distinct layers.
4. Serve as is, allowing the drinker to mix the layers if they wish, or enjoy the layers separately for a unique experience.

Why Try It

Café Bombón isn’t your typical coffee drink. Its unique combination of strong espresso and sweetened condensed milk makes it stand out. Here’s why you might want to give it a try:

1. Sweet and Strong:
   The condensed milk adds a lot of sweetness, perfectly balancing the bitterness of the espresso. It’s a great choice for people who love their coffee strong but enjoy a bit of sweetness to soften the intensity.
2. Visually Appealing:
   Traditionally served in a clear glass, Café Bombón looks as good as it tastes. The distinct layers of dark espresso and golden condensed milk make it a visually stunning drink before you even take the first sip.
3. Dessert-Like Experience:
   Café Bombón is more than just a coffee—it’s almost like having dessert. The rich sweetness of the condensed milk makes it a treat in itself, perfect for after a meal or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

What Makes It Bad

Although it’s a simple drink, there are still a few ways it can go wrong:

• Overly Sweet: Since sweetened condensed milk is already very sugary, using too much can overpower the coffee and make the drink cloyingly sweet. The key is balance—equal parts coffee and condensed milk.
• Weak Coffee: Because the condensed milk is so rich, you need a strong, well-brewed espresso to balance it out. A weak shot of espresso will get lost in the sweetness, and the drink will lose its character.

Café Bombón vs. Other Sweet Coffee Drinks

While there are other sweetened coffee drinks, Café Bombón stands out because of its simplicity and the use of condensed milk rather than regular sugar or syrups:

• Café Bombón vs. Latte: A latte is made with steamed milk, which is much lighter and less sweet than condensed milk. Café Bombón is smaller and much sweeter, almost like a dessert coffee.
• Café Bombón vs. Mocha: A mocha combines espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk, making it creamy and rich. Café Bombón, on the other hand, focuses on the sweet contrast between espresso and condensed milk.

Caffeine Content

A Café Bombón contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine from the single shot of espresso, the same as any standard espresso drink.

Calories and Macros

The calorie count is higher due to the condensed milk which is packed with sugar and fat, making this a more indulgent coffee option.

Interesting Facts

• Layered Presentation: One of the most appealing aspects of it is how it’s served. The layers of espresso and condensed milk are kept separate until stirred, creating a visually striking presentation.
• A Global Favorite: While it is originated in Spain, it’s become a popular drink in many parts of Latin America, often enjoyed as a sweet treat with a strong coffee kick.
• Versatility: In some variations, people use flavored syrups or even a dusting of cocoa powder to add another layer of flavor to the drink, making it a customizable treat.

Conclusion

If you’re someone who enjoys your coffee on the sweeter side, Café Bombón is a must-try. It’s a simple but indulgent drink that combines the best of strong espresso and rich, creamy sweetness. Whether you’re in the mood for something new or want to add a little sweetness to your coffee routine, it offers a delicious and visually appealing coffee experience.

Next time you’re in a café or feeling adventurous at home, give it a try. You might just find it’s the perfect way to satisfy your coffee cravings and your sweet tooth at the same time.