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PortugueseAuthentic Cuisine

Bica

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Bica

Bica is a classic Lisbon espresso, brewed with a touch of tradition that only the city's cafés have perfected. At home, it's made with a simplicity that respects its roots, using robust dark-roast coffee and a careful balance of water and sugar. This is the version that finds its way onto the breakfast table or concludes a leisurely lunch, bringing with it the comfort of familiarity and the warmth of routine.

The perfect bica should be intensely aromatic, with a bold bitterness softened by just enough sugar to accentuate its flavors. The twist of lemon peel adds a faint citrus note, brightening each sip without overpowering it. It's an unpretentious coffee, enjoyed without ceremony, offering a small moment of pleasure in the everyday.

Ingredients

  • 60 gdark-roast coffee — finely ground
  • 400 mlwater — just off the boil
  • 4 tspsugar — to taste
  • 1strip of lemon peel — optional

Method

  1. Start by brewing 60 g of dark-roast coffee. Use a coffee maker or a French press, ensuring the coffee is freshly brewed and strong. Once brewed, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 400 ml of water with 4 tsp of sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed in the final drink.
  3. Add a strip of lemon peel to the sugar water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes, which will help infuse the citrus flavor into the syrup. You'll know it's ready when you can smell the lemon's aroma.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the Bica.
  5. Once the syrup has cooled, combine it with the brewed coffee in a large pitcher or bowl. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly mixed. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary, adding more sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
  6. Pour the Bica into warmed cups if you prefer it hot, or over ice if you enjoy it cold. Serve immediately with a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick as a traditional garnish, ensuring it's at its best temperature for drinking.
Cover of Authentic Portuguese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Portuguese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Portuguese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Portuguese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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