If you’ve ever been to Miami, the norm is to try the cafecito here. Whether you buy it at your nearest Karla Bakery, or if someone is kind enough to give you a thimble-sized sample, then it is enough to say that you have tasted an important staple of Miami culture. Cafecito, which is essentially cuban espresso made in a cafetera and with espuma (sugar froth), is not only a fundamental thing to drink, but rather a social tradition that every Miamian has participated in. This little pick-me-up is robust with the flavors of finely ground espresso beans packed into the cafetera, and is typically very sweet depending on the ventanita you get it from. It is very conventional that someone from the office brings back a styrofoam cup filled with cafecito and shares it with the whole office -- even with the people working down the hall. This routine lingers because it helps keep Cuban tradition stay alive. Most Miami dwellers are Cuban, who have fled from Castro’s regime; and although they have left their country, they still preserve their culture by drinking cafectios.

    It is needless to say that drinking cafecitos is beyond a delicious routine that inhabitants of Miami participate in; it has now transformed to a social movement. Miami PR maven, JennyLee Molina, has taken a traditional habit to the next social level. Now, the official time to drink cafecitos are at 3:05, in honor of Miami’s area code, and to hashtag #305cafecito via facebook or twitter. Join us from anywhere in the world with a cafecito in your hand by hashtagging your next update on whichever social platform, or both!

Written by Miami Food Blogger: Caroline Shalabi