Found only at select coffee shops is the Gibraltar coffee — a coffee menu item that will leave you saying, “What is that?” based on its name alone. This specialty coffee originated in San Francisco at Blue Bottle Coffee but has since spread to small coffee shops worldwide. I’d describe this coffee as similar to a Cortado, yet these two drinks have unique differences.
When I first saw a Gibraltar coffee at a coffee shop, I knew I needed to learn more about what this coffee was all about. I chatted with Gibraltar coffee expert Vadym Granovskiy, an expert in coffee Artistry, expertise and mentorship, and TEDx Kyiv Speaker, to learn everything about the Gibraltar coffee — from how it’s made to how it was invented. Granovskiy is especially inspired by the story behind the accidental invention of Gibraltar coffee, drawing inspiration as a coffee lover himself. In his free time, he loves to experiment with new coffee and espresso beverages.
What is Gibraltar coffee?
Granovskiy describes Gibraltar coffee as “A stylish strong coffee with milk, served into a 4.5 oz Libbey Gibraltar glass, which is where the drink gets its name.” Made with two shots of espresso and about two ounces of lightly steamed milk, this coffee has specific proportions and must be served in a Gibraltar glass. The drink offers “A perfect synergy of coffee and milk, ideal for people who want a short milk drink with a strong espresso flavor, without the sweetness or volume of a latte.”
Origins of the Gibraltar coffee
Part of understanding the Gibraltar coffee is understanding its origins, per Granovskiy. “I love the story of the pretty accidental Gibraltar invention when someone from Blue Bottle in San Francisco bought a bunch of Gibraltar octagonal glass tumblers under the impression that they would be big enough for cupping (evaluating ) coffee,” he says.
As it turns out, the glasses were not large enough for their intended purpose, but the company’s baristas quickly found a new use for them. Baristas would add generous portions of steamed milk to hot espresso in these glasses, inspiring a tight coffee-to-milk ratio. This breakthrough led to what is called the Gibraltar coffee today. Blue Bottle Coffee even describes the accidental invention of the Gibraltar coffee as a “happy accident” in a recent Instagram post. I’ll admit, watching this video makes me want to get the glasses at home to give this drink a try.
Coffee trends
While this drink isn’t one every Barista will know how to make off the top of their head, more and more Baristas are learning as this coffee trend takes off. “The Gibraltar coffee trend, like other specialty coffee micro-trends, has a niche but influential footprint. I see it as a high-end, off-menu “barista’s drink” — a sign of minimalism,” says Granovskiy.
After the drink initially gained popularity in San Francisco, other coffee companies, such as New York’s Cafe Grumpy and Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, also began serving Gibraltar coffee. As a similar Cortado coffee trend grows, it’s in question whether the Gibraltar coffee will grow alongside it. In my area in the Philadelphia suburbs, I have yet to come across the Gibraltar coffee on many coffee shop menus.
What does a Gibraltar coffee taste like?
Part of what sets the Gibraltar coffee apart from the rest is its serving glass, which means making this drink at home will require having the drink on hand, too. However, there is some controversy surrounding the actual composition of this tiny coffee drink. Some say the recipe is almost identical to a Spanish cortado, while others claim that Gibraltar coffee has a slightly stronger, bolder taste due to the use of less steamed milk.
So, will you be able to tell the difference? This depends on where you order your Gibraltar coffee and who makes it. As described by Blue Bottle Coffee founder, James Freeman, “It is a Cortado, but we didn’t know that at the time”. Some people have also nicknamed this drink a “small, strong latte” or have described it as tasting somewhere between a macchiato and a latte.
Making a Gibraltar coffee
For those who enjoy a more potent coffee drink like I do, the Gibraltar coffee could be worth a try. This drink has a slightly bolder, more espresso-forward flavor than a cortado and uses somewhat less steamed milk. I already love the Cortado, so I’m pretty excited to find a specialty coffee shop where I can try an actual Gibraltar coffee.
If you happen to have a Gibraltar glass on hand at home, the process of making this drink is relatively straightforward. First, you’ll brew a double shot of espresso using finely ground beans (about 2 ounces). Then, steam two ounces of milk using any method until it has reached a smooth and velvety texture and a temperature of approximately 150°F. Then, pour the espresso into a warmed glass, top with steamed milk, and enjoy.
