Barraquito

I rarely drink coffee except when on holiday, and I can manage 3 a day. A Barraquito [barra-KEE-to], also called barraco is a coffee speciality from the Canary Islands, particularly popular on Tenerife and La Palma. The coffee is served in a glass and consists of three layers; sweet condensed milk (minimum 10% fat), espresso and milk froth. The particular ones we were drinking had an extra layer of alcohol in for good measure, which is called "Cuarenta y Tres" (forty-three). Needless to say you get a caffeine, sugar and alcohol hit all at the same time, plus about 1000 calories!

Flash Point, the cool Windsurfer, Kitesurfer, surfer hang out is a great spot to drink and watch the world go by. I come to Tenerife now and again as my Aunt lives there part of the year managing to juggle a little bit of windsurfing and tennis whilst co-running a very successful Windsurfing/Kitesurfing business which she and my uncle started in 1985. Take a look at Surfstore. Seen in the picture are my aunt, on the left, and my mum, on the right. Two inspirational ladies to be proud of!

Other Coffee's available in Tenerife should you happen to be there!

Cafe cortado natural (usually shortened to "cortado natural" [na-too-RAL]) A little glass of coffee with heated milk.

(Cafe) cortado condensada A little glass of coffee with condensed milk.

(Cafe) cortado leche leche [letchay letchay]. A little glass of coffee with both regular and condensed milk.

Cafe solo. The only one served, for some reason, in a cup (a little one), containing just coffee.

Cafe con leche The thing most Brits order (but served in a cup on a saucer). Regular sized coffee with milk. Natives usually drink it in a tall glass. If you want to follow suit, ask for "cafe con leche en vaso".

Cafe solo largo Large black coffee.

Carajillo [cara-HEEL-yo] Small black coffee, topped up with a dash of brandy.