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.