Going into a coffee shop presents you with a range of bewildering choices; from espressos to flavored lattes, mochas to macchiatos, the variety is overwhelming. Even a coffee enthusiast would struggle to make sense of all these options, as most shops don’t provide explanations of the different beverages.
Rather than trying to predict what beverages you may enjoy (and which ones you might not), we’ve put together an all-encompassing guide below that covers the numerous varieties of coffee drinks, specifically, the various espresso-based coffee drinks. Once you have checked out our espresso machine reviews, it is time to start making caffeine-filled espresso beverages!
What Is Espresso
Espresso is a type of coffee that is brewed under pressure. To brew an espresso, a shot of water is forced through a tightly-packed bed of finely pulverized coffee beans. It is the pressure of espresso that makes it unique, enabling the barista to unlock more flavours in the beans. This means that it is not possible to make an espresso with a French press, Keurig, or conventional drip coffeemaker. This article provides a more thorough explanation of what espresso is, as well as clarifying what it isn’t.
Many coffee drinkers seek out cheap ways to make their own espresso-based beverages, both with and without milk, at home. It is impossible to create espresso with any other type of coffee maker that would have the same flavor and taste. If you’re trying to make a latte, any kind of strong coffee is adequate enough, since the milk is what adds the espresso essence. If you are making a cappuccino, it is recommended to use either true espresso or a substitute for espresso. Check out the more sophisticated brewing area and you’ll find a manual on making different types of espresso.
Understanding Espresso
The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) gives us a more detailed definition:
A beverage of between 25 and 35ml (or 14 and 18ml for a double) is prepared by forcing clean water at temperatures between 195°F and 205°F (90.5°C – 96.1°C) through 7 to 9 grams (or 14 to 18 grams for a double) of ground coffee, at a pressure of 9 to 10 atmospheres, where the grind is sufficient to take between 20 and 30 seconds to brew.
Here, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) supplies us not only with the definition of espresso, but also with the recipe and procedure for making it. The crux of that definition lies in the mention of pressure.
Espresso Based Beverages
A wide variety of coffee drinks exist, many of which consist of espresso mixed with milk. The addition of milk gives the drink a smoother, sweeter taste and aids in easing digestive issues for those with sensitive stomachs. Espresso is the most common type of coffee used in milk and coffee drinks since it has a robust taste that remains apparent when mixed with milk.
What Is the Difference Between Espresso and Coffee
Many people believe that espresso and strong, highly-concentrated coffee are one and the same. Espresso is not only potent and intense, but it also offers much more than that.
Many caffeine connoisseurs have inquired if they can use an ordinary coffee maker to make espresso. Our response is always a definitive no. If we attempted to make a “drip coffee espresso”, the flavor would be terrible. Milk can mask some of the flavor, but not completely.
The Moka pot and the Aeropress are both satisfactory substitutes for espresso that produce their beverage using pressure. The unique factor of espresso is the intense pressure applied during the brewing process.
To get the full scoop on Espresso vs Coffee, take a look at our post here: Espresso vs Coffee – What are the Differences?
What Makes Espresso Different from Other Coffee?
The impact of pressure is what makes espresso different from other types of coffee drinks. In contrast to other approaches to making coffee, espresso is brewed by using 9-10 atmospheres of pressure. Using pressurized systems, we can produce coffee far quicker, and get much more flavor from the beans in a limited length of time.
How to Make Espresso at Home: Tools of the Trade
Espresso machine
First off, of course, you need an espresso machine. Any machine that is able to make at least 9 atmospheres of pressure is suitable for making quality espresso drinks.
Be mindful that many inexpensive home espresso machines are driven by steam rather than pumps. Machines powered by steam do not produce a strong enough pressure to make espresso that meets the quality standards of a business.
Grinder
The next most significant machine is your coffee mill. It is often said by baristas that a superior coffee grinder is more essential than having a first-rate espresso maker.
For precise grounds, espresso makers must always use burr grinders instead of blade grinders.
Once again, be careful with the less expensive grinders, as their grinding power may not be sufficient to create espresso.
Portafilter
A filter made of metal that has a handle able to withstand heat is known as a portafilter. Within the portafilter is a basket with a filter, where the grinding coffee is poured.
Portafilters can contain one opening for single espresso, two openings for a double espresso, three openings for a triple espresso, or not have a spout at all.
Portafilters with no spout are called bottomless portafilters. These drinks are more difficult to make with precision and are generally made by more proficient café workers.
Tamper
A tamper is a device used to compact coffee grounds into the portafilter, with the same dimensions of the portafilter head, to ensure even distribution of coffee.
Heavy handheld tools crafted from metal and featuring a wooden grip are typically considered to be of superior quality. Cheaper tampers are made of plastic.
We suggest getting rid of the plastic tamper that usually comes with an espresso machine.
Distribution Tool, or Leveller
A distribution tool is another round device with the same perimeter as the portafilter. This is employed to ensure that the top of the ground coffee is even. This task can be achieved quickly and effectively using a tamper and your bare hands, thus a leveler is not strictly necessary. For newcomers, I suggest investing in one as it would take away one concern.
Knock Box
A container with a bar running across from one side to the other, used to store leftover coffee grounds, is referred to as a knock box. When the portafilter is done brewing, it is tapped against the counter, causing the used coffee grounds to be deposited in the knock box.
Cleaning Equipment
You will need either a towel or a brush to clean the portafilter after each brewing process. Reusing old coffee grounds will produce an unsatisfactory cup of coffee.
You will also need to possess a disinfecting agent in order to sanitize your espresso machine periodically.
Types of Coffee
Discover all the facts about diverse forms of coffee and espresso drinks, from a flavored latte to a single espresso shot! These are the most frequent coffee beverages you can find, although there are many more.
Espresso
Espresso is often considered the most vital beverage among the many types of coffee drinks that it’s utilized for. Many folks think of espresso as dissimilar to regular black coffee because of its exclusive brewing style and pungent flavor.
A espresso machine is necessary in order to make espresso, using incredibly hot water combined with pressure to turn finely ground coffee beans into an espresso shot that is abundant in caffeine.
You should not drink an eight-ounce cup of espresso like you would with drip coffee. Considering espresso is thicker, more powerful, and more potent, you should only sip an ounce of it but you should still get a good amount of caffeine. A shot of espresso contains approximately 64 mg of caffeine, while an eight ounce cup of coffee brewed has approximately 95 mg.
Some people who are very fond of coffee may have multiple cups at once, such as two or three espressos. Although it is a formidably powerful drink, many of the items on the coffee menu, such as lattes and mochas, use espresso coffee as the main ingredient instead of ordinary coffee.
How to Make it at Home
You do not have to stop at a cafe in order to get an espresso, yet you will probably require an espresso maker. Here’s a quick guide to brewing espresso at home:
- You don’t need to specifically buy “espresso” beans to get a good shot, but if you can, try to find a single-origin dark roast.
- Measure out your finely-ground coffee beans with a scale. A double shot of espresso usually requires between 18 to 22 grams of coffee.
- If you’re using an espresso machine, fill your portafilter with ground coffee, and make sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Place a small glass or an espresso mug under the machine, and allow your machine to run through.
It could take some time to make your shot, although most machines will have the job done in less than sixty seconds.
Americano
For some people, the strong, bold taste of espresso may be too intense, which is why an Americano is a frequent drink choice. All you need to make it is a shot of espresso and some hot water. The espresso is added to the cup initially, and then hot water is poured over it, forming a foam on the surface of the liquid.
It is customary to consume an Americano in its hot form, although it is possible to get it iced depending on where you order it from. If you have an interest in discovering more concerning the Americano, take a look at our assessment of American coffee.
How to Make it at Home
- Brew three ounces of espresso in your espresso machine. You’ll need to measure out anywhere from 24 to 33 grams of your ground coffee for this.
- Heat eight ounces of hot water until it’s close to boiling either in the microwave or on the stove.
- In a separate mug, add your shot of espresso, and then pour your hot water over the espresso shot.
Some folks put hot water in their espresso first, then follow it with a shot of espresso, even though it’s more common to do it the other way round.
Latte
A caffe latte has the same effect as an americano in toning down the intense flavor of espresso, but it is done with steamed milk instead of water. Despite a basic latte only consisting of an espresso and a few ounces of warm milk, many cafes serve up lattes that are enhanced with flavorings and syrups.
How to Make it at Home
- Brew a single or double shot of espresso in your espresso machine. Small lattes only require a single shot of espresso, but for a larger size, you’ll want a double shot.
- Heat eight ounces of milk for a minute in the microwave, or several seconds on high heat on your stove.
- Once you’ve heated the milk, you’ll want to vigorously whisk it with a kitchen whisk until it has a frothy consistency. If you have an electronic milk frother, you can use that (an electronic egg beater can also substitute for a milk frother).
- Add your espresso into a separate mug, and pour the steamed milk on top of it. The foam should rise to the top of the mug.
- If you want to make it a flavored latte, an optional step is to add a little bit of flavored syrup to the mug as well.
Flat White
Many individuals mix up a flat white with a latte, yet there is a slight distinction in the two espresso drinks, as a flat white utilizes steamed milk. A latte typically has a larger cup with a greater amount of foam, whereas the flat white utilizes less heated milk and generally scarcely, if any, milk froth. It’s rare to come across a flat white with additional flavors; a lot of people take theirs with nothing more than espresso and milk that’s been heated.
If you’re after a stronger espresso flavor and not much foam in your coffee, then a flat white could be a good fit. Make sure you take a look at our full evaluation of the sensational espresso beverage called a flat white.
How to Make it at Home
- Brew a shot of espresso, and measure out four ounces of milk to steam for the flat white.
- Heat the milk in the microwave or over the stove while the espresso brews.
- Next, use a milk frother or a kitchen whisk to froth your milk. While you froth, use a spoon to fold milk from the bottom of the cup to the top. This will give your milk a smoother, more velvety texture.
- Pour your steamed milk over the espresso shot, and enjoy!