Brew It Like Abuela: Your Guide to Making Puerto Rican Coffee at Home
There’s something special about the first cup of coffee in the morning. But when it’s Puerto Rican coffee, brewed with tradition and cariño, it becomes more than just a routine—it becomes a ritual.
At Hedman Soto, coffee is personal. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I still remember the mornings filled with the rich, roasted aroma of fresh coffee drifting through our home. I used to walk to the local roaster, Café Sander in Aguadilla, to pick up warm coffee grounds for my family. It’s a memory that lives deeply in my heart.
That’s why Wepa Coffee is such an important part of our collection. It’s not just coffee—it’s a way to honor those memories and invite you to create your own. Today, we’re sharing how to brew it como en casa, using el colador, a cherished method that has graced Puerto Rican kitchens for generations.
What Makes Puerto Rican Coffee Unique?
Single-Origin Arabica Beans: Handpicked in the mountains of Puerto Rico, grown on a fifth-generation family farm.
Rich Flavor Notes: Dark chocolate, cherry, hazelnut, and creamy caramel.
Slow Roasted for Depth: Crafted to bring out boldness and smooth complexity.
Cultural Heritage: Brewing el colador style is not just tradition, it's an art form.
What You’ll Need:
El colador (cloth coffee strainer)
Hot water (just below boiling)
Small saucepan or kettle
Your favorite mug (of course)
Optional: Evaporated milk and a little sprinkle of sugar — because let’s be honest, that’s how many of us grew up enjoying it.
Brewing Steps: El Colador Style
Heat your water - Bring about 2 cups of water to just under boiling. If it bubbles too much, let it rest for a few seconds.
Prepare el colador - Place the cloth filter over a carafe or pot. Add about 2 tablespoons of Wepa Coffee for every cup of water. Adjust depending on how strong you like your brew (we like it bold).
Pour and bloom - Slowly pour a little hot water over the grounds to let them “bloom.” You’ll see them puff up and release their aroma—this is when the magic begins.
Continue pouring - Gently pour the rest of the water in circular motions. Let gravity work its magic as the coffee filters through el colador into your carafe.
Serve and enjoy - Pour into your favorite mug. Enjoy black for pure sabor, or add milk and sugar for that traditional café con leche style.
Why We Love El Colador Brewing
There’s a romance to this method. It’s slow, intentional, and connects you directly to Puerto Rican culture. Beyond flavor, it’s about embracing the process—something we deeply value.
Brewing with el colador honors the past while creating new memories today. It’s a way to pause, appreciate the aroma, and celebrate the heritage in every sip.
Ready to Brew?
Bring home Wepa Coffee and experience Puerto Rico’s rich coffee tradition in your own kitchen.
