Brew the espresso

• Fill the espresso machine with ground coffee and pull a strong shot into a small cup.

Make the sugar paste

• Put the sugar in a small bowl and add the first few drops of hot espresso.
• Whisk vigorously until a thick, pale, creamy paste forms.

Combine and serve

• Pour the remaining hot espresso over the sugar paste and stir until a light foam (espumita) rises to the top.
• Serve immediately in small cups.