What is Raf Coffee and How to Make It?

Can there be a coffee drink named after a customer?

Sounds impossible right?

But it exists.

Yes! I am talking about Raf coffee, a silky and comforting drink that became the new Russian coffee trend.

Today in this article, I will share with you what raf coffee is and how you can make this flavorful drink at home in no time.

What is Raf Coffee?

Raf coffee! Also called the Raffaello coffee, is a silky and refreshing coffee drink that has its roots in Russia.

It is a unique combination of espresso, vanilla sugar, and cream giving a distinct flavor and texture.

If you have a sweet tooth, this drink is going to make you drool.

History of Raf Coffee

Raf Coffee has a fascinating story. It was born to satisfy the quest of a customer.

Yes! Raf coffee is the result of Rafael Timarbaev, a customer at Moscow's coffee bean roastery looking for a coffee with milk.

The twist was he never wanted it to turn into a cappuccino.

So the barista came up with a recipe where he mixed an espresso shot with cream and sugar and steamed it together.

The result was a unique, flavorful drink that represents the vibrant coffee culture of the Middle East, which became a common drink in local cafes and households later.

Over time, Raf coffee evolved with various iterations and flavor modifications, each that reflects the unique preferences and traditions of different regions.

How to Make Raf Coffee?

Ingredients

• double espresso shot or strong coffee
• 4 oz cream
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla sugar

Equipment

Espresso machine or coffee maker
Steaming wand or milk frother
Milk pitcher
Coffee cup or glass

Step-by-step instructions to make it

Step 1: Make your coffee base ready

Begin by brewing an espresso shot using your favorite espresso machine. Here I am using an automatic espresso machine to do so. In case you don’t have an espresso machine, don't worry. You can also brew it using a Moka pot or a French press.

Just make sure that while using a French press you follow the ideal ratio for the perfect flavor. Use only 4 tablespoons of coffee for 100 ml of water.

Step 2: Mix your ingredients well

Take a milk pitcher and add vanilla sugar, cream, and espresso into it. Once done, steam the mixture until you see the smooth and velvety foam formed. In case you don't have a steam wand, you can still achieve the same result with a few extra steps.
For this, just heat the heavy cream in a saucepan on medium flame.

Once done, pour the hot cream into a clean and warm French press (make sure it's washed well if previously used for coffee). Lastly add the brewed coffee, and sugar, and cover the lid. Plunge it rapidly and repeat the process until the mixture doubles in volume.

Step 3: Serve it

Now carefully pour into a mug. Finally, doll it up with some additional vanilla sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Lavender Raf Coffee - Its Most Popular Version

Have you ever come across an aroma that made you drool?

Either yes or no, give this Lavender Raf coffee a try. What makes it stand out is its captivating aroma.

In this recipe, dried Lavender is added to the normal Raf coffee for a floral and refreshing twist.

The flavors that you will experience here are unique and flavorful complementing bold espresso well and balancing the flavors.

Its Other Variations

What makes Raf coffee everyone's favorite, is its versatility. You can substitute vanilla extract with your favorite syrup or any flavoring like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.

You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and cozy twist.

Each addition adds its own unique twist to the standard Raf coffee recipe and allows you to customize your drink to suit your preferences.

Let Summarize It

Raf coffee is a great replacement if you are tired of boring cappuccinos or mochas. It is a perfect drink to start your day.

You can pair it with croissants. The best part is its preparation is simple and you can make endless customizations to it.

You can try Lavender Raf coffee as a showstopper for your group gatherings or special events. It's so good that your guests won't be able to resist it.

Give it a try and share your experience with us in the comments.