Baristas have different methods for making a cafe Cubano, but the common denominator is a sweetened shot of espresso. You’ve probably been in line behind someone who’s asked for an espresso shot with one sugar, meaning the barista puts the sugar in the cup before the shot is pulled. This is basically a cafe Cubano. The other way to make a cafe Cubano involves putting the sugar in the grounds within the filter basket of the portafilter, creating a sweeter, softer shot of espresso. You can make this drink con leche with a small amount of steamed milk if you want, but it’s fantastic over ice with a little cream — a smooth coffee for the afternoon.Experience shows that you can expect a less-than-enthusiastic response to this drink order at least one third of the time. This is strange, considering the long list of far more neurotic, complicated, and ridiculous coffee orders we all hear on a regular basis. If you really want a great, mildly sweet variation on this coffee drink that’s sure to piss off a majority of baristas, ask for cinnamon in the filter, too.