Gibraltar Coffee Recipe – A Unique Coffee Blend
As a barista, I often get asked about the Gibraltar coffee recipe.
What’s in it? How do you make it? And so on.
So I thought I would put together a blog post with all the information you need to know about this unique coffee blend.
What Is a Gibraltar Coffee?
A Gibraltar is a latte-style drink made of steamed milk with espresso. It contains steamed milk to a velvety texture and a double espresso with a 1:1 milk-coffee ratio, strictly served in a Gibraltar glass cup.
Some recipes on the internet call it a Cortado, but they are not the same. Nor is a Gibraltar the same as a Flat White. But I’ll get to the differences soon.

Origin of the Drink
Gibraltar is a coffee drink that has become popular in recent years. It was first developed by the owner of Blue Bottle Co. in 2005. After making its debut in San Francisco, it quickly spread to other cities.

It became a staple at specialty coffee shops like New York’s Cafe Grumpy and Chicago’s Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea Company. Today, you can find it in most specialty coffee shops around the country.
How to make Gibraltar coffee?
Gibraltar is the perfect way to enjoy coffee with milk. It is similar to a latte but contains less milk. The authentic recipe calls for two shots of espresso instead of one.
What Kind of Cup Should Gibraltar Coffee Be Served In?
A Gibraltar glass should be used for Gibraltar coffee. These unique style glasses create an optical illusion by bulging at the top, making it look like you’re serving more than you are. Buying these for your home bar is smart since Gibraltar glasses have an elegant yet welcoming vibe.

Besides, Gibraltar glass is a classic choice for your coffee, enabling you to taste all the subtle nuances of the espresso. The traditional way to serve this drink is by heating the rock glass with hot water for about 5 minutes and then pouring your espresso shot and milk over it.
Tips for a Perfectly Blended Brew
- Fresh milk is the key to perfect milk foam, but I personally prefer whole milk when making Gibraltar. However, low-fat milk will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Keep in mind that non-dairy milk, like soy milk, tends to burn more quickly, so use lower temperatures and stir more slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Gibraltar is the perfect cup of coffee. It has the right balance of flavor and aroma that will please even the most sophisticated coffee drinker.
Great to lighten up your mood with its rich texture and intense flavor, but also perfect for entertaining guests!
Browse our other recipes for inspiration, then head to your kitchen and start brewing! I would love to hear your thoughts on Gibraltar coffee – leave a comment below!