- Glossary
- Espresso
Why it matters in the cup.
Coffee glossary
Espresso
A concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee — this is a brewing method, not a bean type or roast level.
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How brewing method changes things
How brewing method changes things
What it means
A concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee — this is a brewing method, not a bean type or roast level. It sits behind a large share of cafe drinks, from straight shots to milk-based beverages. Many kinds of coffee can be brewed as espresso, and confusing method with roast or species makes coffee language imprecise.
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Where this leads
Each one pushes this into the cup, compares it, or helps you act on it.
What people mean when they say "extraction"
Espresso Extraction
Method is just the start. Extraction explains what the method actually does.
Separate extraction from strength in your thinking. One asks how much was dissolved, the other how concentrated the drink feels.
What people mean when they say "extraction"
Espresso Strength
Espresso's dense feel comes from concentration, not mystique.
Use the word strength carefully. It describes concentration, not quality.
What the machine does
Brew Pressure
Pressure is the machine-side logic behind the method.
Read pressure alongside dose, yield, and time.
Where milk changes the drink
Milk Pitcher
A large share of espresso ends up in milk drinks, so workflow continues from here.
Use a pitcher sized to the drink volume rather than one oversized jug for every task.