What is an Espresso Coffee?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee, served in small, strong shots and is the base for many coffee drinks. It's made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans with significant pressure, which extracts the rich flavours and aromas that coffee aficionados love.

Unlike regular drip coffee, espresso comes with a creamy layer on top called crema, resulting from the high-pressure brewing method. The brewing process for espresso is generally faster than that of regular coffee, making it a popular choice in busy coffee shops and for people who want their caffeine fix quickly.

A freshly brewed espresso shot in a white cup, placed on a metal tray of an espresso machine.

Who invented espresso?

The invention of espresso is credited to Luigi Bezzera, an Italian manufacturer, who patented the first espresso machine in 1901. His goal was to decrease his employees' coffee break time while increasing the concentration of their brew.

How much caffeine is in a shot of espresso?

A single shot of espresso (about 1 ounce) typically contains approximately 63 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the coffee bean used and the strength of the brew. A double espresso, commonly referred to as a "doppio," doubles that amount, resulting in approximately 126 milligrams of caffeine. Regarding the grams of coffee used, a single espresso shot uses about 7-9 grams of ground coffee.

How many calories are in an espresso?

Espresso is surprisingly low in calories, with a single shot containing only about one calorie. However, this figure can change dramatically when you add ingredients like sugar, milk, or cream. Adding these extras can transform an espresso into a high-calorie drink. For instance, a latte or cappuccino, which contains milk and often sugar, can range from 100 to 200 calories per serving.

A person in a blue shirt holding a white espresso cup with a saucer and spoon on a dark table.

How to drink an espresso

Drinking espresso is an experience to savour. To truly appreciate its complexity, start by smelling the aroma. Then, let a small sip linger on your palate before swallowing.

Can you drink an espresso with milk?

While a traditional espresso coffee is enjoyed without milk, adding dairy isn't a faux pas. It's quite common and the base for many popular coffee drinks. However, purists may argue that milk can mask the espresso's true flavour profile. It's all about personal preference.

Popular drinks with espresso

Espresso is versatile and serves as the foundation for various popular coffee drinks. For instance, a cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, while a latte involves a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a light layer of foam. Each variant offers a different balance of milk and espresso, catering to various tastes and preferences.

In conclusion, espresso coffees are a timeless staple with a storied history and a vibrant culture. Whether you enjoy it straight, with a dash of milk, or as the base of a creamy latte, espresso has something to offer every coffee lover.

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