When it comes to coffee culture, Russia is not traditionally known as a coffee-origin country.
There are only a few coffee beverages that truly originated in Russia, and among them, Raf
Coffee stands out as the most iconic.

What is Raf Coffee?

Raf Coffee is a unique Russian coffee drink made by combining espresso with vanilla sugar and
cream, then steaming everything together at once. The result is an exceptionally sweet coffee
with an ultra-smooth, velvety texture.
Unlike classic milk-based drinks such as latte or cappuccino, which rely on milk foam, Raf Coffee
is known for its silky micro-foam that blends seamlessly into the drink, creating a rich and
creamy mouthfeel.

The History of Raf Coffee in Russia

Coffee Bean was one of the first modern coffee chains in Moscow, Russia, established in 1996
near Red Square.
One day, a regular customer named Rafael Timerbaev asked the barista for something
different. He enjoyed coffee with milk but did not like cappuccino or latte. His request was
simple:
“Make me a coffee with milk that tastes really good.”
Three baristas, Gleb Neveikin, Artem Berestov, and Galina Samokhina, experimented by
steaming espresso together with vanilla sugar and cream. Rafael loved it and ordered it
regularly. Other customers became curious, and soon the drink gained popularity.
The beverage was named Raf Coffee, literally meaning “coffee for Raf.” It quickly spread across
Moscow and eventually became a signature coffee drink of Russia.

Classic Raf Coffee Recipe (Using an Espresso Machine)

If you ever visit Russia, trying Raf Coffee is a must. If not, you can easily make it at home.

Ingredients:

• 50 g espresso (double shot)
• 100 g cream (fat content not exceeding 11%) – (If using higher-fat cream, dilute with milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Equipment: Espresso machine with steam wand

Preparation:

1. Brew espresso using 7–8 g of ground coffee per 25 ml of water.
2. Preheat the serving cup.
3. Add cream, vanilla sugar, and sugar into the cup, then pour in the espresso.
4. Steam the mixture together until smooth and creamy.
5. Serve immediately

Note: The cream should be at room temperature. Cold cream will not foam properly and
may cool the drink.

Raf Coffee Recipe Using Coffee Creamer

Raf Coffee is famous for its thick, smooth, almost ice-cream-like texture. Traditionally, it uses
liquid heavy cream. However, this can be adapted using coffee creamer as a more economical
and flexible alternative—especially for those avoiding dairy-based cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso (30–40 ml) or strong instant coffee
• Cream base: 100–150 ml warm water mixed with 3–4 tablespoons of powdered coffee creamer
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

(Tip: Make the creamer solution very thick to mimic heavy cream consistency.)

Equipment: Electric milk frother or French press

Preparation:

1. Dissolve the coffee creamer powder in warm water until fully smooth and lump-free.
2. The texture should be thicker and whiter than regular milk.
3. In a tall glass or pitcher, combine hot espresso, sugar, vanilla sugar, and the thick
   creamer solution.
4. Froth the mixture:
   o Using a frother: Froth until the volume increases and the texture becomes glossy
   and silky.
   o Using a French press: Pump rapidly for about 30 seconds until thick and smooth.
5. Pour into a large cup (200–250 ml).
6. Optionally garnish with vanilla powder or cinnamon.

Why Use Coffee Creamer for Raf Coffee

If you enjoy creamy coffee drinks, coffee creamer is a practical alternative to milk or coconut
milk—offering more than just cost efficiency.

1. Lactose-Free Option
Most non-dairy creamer products are made from vegetable fats (coconut or palm oil),
making them suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

2. Smoother and More Stable Texture
Coffee creamer is designed for high solubility and stable emulsification, resulting in a
consistently smooth, silky drink without separation or oil layers, ideal for Raf Coffee.

3. Longer Shelf Life
Powdered coffee creamer can last 1–2 years without refrigeration when stored
properly, making it convenient for home use and beverage businesses.

4. Enhances Aroma Without Overpowering Coffee
Milk and coconut milk often have strong aromas that can dominate the coffee profile.
Creamer has a more neutral taste, enhancing creaminess without masking the natural
flavor of premium coffee beans.

5. Adjustable Thickness (Customizable)
With coffee creamer, you can easily control the thickness of your drink by adjusting the
powder ratio, perfect for achieving the signature richness of Raf Coffee.

Elevate Your Coffee with the Right Creamer!

Experience smoother texture, better stability, and consistent quality by using coffee creamer
for your beverages.
Choose Santos Premium Krimer to elevate your coffee creations and deliver a memorable
drinking experience.