Raf Coffee: The Cultishly Popular Russian Espresso Drink and How to Make It

In the vast universe of coffee, where Italian classics like cappuccinos and Americanos reign supreme, a lesser-known but incredibly delicious contender has been winning hearts from Moscow to Melbourne: the Raf Coffee. If you’re a fan of creamy, sweet, and uniquely aromatic coffee drinks, the Raf might just become your new favorite.

But what exactly is this curiously named beverage, and how can you create the perfect one at home? Let’s dive in.

What is Raf Coffee? A Story of Serious Customization

The story of Raf coffee is a modern coffee fairytale that begins in Moscow in the late 1990s. As the legend goes, a regular customer named Rafael (often shortened to “Raf”) visited a coffee shop called Coffee Bean. He wasn’t entirely satisfied with the standard menu options and asked the baristas to create something special just for him.

The baristas, rising to the challenge, decided to experiment. They pulled a shot of espresso and instead of steaming milk separately, they combined the espresso with cream and a sweetener (typically vanilla sugar) first, and then steamed the entire mixture together with the steam wand of the espresso machine.

The result was nothing short of magical. Rafael loved it. Soon, other customers began asking for “that coffee you made for Raf.” The name stuck, and a new coffee category was born.

So, in its purest form, a Raf coffee is:

• A single, homogenized beverage where espresso, cream, and a sweetener are steamed together into a velvety, smooth, and incredibly aromatic drink.

• Not a latte or a cappuccino. The key difference is the process. In a latte, espresso and steamed milk are combined but remain distinct layers. In a Raf, the ingredients are fused into one uniform, creamy consistency through steaming, creating a unique flavor and texture profile that is entirely its own.

The Hallmarks of a Perfect Raf

A well-made Raf is a experience. It should have:

• A Silky, Velvety Texture: The mouthfeel is its most defining characteristic. It should be incredibly smooth, almost like a warm, liquid cloud. There should be no separation or layers.

• A Delicate, Sweet Aroma: The classic sweetener is vanilla sugar, which imparts a beautiful, comforting fragrance that complements, rather than masks, the coffee.

• A Balanced Flavor: The cream softens the espresso’s acidity and bitterness, while the sweetener enhances its natural notes. The result is a harmonious blend where no single element overpowers the others.

How to Make a Classic Raf Coffee at Home

You don’t need to be a Moscow barista to craft an excellent Raf. While having an espresso machine with a steam wand is ideal, there are workarounds for every setup.

The Classic Recipe (Using an Espresso Machine)

This method produces the authentic, steamed-together texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso (approx. 30-40g)

• 100-120 ml (approx. 3.5-4 oz) of heavy cream (10-20% fat content. Half-and-half or full-fat milk can work, but cream is traditional and creates the best texture).

• 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar (This is the classic. You can substitute with plain sugar and a drop of vanilla extract).

Equipment:

• Espresso machine with a steam wand

• A small pitcher (jug)

• A cup to serve

Instructions:

1. Pull Your Espresso: Pull a single shot of espresso directly into your steaming pitcher. This is crucial—the espresso needs to be in the pitcher, not your cup.

2. Add Cream and Sweetener: Immediately add your cold cream and vanilla sugar to the pitcher with the fresh espresso.

3. Steam the Mixture: Insert the steam wand into the pitcher and steam the entire mixture. The goal is to incorporate air and heat it to about 60-70°C (140-160°F)—hot to the touch but not scalding. You want to create a rich, microfoam texture without large bubbles. The volume will increase slightly.

4. Serve Immediately: Pour the beautifully steamed, frothy mixture into your pre-warmed cup. The drink will be one uniform, light brown color with a velvety foam on top. No need to stir—it’s already perfectly homogenized.

Alternative Methods (No Espresso Machine?)

No machine? No problem. You can approximate the Raf experience with a bit of ingenuity.

Method 1: The Whisk / Hand Frother Approach

• Brew a strong coffee: Use a Moka pot, AeroPress, or even strongly brewed instant coffee to create a concentrated coffee base (about ½ cup).

• Combine and Heat: In a small saucepan, gently heat the coffee concentrate, cream, and vanilla sugar together over medium-low heat. Do not let it boil.

• Froth: Once hot, use a handheld milk frother, a French press (pump the plunger vigorously), or even a whisk to aerate the mixture until it becomes foamy and smooth.

• Pour and enjoy.

Method 2: The Jar Method

• Combine: Add your hot, strong coffee, cream, and sugar to a glass jar (a mason jar works well). Fill it only halfway to leave room for shaking.

• Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly and shake with all your might for 30-60 seconds until the mixture is frothy and increased in volume.

• Heat (Optional): If it cooled down during shaking, you can carefully microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Be careful as the jar will be hot.

The World of Raf Variations

The basic Raf formula is a fantastic canvas for creativity. The “vanilla” Raf is just the beginning. Popular modern variations include:

• Nut Raf: Use hazelnut or almond syrup instead of vanilla sugar.

• Orange Raf: Add a bit of orange zest or a drop of natural orange extract.

• Lavender Raf: Infuse the cream with dried culinary lavender or use a lavender syrup.

• Honey Raf: Substitute vanilla sugar with a spoon of high-quality honey.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Coffee

Raf coffee is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the spirit of customization and innovation in coffee culture. It was born from a simple request for “something different” and evolved into a beloved staple. Its luxurious texture and comforting sweetness offer a different, more dessert-like coffee experience that stands apart from its European cousins.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a coffee that feels like a warm embrace, skip the usual order and try making a Raf. You might just discover your new favorite way to brew.