Cafe Bombon – How to make

Cafe Bombon is a sweet espresso drink popular in Spain. It’s a strong shot of espresso served with sweetened condensed milk. When served in a glass cup, it’s stunning.

Cafe Bombon is a tasty sweet coffee recipe

Do you start every morning with a cup of coffee? I definitely do!

I recently bought an espresso machine. It has been wonderful to be able to make myself a latte every morning. I think I’m spoiling myself.

Since I’ve been experimenting a lot with my new espresso machine, I have a coffee recipe to share today.

But don’t worry. Even if you don’t have an espresso machine at home, you can still make this recipe with a few tweaks. Below, I’ll share some alternative espresso ideas.

What is Cafe Bombon?

Have you ever had a Cafe Bombon? This is a delicious way to enjoy a sweetened coffee.

Cafe Bombon is an impressive drink because of the way it is made and served.

This coffee is usually served in a glass cup. In doing so, it highlights the marked difference in color between the light condensed milk and the dark coffee.

Before you drink it, you mix it with a spoon. But not until then. Some stores even serve the condensed milk on the side to allow you to pour it yourself.

It is popular in Spain. But I’ve seen it on several coffee shop menus recently.

Still not easily found. So here is the recipe for you to try at home.

How to make Cafe Bombon

This drink is very easy to prepare and serve. The bigger question is how does this sharp contrast between condensed milk and espresso hold up?

This is how I found the best works.

firstpour in the espresso.

second, slowly pour in the condensed milk. Since condensed milk is heavier, it will naturally sink.

Alternatively, you can try doing it the other way around.

However, in my experience, I always end up dragging the condensed milk to the side of the glass. Also, when I pour espresso, the hot espresso tends to hurt the condensed milk.

Frothed milk on top

In the photos, you can see that I added an extra layer of milk foam. This is optional, but I like the look of the third layer.

Also, I think the foam makes the drink a little lighter.

To make this froth, use the steam wand but add extra air. Then use a spoon to remove the foam from the Cafe Bombon. And try to skim only the top of your milk jug.

Do not pour the foamed milk. It will mix with the espresso and you will lose the crisp, distinctive look.

Don’t have a steam wand? Do not you worry. I used a milk frother wand like this for years and it works great.

Can I make Cafe Bombon without espresso coffee?

For sure! Yes, you can make Cafe Bombon at home, even if you don’t have an espresso machine.

What substitutes should you use?

There are 2 different options that I tend to use as substitutes for espresso.

First, you can make cold brew coffee concentrate at home. My step-by-step guide will help you make a cold brew concentrate that can be used as espresso in various coffee recipes.

Second, you can easily buy cold brew concentrate at the store. Your local coffee shop might sell some that you can buy.

Here it is one of my favourites which is widely available. Amazon even sells it.

If you are using a cold brew concentrate, just heat it up in the microwave before making this recipe. As Cafe Bombon is usually served hot, do not use the concentrate straight from the fridge.

Are you thinking of buying an espresso machine? Here is mine Calphalon Temp iQ espresso machine review.

Enjoy this coffee recipe

I hope you enjoy this Cafe Bombon recipe. Feel free to ask any questions below in the comments.

Here are some other coffee recipes on The Worktop that you might like: