Cafe Bombon – How to Make

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

Cafe Bombon is a tasty sweet coffee recipe

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

I recently purchased an espresso maker. It’s been wonderful to be able to make a latte for myself every morning. I think I’m really spoiling myself.

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

But don’t worry. Even if you don’t have an espresso maker at home, you can still make this recipe with some adjustments. I’ll share some espresso alternative ideas below.

What is Cafe Bombon?

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

Cafe Bombon is a stunning drink because of the way it is made and served.

This coffee is typically served in a glass cup. By doing so, it highlights the sharp color difference between the light condensed milk and the dark coffee.

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

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

It’s still not easily found though. So here’s the recipe so you can try it at home.

How to make Cafe Bombon

This drink is very easy to put together and serve. The biggest question is how do you keep that sharp contrast between the condensed milk and the espresso?

This is the way I have found works the best.

First, pour in the espresso.

Second, slowly drizzle in the condensed milk. Because the condensed milk is heavier, it will naturally sink.

Alternatively, you could try to do it the other way around.

However, in my experience, I always end up drizzling the condensed milk onto the side of the glass. In addition, when I pour the espresso on, the hot espresso tends to make a dent in the condensed milk.

Frothy milk on top

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

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

To make this froth, use the milk steamer wand but add extra air. Then, use a spoon to scoop the froth on the Cafe Bombon. And try to scoop just froth on the top of your milk jug.

Do not pour the foamy milk on. It will mix in with the espresso and you will lose the sharp distinct look.

Don’t have a steamer wand? No worries. I used a milk frothing wand like this for years and it works great.

Can I make Cafe Bombon without an espresso maker?

Sure! Yes you can make Cafe Bombon at home, even if you don’t have an espresso maker.

What substitutes should you use?

There’s 2 different options that I tend to use as espresso substitutes.

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 you can purchase.

Here is one of my favorites that is widely available. Amazon even sells it.

If you use a cold brew concentrate, just warm it up in the microwave before making this recipe. Since Cafe Bombon is usually served hot, don’t use the concentrate straight from the fridge.

Are you thinking about buying an espresso maker? Here’s my review of the Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine.

Enjoy this coffee recipe

I really 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 you might love: