It's time to wake up and smell the espresso. Whether you're partial to a foamy cappuccino, an espresso martini, or even a pumpkin spice latte, you probably know that the key ingredient in all these caffeinated drinks is espresso. But what exactly is espresso? And how is it different from your average cup of joe? Sure, you might be aware that espresso tastes stronger than coffee, but there's more to it than just that! So, before you order your next coffee drink, read up on everything you need to know about espresso.
Not only is espresso the basis for many popular coffee-shop beverages like flat whites and macchiatos, but it can also be a secret ingredient in coffee desserts. For instance, did you know that adding a tablespoon or two of espresso powder to boxed brownie mix will make it taste even richer? Or that brewed espresso is a key ingredient in Ree Drummond's homemade tiramisu. And don't even get us started on espresso biscotti.
You don't even need to be a barista to make your own espresso! Try it at home with your own espresso machine. Then, put it to good use with Ree's cowboy coffee drink—it's the ultimate pick-me-up!
What is espresso, exactly?
Espresso is simply a concentrated form of coffee made by using an espresso machine. The machine allows hot water and the finely ground coffee beans to be brewed under high pressure which creates a stronger, thicker, and creamier drink. This method of making espresso is said to have first originated in Italy in the early 1900s, but today, you can find it at almost every coffee shop.
How is espresso different from coffee?
So, now that you know espresso is a type of coffee, you might be wondering what makes them different? Both espresso and coffee can actually be made using the exact same coffee beans, so it's more about the method of making espresso which is what makes them different. For starters, espresso uses finely ground beans, while coffee is made with a coarser grind. Then, there's the way it's brewed: espresso using a special espresso machine with pressurized hot water and coffee with a slower drip method. Another key difference between espresso and coffee is the flavor. Since espresso is more concentrated, it also has a stronger flavor. Depending on the bean, it can be rich and bitter with a bit of acidity, but it can also be thicker and creamier than your average cup of joe.
Is espresso stronger than coffee?
While many people assume espresso is stronger than coffee due to the bold taste, it actually just depends on how much you drink. A shot of espresso can range from 63 to 75 mg of caffeine while an 8-ounce cup of coffee can contain 96 to 155 mg of caffeine, according to Consumer Reports.
How do you drink espresso?
If ordering an espresso drink at your local coffee shop sounds intimidating, just take a look at the list below! We've broken it all down so you can confidently know the difference between a shot of espresso (1 ounce), a doppio, a cortado, and even an Americano.
- Doppio: a double shot of espresso (2 ounces).
- Cortado: one part espresso to one part steamed milk.
- Cappuccino: equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
- Latte: similar to a cappuccino but with a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso and a thin layer of foam.
- Macchiato: one part espresso topped with a dollop of steamed milk.
- Americano: a shot of espresso mixed with hot water (to replicate an American drip coffee).
- Red-Eye: a shot of espresso mixed with a cup of regular coffee.
- Flat White: similar to a latte but with a higher ratio of espresso to steamed milk.
