Plus discover 9 coffee shop drinks it’s possible for you to make at home.
You see it on cafe and restaurant menus often, and perhaps youve even ordered it before.
(More on this shortly.)
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Espresso shots are just the beginning, though.
Theyre the foundation of many popular coffee shop drinks, from mochas and macchiatos to cappuccinos and cortados.
What Is Espresso?
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So, what is espresso, and how is it different from coffee?
It all boils down to the grind size and the preparation.
Espresso is made with a 1:2 ratio of finely ground coffee beans and water.
Pressurized hot water flows through those ground beans to make espresso, resulting in a very concentrated drink.
Coffee is made with a coarser grind, and the water flows through those beans under less force.
A cup or pot of coffee is typically made with a 1:16 ratio of beans to water.
Doing so will yield espresso thats weaker and crema-shy or crema-less.
No need to shop for a different bean or roast if you have a favorite, though.
Simplybuy the beansand grind them fresh into a fine consistency.
An average single shot of espresso has about64 milligrams of caffeine.
An 8-ounce cup of coffee, for comparison, has approximately95 milligrams of caffeine, according to USDA estimates.
Its also possible to master how to make espresso at home.
To try it yourself with a home espresso machine:
No espresso machine?
Try this espresso technique with aFrench press.
That way, you could enjoy the deep, roasty flavors.
Sometimes, espresso shots are served with a sugar cube, lemon twist, orsmall cookie.
What Coffee Shop Drinks Are Made With Espresso?
What is espresso used for in other coffee drinks?
If savory is your style, tryEspresso-Rubbed Steak with Green Chile PestoorEspresso-Braised Beeffor dinner this week.
More of a baker?
We haveespresso martini recipes, frozen or traditional.
