Espresso – a name that’s no longer unfamiliar to coffee lovers. From upscale cafés to popular coffee chains, Espresso is everywhere, conquering countless coffee-loving hearts. So what exactly is Espresso? How do you brew and enjoy this special type of coffee? Let’s explore everything fascinating about Espresso in the article below!
What is Espresso?
Espresso is a type of coffee that originated in Italy, emerging around the 1900s. In Italian, “Espresso” means “fast, immediate.” And true to its name, both the brewing process and the enjoyment of Espresso happen very quickly. In fact, in Italy, people often order a cup of Espresso and drink it right at the counter in just a few sips.
Espresso is a type of coffee brewed by machine under high pressure of about 9-10 bars along with hot water. Hot water at a temperature of about 90-96°C is forced through a layer of finely ground coffee, extracting the most concentrated essence of the coffee in just a short time of 25-30 seconds.
To create a proper cup of Espresso, the coffee beans must be pure, roasted without additives, then ground fine and free of any impurities. In addition, the water used to brew Espresso must also be purified water so as not to affect the flavor.
Espresso is famous for its premium quality and brewing process that requires precision and meticulousness from bean selection to serving. It is this carefulness that has created a coffee with a rich and distinctive flavor that cannot be confused with anything else.
Characteristics of a Proper Espresso
A standard cup of Espresso is typically extracted about 25-30ml from 7-9g of roasted ground coffee (equivalent to 1 shot). Because the coffee is ground fine and extracted under high pressure, Espresso has a very concentrated flavor.
In Appearance
An Espresso cup will have 2 distinctive layers:
- Crema: This is the glossy golden-brown foam layer on the surface of the coffee, created from CO2 gas along with some essential oils naturally present in the coffee beans. This crema layer has a bitter taste and is a sign of quality Espresso. Thick, smooth, and stable crema shows that the coffee is fresh and the brewing process is done correctly.
- Liquid: This is the coffee water below, formed by dissolved substances, gases, and undissolved substances. This is the part that contains the rich and distinctive flavor of Espresso.
In Flavor
Espresso has a characteristic bitter taste but is not harsh or unpleasant to drink. Instead, this bitterness is balanced, harmonizing with the natural sweetness from caramel and light acidity to create a complex and profound flavor. The aftertaste of Espresso lingers, leaving a fragrant resonance in the mouth.
How to Brew Espresso Like a Barista
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Ingredients:
- Coffee: 7-9g for single shot, 14-18g for double shot
- Suitable bean type: Usually pure Arabica or blended with a balanced ratio of Robusta beans
- Purified water
Equipment:
- Espresso machine (9-10 bar pressure)
- Quality coffee grinder
- Tamper (coffee ground pressing tool)
- Thick porcelain Espresso cup
Read more: How to make an espresso shot with instant coffee
Step-by-Step Brewing Process
- Step 1: Grind the Coffee Grind the coffee beans to a fineness like table salt. This fineness is very important as it will determine the speed at which water flows through the coffee grounds. Grinding too coarse will cause water to flow too quickly, not extracting enough flavor. Conversely, grinding too fine will cause water to flow too slowly, creating a bitter and harsh taste.
- Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds to the Portafilter Add just enough grounds to the portafilter (the filter handle of the Espresso machine). Distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the portafilter by tapping gently or using your finger to level it.
- Step 3: Tamp the Coffee Grounds Use the tamper to evenly compress the coffee grounds with a force of about 15kg. The surface after tamping must be flat, without tilt or areas of varying height. This is an important step to ensure water flows evenly through the entire layer of coffee.
- Step 4: Attach to the Machine and Extract Attach the portafilter to the machine, place the cup underneath, and start brewing. The ideal extraction time is 25-30 seconds. During this time, you will see the coffee stream flow out evenly, dark brown like honey.
- Step 5: Complete When you reach the right amount of 25-30ml, stop the machine. A perfect cup of Espresso with a thick, glossy golden-brown crema layer is ready to enjoy.
Common Mistakes When Brewing Espresso
- Not grinding coffee to the correct fineness
- Tamping unevenly or too lightly
- Water temperature not at standard
- Using coffee that has been roasted too long, lost its aroma
- Not cleaning the machine regularly
- Extraction time too short or too long
Distinguishing Different Types of Espresso
Espresso is usually served in thick porcelain cups, can be enjoyed straight or with a little sugar. However, depending on taste and preference, people have created many different variations of Espresso.
Espresso Ristretto
This is a very concentrated type of Espresso with 7-9g of finely ground coffee but only producing about 15-20ml of coffee water. The extraction time is shorter (15-20 seconds), so Ristretto has a more natural sweetness, less bitterness, and is more concentrated.
Single Espresso (Single Shot)
This is considered the most basic type of Espresso. It uses about 7-9g of coffee grounds and produces about 25-30ml of coffee water. Single Espresso is being widely used in many coffee drinks today.
Doppio Espresso (Double Shot)
Also known as Double Espresso. The amount of coffee produced is twice that of Single Espresso (50-60ml), while using double the amount of grounds (14-18g). The brewing time is still equivalent to Single Espresso (25-30 seconds). This is the most popular type nowadays because of its moderate amount and balanced flavor.
Lungo Espresso
Lungo in Italian means “long.” With an amount of coffee water of about 60-90ml, but unlike Doppio, Lungo doesn’t use more coffee (still about 7-9g) but has a longer brewing time (35-40 seconds). Therefore, Lungo Espresso is the least concentrated, has a lighter taste but is also more bitter due to the longer extraction.
Famous Coffee Drinks Made from Espresso
Espresso is not only delicious when drunk straight but is also the foundation for creating countless other distinctive coffee drinks. Below are the most popular coffee drinks made from Espresso:
Cappuccino
A special flavor, gentle and contemplative. Cappuccino is the harmonious blend of the aroma of fresh milk, the richness of cream foam, and the bold taste of Espresso coffee with a ratio of 1:1:1 (1 part Espresso, 1 part hot milk, 1 part milk foam). The surface of cappuccino is often decorated with latte art or sprinkled with cocoa powder.
Latte
Latte is the delicate combination of the bitter taste of pure Espresso coffee harmonizing with the sweet taste of milk, topped with a light layer of milk foam. Latte has more milk than Cappuccino (ratio 1:3:1), creating a gentler, easier-to-drink flavor, suitable for people new to coffee.
Americano
Americano is the simple combination of Espresso and hot water. This drink originated during World War II when American soldiers in Europe found Espresso too strong, so they added water. Americano retains the distinctive flavor of Espresso but is gentler and easier to drink.
Macchiato
Macchiato in Italian means “marked” or “stained.” This is Espresso “marked” with a bit of milk foam on top. Macchiato still retains the rich taste of Espresso but is slightly softened by the thin layer of milk.
Caramel Macchiato
An exciting surprise when the creamy aroma of milk foam, fresh milk, the clean bitterness of premium Espresso coffee, and the rich sweetness of Caramel sauce are packed into one cup of coffee. This is the favorite choice of those who like sweet flavors.
Flat White
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, Flat White is similar to Latte but has less milk foam, creating a smoother, “flatter” texture. The Espresso coffee flavor in Flat White stands out more than in Latte.
Mocha
Mocha is the perfect combination of Espresso, hot milk, chocolate, and whipped cream. This is an excellent choice for those who love both coffee and chocolate.
How to Enjoy Espresso Properly
Drinking Pure Espresso
If you want to experience the most authentic flavor of Espresso, drink it straight. Espresso should be drunk immediately after brewing (within 1-2 minutes) while it’s still hot and the crema layer is still intact.
Before drinking, stir gently to blend the crema layer with the liquid part below. Then sip small amounts, letting the coffee spread throughout your mouth, experiencing each layer of flavor from bitter, sweet to light sour.
Accompaniments
Espresso is usually served with a glass of water. This water serves to cleanse the palate before drinking coffee, helping you fully perceive the flavor of Espresso. After finishing your coffee, drink more water to clean your mouth.
You can add sugar to Espresso according to your taste, but coffee connoisseurs usually drink it straight to fully experience the flavor. Espresso also pairs very well with sweet pastries like biscotti, croissants, or tiramisu.
When to Enjoy
- Morning: Espresso is the perfect choice to kickstart a new day. The caffeine in Espresso helps you stay alert and focused for work.
- After meals: In Italy, people have the habit of drinking Espresso after meals to aid digestion. Espresso helps reduce the feeling of fullness and stimulates digestion.
- Afternoon: A cup of Espresso in the mid-afternoon helps dispel drowsiness and increase work productivity.
Avoid drinking Espresso too late (after 4-5 PM) as it may affect your sleep at night.
Benefits and Precautions When Drinking Espresso
Health Benefits
- Increases alertness and concentration: The caffeine in Espresso stimulates the central nervous system, helping you stay alert, focused, and enhance work performance.
- Contains antioxidants: Espresso is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, which help protect cells from free radical damage.
- Supports metabolism: Caffeine can speed up metabolism, helping burn calories more effectively.
- Improves mood: Espresso stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin, helping improve mood and reduce stress.
- Good for the liver: Some studies show that drinking coffee regularly can reduce the risk of liver diseases.
Usage Precautions
- Don’t drink too much: Each day you should not drink more than 3-4 shots of Espresso (equivalent to about 300-400mg of caffeine).
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach: Espresso is highly acidic; drinking it on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach.
- People with cardiovascular problems: Should limit consumption or consult a doctor before drinking Espresso as caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Should limit caffeine intake.
- Don’t drink late: Avoid drinking Espresso after 4-5 PM to avoid affecting sleep.
- People with stomach issues: Should be cautious as Espresso can irritate the stomach lining.
Espresso and Traditional Coffee – The Key Differences
Coffee culture varies greatly around the world. While many countries have their traditional brewing methods like French press, pour-over, or Turkish coffee, Espresso stands out with its unique characteristics:
- Brewing method: Espresso is brewed by machine with high pressure (9-10 bar), while traditional methods rely on gravity, steeping, or natural drip-through processes.
- Brewing time: Espresso takes only 25-30 seconds, while traditional methods like French press or pour-over need 3-5 minutes or longer.
- Grind size: Espresso uses very finely ground coffee, while other methods use medium or coarser grinds.
- Flavor profile: Espresso has a concentrated, balanced taste between bitter, sweet, and sour notes with a distinctive crema layer. Traditional methods offer different flavor profiles depending on the brewing technique.
- Drinking culture: Espresso is typically consumed quickly, often while standing at the counter, embodying the fast-paced Italian lifestyle. Traditional coffee methods in various cultures often involve a more leisurely, social experience.
- The crema layer: Espresso has its signature crema, which other brewing methods don’t produce.
Each brewing method has its own unique values and deserves to be enjoyed and appreciated for what it brings to the coffee experience.
Tips for Choosing and Storing Espresso Coffee
How to Choose Coffee
- Choose freshly roasted beans: The best coffee should be roasted within 2-4 weeks. Check the roast date on the package to ensure freshness.
- Choose reputable sources: Buy coffee from reputable brands with clear origins.
- Choose suitable bean types: Arabica for sweetness and light acidity; Robusta for stronger bitterness; or blend for balance.
- Prioritize whole beans: You should buy whole beans and grind before brewing to maintain the best flavor.
How to Store
- Use airtight containers: Store coffee in containers with tight-fitting lids, preferably containers with one-way valves.
- Avoid light: Keep coffee in a dark, cool place to prevent light from destroying the flavor.
- Don’t store in the refrigerator: Refrigerators have high humidity and many odors, which can damage the coffee.
- Stable temperature: Store at room temperature, avoiding hot places like near the stove.
- Grind only what you need: Only grind the amount of coffee needed for each brewing session to maintain freshness.
- Use within 1 month: After opening the package, you should use up the coffee within 1 month to ensure flavor quality.
Conclusion
Espresso is not merely a beverage but an entire art form, a culture forged over hundreds of years. From quality coffee beans, through the skilled hands of a Barista, to the perfect cup of Espresso with its glossy crema layer – everything reflects dedication and passion.
Hopefully, through this article, you have a clearer understanding of Espresso – from its origins, brewing methods, types of Espresso to how to enjoy it. Whether you’re a beginner or already a coffee devotee, Espresso always has interesting things to discover and experience.
Try finding yourself a quality cup of Espresso, sit down, relax, and enjoy every drop of rich coffee. Because each cup of Espresso carries its own story, its own flavor, and an unrepeatable experience.
Wishing you wonderful experiences with Espresso!
