Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe MonicaCafé Tucsano Recipe

Café Tucsano Recipe

Inspired by The Monica
Time6m
Serves1

double espresso, mexican vanilla, & la lechera

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Ingredients

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Coffee

Sweeteners & flavor

Method

Coffee

  1. 1

    Preheat and dose

    Preheat a 6–8 oz (180–240 ml) ceramic cup by rinsing with hot water. While the cup warms, weigh 18 g of freshly roasted coffee and grind to a fine espresso setting.

  2. 2

    Tamp and extract

    Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter, tamp with consistent pressure, and lock into the machine. Pull a double shot aiming for a 36–45 ml yield in about 25–30 seconds (adjust grind/dose so extraction time is in that range). Set the extracted double espresso aside and keep it hot.

Sweeteners & flavor

  1. 3

    Prepare condensed milk and vanilla

    Measure 30 ml (2 tablespoons) La Lechera sweetened condensed milk into the warmed serving cup. Add 15 ml (1 tablespoon) Mexican vanilla syrup to the condensed milk. If using vanilla extract instead of syrup, use roughly 1/4 tsp and dissolve into the condensed milk.

  2. 4

    Warm and emulsify the base

    Gently warm and thin the condensed milk + vanilla together so it blends smoothly: either steam briefly with a steam wand (submerge tip below surface and heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling, about 10–15 seconds), or microwave for 8–12 seconds and stir vigorously until smooth. Warming makes it easier to combine with espresso.

  3. 5

    Assemble Café Tucsano

    Pour the freshly pulled double espresso directly over the warm condensed milk + vanilla in the cup. Immediately stir vigorously for 10–15 seconds to emulsify and dissolve the condensed milk into the espresso, creating a silky, sweet crema.

  4. 6

    Optional: soften with milk

    If you prefer a milder, creamier texture, add 30 ml warm whole milk (steamed or heated) and stir once more to integrate. This yields a slightly lighter mouthfeel while keeping the sweet condensed-milk character.

  5. 7

    Finish and serve

    Taste for sweetness; adjust with a small splash more condensed milk or a few drops more vanilla syrup if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

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