Coffee aficionados around the world appreciate an excellent espresso in the same way that a sommelier savors a vintage wine. The sharp, smoky taste of espresso tantalizes the palate in a way that is distinct and gratifying. Espresso is known for its ability to put a spring in the step, due to the high amount of caffeine compared to other coffee beverages.
Nowadays, it is common to hear patrons in coffee shops ordering shots of espresso either as a standalone or as an addition to a regular brewed cup. Also, espresso incorporates into other coffee drinks, such as cappuccino or americano. However, true espresso connoisseurs prefer espresso served unadulterated, to truly appreciate the complexities of its flavor. Below are answers to some common questions that you may have about this marvelous beverage.
The Definition of Espresso Coffee.
First, Espresso is not a type of coffee bean, type of roast or blend of beans. Instead, Espresso is a brewing method where a small amount of hot water is forced by high pressure through finely ground coffee of any kind. This manner of preparation results in a thicker, more dense liquid than other coffee brewing processes produce.
Espresso brewed coffee is an extremely concentrated version of whatever coffee bean is in use. There are more dissolved liquids and solids in espresso compared to regular brewed coffee, so the flavor is intense, and there is a higher level of caffeine per liquid ounce. Another unique characteristic of espresso is the amount of creamy foam that results from the brewing, which is called the crema.
The Difference Between Coffee and Espresso.
The big difference between coffee and espresso is the brewing method. Regular coffee preparation involves placing ground coffee beans into a filter, and then the coffee making machine pours water into the filter over the ground beans. The brewing method of espresso is different. Espresso machines are designed to rapidly force water through compacted, finely ground beans, producing a more condensed, robust result.
The most significant difference between coffee and espresso, though, is the taste. Even the darkest roasts of coffee do not taste anywhere near as potent as a cup of espresso, which has a complex flavor that is both bitter and rich at the same time.
Where Was Espresso Invented?
The history of espresso dates to the 19th century when coffee was popular in Europe and coffee shops were everywhere. Inventors were scrambling to find a way to brew coffee more quickly to meet the insatiable demand, and they wanted to reduce the average brew time from approximately five minutes to something closer to one minute.
Angelo Morindo of Turin, Italy was granted a patent for a steam driven machine for bulk brewing that was the prototype of the single serving espresso maker. Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni scaled Monindo’s invention down to the device that was introduced at the 1906 Milan Fair producing what they called café espresso. The word espresso has the same derivation as the word express, meaning that this machine produced coffee as quickly as possible.
How is Espresso Made?
The process of brewing espresso begins with the water reservoir, from which the pump of the machine draws water into the heating chamber of the device. The heating chamber then heats the water to a high temperature, creating elevated pressure. Now, there is a component of the device called the portafilter, and this is the removable filter into which the espresso grounds are packed. The espresso machine forces the high-pressure water into the portafilter, and espresso then pours from the spigot into the cup and served.
What Does Espresso Taste Like?
Many people will describe the taste of espresso as bitter, but if bitterness is the only taste, then the preparation is incorrect. Ideally, the flavor of espresso is a perfect balance between acidity and richness, so that while it should taste slightly bitter, it should also be full bodied, creamy and have a slightly sweet overtone.
What is the Size of an Espresso Cup?
Because espresso is so concentrated, small, one-ounce cups suffice for a single serving. Sometimes a garnish of lemon twist is added to enhance the flavor.
How Much Caffeine is in a Cup of Espresso?
Espresso contains a high percentage of caffeine per ounce compared to regular coffee. One ounce of espresso can have anywhere between 40 to 60 mg of caffeine in it. In comparison a regular coffee could have about 10 mg caffeine per ounce. Popular espresso shot is two ounces (Doppio or double espresso) and has about 80 mg caffeine in it and standard drip coffee cup about 12 ounces (varies a lot), so still per cup you can get more caffeine from regular coffee depending on the size of the cup.
Just as with regular coffee, the amount of caffeine is dependent upon the type of bean used and the roast of the coffee.
Why Does Espresso Have Foam on Top?
The foam, or crema, on the top of a serving of espresso, is the result of the high-pressure of the espresso machine and the fatty oils in the beans. The foam is thousands of tiny bubbles, and the fact that they are present is a testament to the pressure quality of the machine producing the cup. Freshly roasted and finely ground beans tend to create a richer crema.
Is Demitasse the Same as Espresso?
Demitasse and Espresso are not the same things. Demitasse refers to the size of the cup, and the definition of the word demitasse is a small cup. People often serve espresso in a demitasse cup, but the same is true of Turkish coffee.
Types of Popular Espresso Drinks.
Cappuccino.
Cappuccino is a favorite beverage made from equal amounts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Cappuccino is a creamy, thick drink that is served in a cup and often sprinkled with ground cinnamon or chocolate on top. The steaming of the milk brings out its sweetness. A well-prepared cappuccino is a balance of richness, strong coffee flavor, and creaminess.
Cafe Latte.
Caffe Latte is similar to Cappuccino, but the steamed milk is not in equal proportion to the foam. Instead, the drink preparation is 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with just a little foam on top. A cafe latte tastes a little more milky than a cappuccino and slightly sweeter.
Café Mocha.
Café Mocha is espresso and steamed milk, but there is also cocoa in the drink as well. The hot cocoa is first into the cup and then espresso, and lastly steamed milk with foam on top. The preparation calls for 1/6 cocoa, 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/6 foam. Café Mocha tastes delightfully similar to a cup of hot chocolate with a shot of espresso added, and there is a variation where white chocolate replaces cocoa called a white café mocha.
Café Americano.
Café Americano is hot water with a shot of espresso poured in afterward in a ratio of 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water. In many ways, this is like a regular cup of coffee in strength but has a different taste. The difference in the taste of Café Americano versus regular coffee is attributable to the difference in water temperature and water to grinds ratio, giving Americano a fuller body and richer flavor. Many people find that iced Café Americano is refreshing in the summertime.
Flat White.
A Flat White is a variation of a Caffé Latte with 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. There is less foam on top, though, just a thin layer. Perfect preparation of a Flat White features a layer of microfoam that blends the foamed milk with the espresso. A Flat White taste is heavy on the dairy, with less of an espresso flavor than, for example, a cappuccino.
Macchiato.
A Macchiato is a cup of espresso with a small amount of foamed milk added to it. This beverage has the highest ratio of espresso to milk out of any espresso-based drinks. The taste of a Macchiato is far bolder than a cappuccino or a latte because there is just a spot of milk in the cup. The word macchiato means a spot in Italian. A variation is a Caramel Macchiato, that is a Macchiato with added caramel flavoring.
Espresso Con Panna.
Espresso Con Panna is a double espresso served with a small amount of whipped cream. This drink is sometimes called a Caffe Vienna and is luxuriously rich tasting. The added whipped cream makes the Espresso Con Panna sweet and for some people this beverage as an alternative to a dessert. The sweetness of the whipped cream juxtaposes with the strength of the espresso equally, creating a balance that is unlike any of the other coffee beverages.
In summation, the best way for you to discover the answers to common questions about espresso is to make a trip to the local coffee shop to sample some. A knowledgeable barista will prepare espresso in different variations expertly to the satisfaction of your palate. You may find that the pleasure of a great espresso is so favorable that it is only a matter of time before you purchase a personal espresso machine for yourself.
