CUBAN COFFEE

Born in Miami

Explore our bold roasts, learn about our roots, or simply feel at home with every sip.

From our family to yours…Bienvenidos!

SHOP NOW

Step into a journey where every bean tells a story!

Welcome to Balseros Cuban Coffee, where tradition meets bold flavor. Inspired by the spirit of Cuban resilience, our coffee is more than a drink, it's a tribute to stories of courage, warmth, and heritage. Whether you're discovering us for the first time or you're a longtime fan, we're proud to share our passion in every roast.

About Us

BALSEROS CUBAN COFFEE is a family run business born in Miami driven by coffee quality and inspired by the spirit of Cuban resilience. Our coffee is more than a drink, it's a tribute to stories of courage, warmth, and heritage and our blends are crafted with passion, tradition and a touch of rebellion.

Why Balseros?

Meaning: Balseros ("rafters", from the Spanish balsa "raft") were Cuban refugees who emigrated in self-constructed or precarious vessels from Cuba to Florida.

History: The August 1994 Cuban rafter crisis was the fourth wave of Cuban immigration following the communist regime rise to power. That summer, over a four-day period, a fleet of 16 Coast Guard cutters picked up over 8,000 Cuban rafters. It is estimated that 16,000 to 100,000 “Balseros” perished at sea in their escape from Cuba.

Coffee Recipes

Colada

A Colada is a 4-ounce Cuban espresso made with espumita (sugar foam)

 Read more

Cortadito

A Cortadito is a shot of unsweetened Cuban espresso with steamed milk

Café con Leche

A Café con Leche is a shot of unsweetened Cuba espresso and a glass of steamed milk. It could be served mixed or separate.

Carajillo

A Carajillo is a hot coffee or espresso with a splash of Brandy or Rum, sometimes with a hint of anise or citrus peel

ORIGINS

Coffee was introduced in Cuba in 1748. José Antonio Gelabert, a native of Barcelona, is credited with bringing the first coffee plants to the island and establishing a plantation on the outskirts of Havana.

EXPANSION

Following the 1791 Haitian Revolution, fleeing French farmers brought advanced, efficient cultivation techniques to Cuba. They established coffee plantations in the mountainous regions, particularly the Sierra Maestra and Escambray Mountains.

GOLDEN AGE

By the 19th century, coffee had become a major export for Cuba, often rivaling or exceeding sugar production in value. In the mid-1950s, Cuba was exporting more than 20,000 metric tons (22,046 short tons) of coffee beans per year. Cuban coffee was sold at premium prices on world markets. Much of that coffee was exported to Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Germany.

What our customers say

"I’ve been looking for a coffee that truly captures the essence of a good Cuban espresso for a while, and Balseros hit the nail on the head. It is strong, dark, and has that intense body that wakes you up immediately without being bitter. I make a colada for my family, and everyone loves it. If you are looking for that morning kick with traditional flavor, this is the one to order."

Carlos M.
Carlos M.
Verified Customer

"I'm usually not a fan of flavored coffees because they tend to taste artificial, but Balseros' Infused collection is on another level. The aroma fills the kitchen the moment you open the bag. The flavor is subtle and elegant; you can tell they use high-quality beans and the infusion is natural. It is perfect for a mid-afternoon treat with a dessert. Will definitely order again!"

Wei Chen
Wei Chen
Verified Customer

"Como amante del buen café, soy muy exigente con el origen. Probé la colección de Colombia de Balseros y me sorprendió gratamente. Tiene ese equilibrio perfecto entre acidez y dulzura que caracteriza al grano colombiano, con un tueste medio que resalta las notas frutales. Es un café muy suave, ideal para tomarlo negro y disfrutar cada sorbo. Calidad premium garantizada."

Alejandro G.
Alejandro G.
Verified Customer