What is Bica
And how to make one at home.

(Easy Recipe)

A strong Portuguese espresso with less water, delivering a bold shot with thick crema.

Updated On: Jun 06, 2025

The Brewing Hub

Bica is a Portuguese espresso variant using less water for a concentrated shot with thick crema. Popular in Portugal, it’s a bold, quick coffee for those who love intense flavors.

Origin Story of Bica

Bica, a Portuguese staple, is a strong espresso with minimal water, known for its intense flavor and WWII-era popularity.

How is Bica made?

Bica is brewed with finely ground coffee and less water than a standard espresso, resulting in a bold, intense shot with a thick, creamy crema.

Rich History and Origins of Bica

Portuguese term, possibly from "bica" (spout), referring to the espresso machine’s pour.

Emerging during WWII in Portugal, Bica became popular for its strong, quick preparation, using less water to create a concentrated espresso with rich crema.

Ideal time to Enjoy Bica

Perfect for mornings or a quick afternoon boost.

Aroma Profile	Intense and Robust
Flavour Notes	Strong, Bitter, Crema-Heavy
Roast Level	Dark
Preparation Difficulty Level	High
Best Brewing Equipment	Espresso Machine
Serving Glassware	Demitasse Cup

Authentic Recipe Of Bica

TIME TO PREPARE : 1-2 min

Intense and bold, ready in a flash.

Steps:

Brew a short espresso to your desired strength.
Add less water to taste.
Pour until creamy and frothy.
Serve immediately for a strong coffee boost.

“Discover the world of coffee with our complete guide to various coffee types.”

Explore More Coffee Types

Best Milk for a Creamier Bica good

Almond Milk

Oat Milk

Coconut Milk

Coffee Pairings (Food)

Nuts, Dark Chocolate

Recommended Pairing Drinks

Sparkling Water

Customisation Options

Adjust shot length, Add sweeteners

Nutritional Profile & Other Information on Bica

Serving Size	20 - 25 (mL)	0.68 - 0.85 (Oz)
Caffeine	63 - 85 mg
Calories	1 - 5 kcal
Suitable For	Low Calorie Diet

Sugar: 0 gm

Net Carbs: 0 gm

Total Fat: 0 gm

Protein: 0 gm

Exploring the World of Brews: Discover Different Coffee Types

Coffee comes in various forms, each with its own unique flavour and personality. Choose your favourites, or try them all.

Café Zorro

Double espresso mixed with equal parts hot water for a balanced, bold coffee.

Cortado

Espresso cut with a small dash of warm milk for a smooth finish. Balances the intensity of espresso with the creaminess of milk.

French Press Coffee

Coffee brewed in a French press, noted for its deep, rich taste. Allows for full control over the brewing time and strength.

Decaf Coffee

The full flavor of coffee, with the majority of caffeine removed. Ideal for those who love coffee but need to avoid caffeine.

Ristretto

A shorter, more potent version of espresso with a hint of sweetness. Offers a richer body with less bitterness.

Mexican Cafe de Olla

Aromatic coffee brewed with cinnamon and sweet piloncillo. Offers a unique spiced flavor typical of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Cold Brew

Coffee steeped cold for a long time, offering a smoother taste. Known for its low acidity and refreshing qualities.

Lungo

An elongated espresso shot, lighter and more diluted. Provides a longer, smoother sip than a standard espresso.

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Explore Milk Types That Go With The Above Coffee

Perfect Milk Pairings for Your Favourite Coffees

Rice Milk

The most hypoallergenic milk alternative with a naturally sweet taste.

Cashew Milk

Features a creamy texture with a sweet, subtle nutty taste.

Condensed Milk

Offers a thick, sweetened texture, popular in specialty coffees worldwide.

Grass-Fed Butter

Adds a rich, buttery flavor and is used in energy-boosting Bulletproof coffee.

Heavy Cream

Delivers a decadent, creamy thickness to coffee, used sparingly.

Soy Milk

Rich in protein and excellent for creating froth, similar to dairy milk.

Whipped Cream

Provides a light, airy topping that enhances the visual appeal and texture of coffee.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Transforms coffee into a sweet, creamy dessert with a touch of vanilla.