Cortadito

Instructions

1. Prepare the espresso maker
   Fill the bottom chamber of a moka pot with water up to the valve. Place the filter basket in and add the ground coffee. Do not tamp down. Screw on the top chamber and set aside.
2. Create the sugar foam
   Add sugar to a small cup with a spout. Set aside until the first few drops of coffee begin to brew, then quickly pour these first dark, strong drops into the cup with sugar. Return the moka pot to heat. Vigorously whisk the sugar and coffee drops together until you create a thick, pale brown foam (espumita).
3. Brew the coffee
   Continue heating the moka pot until the coffee finishes brewing. When it starts to gurgle, remove from heat immediately. Pour the hot brewed coffee over the sugar foam, stirring to incorporate the foam throughout the coffee.
4. Steam the milk
   Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer, or steam using an espresso machine steamer wand. For best results, froth the milk slightly to create a small amount of foam. Add vanilla extract to the milk if using.
5. Combine and serve
   Pour the steamed milk into the coffee mixture, maintaining the 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired and serve immediately with a cinnamon stick as garnish. For an iced version, allow coffee to cool slightly before pouring over ice.