Espresso
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Espresso

Italy
Torino, Italy

Espresso is both the name of a coffee beverage and a method of brewing coffee that originated in Italy. The word "espresso" comes from the Italian term meaning "pressed out," which describes the process the drink is made. This brewing method involves forcing a small amount of hot water through finely-ground coffee at a high pressure for about 20-25 seconds using an espresso machine. The modern espresso machine was invented in 1884 by Angelo Moriondo in Turin, Italy, and it was refined and upgraded over the decades to machines we have now.

 

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Coffee Beans and Caffeine Content of Espresso

Espresso blends commonly contain robusta in addition to some arabica beans to increase the caffeine content, but despite the increased caffeine content there is actually a false believe of thinking that a shot of espresso contains more caffeine than a cup of filter coffee. And the fact is that even though espresso is more concentrated than other coffee beverages, it is served in smaller quantities than, for example, a cup of drip coffee, and that results in a total caffeine content that is actually lower than larger coffee drinks. But for many who enjoy espresso, they drink it as a shot, and the intense flavor and high caffeine concentration make the espresso a go-to for a quick energy boost.

 

Variations of Espresso

Though the standard serving of espresso is a single shot (about 30ml), there are several variations, including:

  • Doppio: A double shot of espresso, typically 60ml.
  • Ristretto: A shorter, more concentrated shot of espresso. It is made using the same amount of coffee as for espresso but with a shorter preparation time of about 10 seconds, which results in less water being used than for an espresso, finally resulting in a more intense coffee flavor.

  • Lungo: A "long" espresso, brewed over longer period of time using more water, creating a larger and more diluted espresso shot but still stronger than drip coffee.

 

Espresso is the Main Ingredient of Other Coffees

Espresso serves as basis for many other popular coffee drinks, especially those that incorporate milk or cream (or even ice cream). Some of the most well-known drinks include:

  • Caffè Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam on top.
  • Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, often topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
  • Caffè Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water, resembling the strength of drip coffee but retaining the unique flavor of espresso.
  • Caffè Macchiato: Espresso "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.
  • Flat White: Similar to a latte but with a thinner layer of milk foam, often associated with Australian and New Zealand coffee culture.