Espresso

(Caffè) espresso (Italian) is a strong, flavorful coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans.

Related Topics:
Espresso - Coffee

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Espresso differs from drip-brewed coffee with its thick, concentrated consistency and robust flavor. Due to its potency, straight espresso (served without sweetener or milk, analogous to black coffee) is considered by some to be an acquired taste, and it is served in small amounts called shots in the U.S. Many coffee aficionados order their "single" or "double" (one or two shots in a ceramic cup) with a glass of cold water to clear the palate. Because espresso reacts quickly to oxygen, it should be consumed immediately after brewing.

Related Topics:
Drip-brew - Shot

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Espresso is considered the default coffee in Southern Europe, notably Italy and France. Ordering a coffee (un caffè in Italian) means ordering an espresso; this confuses foreigners in Italy and Italians abroad alike. What is considered plain coffee in the United States is normally not brewed in Italy. A similar alternative, an espresso mixed with hot water, is known as caffè americano. The phrase 'American Coffee' (spoken in English) is widely understood. It is rarely ordered by Italians.

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Espresso is also the foundation for other drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mochas.

Related Topics:
Latte - Cappuccino - Macchiato - Mocha

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A key component in the flavor of espresso is crema, a golden foam composed of emulsified oils, proteins, and sugars, which floats on the surface of the espresso itself.

Related Topics:
Crema - Protein

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