What is an Espresso?

– A Complete Guide –

The Espresso is by far one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world.

There are various different versions for us to enjoy out there.

You can order a Single, Doppio, Ristretto or Lungo.

Delicious and very well-known drinks like the Latte or Cappuccino would not exist without an Espresso in them.

Many coffee enthusiasts and professional baristas regard the making of a proper and well-balanced Espresso as the greatest coffee making achievement of all.

But what exactly is an Espresso?

It is quite surprising to see how many coffee lovers can actually not give a clear answer.

What is the difference between an Espresso and coffee? It is quite challenging to always receive an exact explanation.

Let’s have a look into the coffee universe. And, let us search for answers and details together.

We are going to explore the history, features, and making of an Espresso.

It is a much more complicated process than you might first expect.

What is Espresso

It is actually and technically speaking a coffee brewing method.

Coffee makers will use the same kinds of beans as for regular coffee.

I do have many Italian friends. And, they always remind me that the Espresso is originally coming from Italy, of course.

You will brew it by forcing or expressing very hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.

In general, the Espresso’s texture is much thicker. If you would compare with coffee brewed by other methods.

Additionally, it has a high concentration of dissolved and suspended solids.

You can technically make Espresso from literally any kind of coffee bean.

The Time Factor

Probably the biggest difference between Espresso and regular coffee is the brewing method.

You would make regular coffee by slowly filtering hot water through coffee grounds. This process can be quite time extensive.

On the other hand, a shot of espresso takes much less time to make.

Espresso machines use high pressurized and very hot water. These devices force the water through small ‘cakes’. These cakes which are made out of tightly packed coffee grounds.

The entire process usually only takes around 30 seconds. A regular coffee machine will take up to 10 minutes to brew a full batch instead.

As end result, you will have a very strong coffee beverage. It will be super concentrated, highly caffeinated, and richly flavorful.

All coffee lovers would agree on this. A good shot of Espresso should have a strong aroma. Together with a rich and complex flavor profile.  It should be full of floral, bitter, chocolaty, smoky, and even cinnamon-like notes.

Thanks to the brewing process we are able to achieve it. This method is able to preserve many of the natural aromas. And, it also does not destroy the oils from within the coffee grounds.

Unfortunately, when you brew regular coffee. Most of the aromatic oils are getting lost during the prolonged brewing process.

Furthermore, a good Espresso should also create a thicker, more velvety sensation in your mouth than a regular cup of coffee.

Lastly, it is usually also much less acidic than regular coffee. The reason for this affect would be a much shorter and different brewing process of an Espresso again.

There is simply less time for the acidic flavors of the coffee beans to seep into the finished beverage.

Short History of Espresso

As we learned already, the Espresso of course originates from Italy.

In fact, the very first Espresso machine was invented by Angelo Moriondo in 1884. He was living in the city of Turin in northern Italy.

Moreover, a Milanese inventor, Luigi Bezzera, improved and patented his very own version of the Espresso machine. His machine is actually very close to the ones we are using ourselves, today.

During the first few decades after its invention. This new coffee sensation was still rather a niche coffee variety product. You could mainly find it in traditional espresso bars in Italy only.

These same bars were also serving classic Italian pastries like biscotti and cannoli.

Between the 1950s and the 1990s, the Espresso eventually reached popularity around the world. Its rise in fame came along with increasingly popular becoming latte drink versions like the Cappuccino, for example.

Nowadays, it has even become a much more upscale, upmarket beverage. People of all ages, nationalities, ethnics and classes enjoy it.

A big factor in the rise of the Espresso also has to be attributed to big coffee chains. Coffee franchise companies such as Starbucks moved espresso bars and its café culture into mainstream.

Today, it is hard to imagine any coffee shop without an espresso machine.

Espresso and Crema

There are many coffee fanatics, who could spend endless hours on this topic. Or, they could write entire books on how to best perfect their home Espresso machines.

With the main goal and in great hope. To eventually create the perfect crowning cap of crema on top of their Espresso shot.

What is Crema

In short, crema is the layer of foam. It rests on top of a shot of Espresso for about 40 minutes after it has been brewed.

The crema is very unique. It only appears with an Espresso. A regular coffee would never have any form of crema on top.

As we have learned already, during the Espresso brewing process. An Espresso machine forces highly pressurized, very hot water through a cake made out of coffee grounds.

The cheer, immense force and heat is causing a great impact. It changes the way the oils within the grounds interact with the water.

Coffee oil usually holds a high amount of carbon dioxide molecules in itself. These molecules break free when the Espresso is leaving the machine and enters the cup.

The reason is the extreme change taking place. Namely, from a super high pressure environment from your Espresso machine to a very low pressure environment. Which would be your coffee cup.

It will create the very characteristic bubbling from the bottom to the top of your cup. As a result, you will get foamy crema.

Perfection of Espresso Crema

With the determination of the color and consistency of your crema. You will also be able to further improve and fine-tune your very own Espresso brewing process.

For example, if your Espresso is very light-colored and has visibly large bubbles. Your creation is probably under-extracted. It will leave you with a taste. Which is too watery and weak.

On the other hand, what happens if your crema is very dark-colored?

The opposite will be the case. Your Espresso is probably over-extracted. And, the overall taste will be unpleasantly bitter.

Ideally, you are aiming to find the fine balance between these two extremes, of course.

Did you ever visit an artisanal coffee shop or Espresso bar lately?

You will have probably noticed one thing. The ordered Espresso was served with a glass of mineral water and a twist of lemon.

But why is this?

Water and Lemon for Your Espresso

Well, the water is pretty easy to explain and pretty much straight forward.

Generally speaking, mineral water or sparkling water is served with an Espresso as a palate cleanser.

The lemon will also serve as an additional palate cleanser as well.

But what exactly is a palate cleanser?

As a basic rule, any neutral-flavored type of food or drink is a palate cleanser.

Their purpose is to remove residue from your tongue. This allows you to more accurately assess any new flavors.

For example, palate cleansers are often used between wine or cheese tasting sessions or for any other strong flavors. Citrus flavors such as from lemons are also suitable as palate cleansers.

How To Use Your Lemon

First of all, take a sip of water before you will drink your Espresso.

It will help neutralizing your palate. Which is basically the roof area of your mouth.

Secondly, you can take a sip of your Espresso. Your taste buds will be able to fully appreciate it. And also enjoy every flavor nuance, now.

Next, we will move over to our lemon.

The exact origins or story behind the practice of also serving Espressos with lemons is not entirely clear to research. As is the exact origin or specific purpose as well.

Some people believe that you are supposed to rub the lemon rind on the rim of your Espresso cup before taking a sip, for good luck.

However, others express different claims. The combination of lemon and strong coffee were supposed to ward off illness.

Others say that the essential oils within the lemon peel were originally used to disguise the smell and taste of supbar Espresso.

Supbar is a technical term. It basically stands for anything below average.

Furthermore, some historians are even expressing different believes. The practice of serving lemons with Espresso supposedly dates back to the World War II era in Italy.

Back then, it was the acidic lemon juices and oils. That were apparently substitutions for soap and water during wartime.

Especially the last point is a bit unclear to me. I don’t really see the connection. But maybe that’s just me. Anyhow, I at least wanted to mention it as well.

To sum up, nobody can really tell the exact or original reason for the combination of lemon and Espresso.

But maybe after all, it is not that important. Because both of them fit very well together one way or the other.

Espresso Only Drinks

There are a variety of different sizes of Espresso shots. The most popular ones would probably be the Doppio, Ristretto, and Lungo.

Let us get a bit more into detail for all of these. So, you can get an idea about the differences for each one of them.

Doppio

As the name actually already suggests. An Espresso Doppio is simply a double of espresso.

A normal Espresso generally measures around 30 milliliters. Whereas, a Doppio will measure double the amount then, hence 60 milliliters.

Despite the increased volume to make it, a Doppio is just as strong as a regular single shot of Espresso.

Of course, there will be twice the amount of caffeine, which will give you a higher boost.

Ristretto

The Ristretto is more or less the exact opposite of a Doppio.

It is about half the size of a regular shot of Espresso. However, it will have double the strength.

During its process, the Ristretto will use the same amount of coffee grounds. But, only half the amount of water will be applied to it through pressure.

As a result, the Ristretto will end up being a much stronger, thicker and richer version of a regular Espresso.

Lungo

Going even further, an Espresso Lungo is the opposite of an Espresso Ristretto.

Again, a coffee maker will produce a Lungo with the same amount of coffee grounds. However, this time it will be double amount the water as for a regular shot of Espresso.

This will create an overall weaker espresso shot with double the volume of a regular single shot of Espresso.

Espresso Based Drinks

An espresso shot creates the basis for many very popular and delicious coffee drink creations.

I am pretty sure that you have already tried at least a few of them yourself. Baristas make these with add-ins like milk, water, ice, sugar and syrups on top of a regular Espresso.

Basically, almost every café or coffee shop menu creates its menu around these espresso drink variations, nowadays.

Cappuccino

Generally, a cup of Cappuccino combines equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk.

That very simple structure is truly their defining feature.

Split evenly in thirds, you almost feel the quality of a Cappuccino by its own weight. Ideally, it should be 1/3 Espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foamed milk.

For this reason, coffee culture often considers it the true test of any barista’s skills. The ultimate goal is to achieve perfect equality between all three necessary ingredients.

A great Cappuccino should have a low acidity and delightfully rich and airy feel.

Café Latte

A Latte is of course another widely popular espresso variety.

The coffee drink will use the same ingredients as a Cappuccino does. But the ratio of these will be different.

Typical Lattes will feature 2 ounces of Espresso, 10 ounces of steamed milk and about 2 milliliters of foamed milk.

Caffe Americano

The next one on our list is the final basic espresso drink variation.

Americanos commonly use 2 ounces of Espresso and 3 ounces of hot water. Due to its making and ratio, they are relatively similar to regular drip coffee.

Flat White

Now, this espresso based drink is rapidly becoming more and more popular in the world. It has its origins in Australia.

The Flat White coffees are actually a great option for people, who usually tend to not wanting their coffee to be too strong.

In order to make it, you would need 2 ounces of Espresso and 4 ounces of steamed milk.

Mochas

This one is an excellent choice if you are looking for something rather sweet.

Additionally to the 2 ounces of Espresso and 1 ounce of steamed milk, Mochas also have 2 ounces of liquid chocolate.

For me, it is always hard to stay away from these.

Iced Espresso Based Drinks

More and more coffee enthusiasts prefer iced coffee beverages over hot coffee drinks these days.

But that does not necessarily mean that we cannot enjoy a good shot of Espresso with them, right?

Here are a few iced espresso variations for you to try.

Café con Hielo

The first one does not need a lot of explaining. It is simply a shot of Espresso which is served over ice.

Affogatos

There is hardly any weekend without an Affogato for me.

This very delicious dessert coffee ceremoniously pours 2 shots of Espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream.

Con Pannas

Here comes another great addition to any list of delicious coffee desserts.

You would have to combine 2 shots of Espresso with a majestically towering twist of delicious whipped cream.

Final Espresso Thoughts

After all, I am quite positive that we can all come to the same conclusion.

This very special drink is much more than just a tiny little cup full of stronger and more heavily caffeinated, regular coffee.

To assume that it is just another coffee might be understandable in some ways.

Nonetheless, it is a pretty common misconception and pretty far from its entire truth.

Espresso-making is a highly complicated, nuanced and interesting process.  Many coffee lovers and professional baristas are constantly challenging their own skill set

As we found out. A plain Espresso itself can have a wide range of varieties. These colorful coffee drink variations can differ in volume and strength.

You can literally never get tired of trying espresso drink versions.

There are just too many. And, new ones are probably already in the making. Just as you are reading this article.

Our creativity and the expansion of our lively coffee universe just never ends.

That’s definitely the entire beauty in all of it.

Each one of us has the power of imagination. And, also easily accessible tools to create coffee or espresso drink version by ourselves.

Especially when you can also further play around with ingredients like cream, milk, sugar, ice, chocolate and whipped cream.

What is your favorite Espresso drink?

Or, which interesting coffee drink invention did you maybe come across lately?

Feel free to share with us.

Cheers!