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It is estimated that specialty coffee sales are increasing by 20% each year; in America alone, the coffee industry is worth about 18 billion dollars, and about 50% of Americans consume espresso drinks. A little bit surprising, considering that espresso has traditionally been much more popular in central Europe. Nonetheless, it is clear that espresso is here to stay.
But have you ever wondered about how espresso is prepared? Have you ever heard somebody order a drink that you've never even heard of? This guide aims to bring you up to speed with everything espresso-bean related. Hopefully, you'll learn something impressive enough to catch the attention of a barista next time you order.
How Are Espresso Drinks Made?
Espresso is prepared by forcing pressurized steam through finely ground coffee beans (usually a darker roast). A serving of espresso is 'one shot', or one ounce of the drink.
Think of it is strong, concentrated coffee, because that's basically what it is.
What Are the Different Kinds of Espresso Drinks?
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Espresso [ess-press-oh] • Brewed by forcing very hot water under high pressure through coffee that has been finely ground. • Espresso contains approximately three times the caffeine content as regular brewed coffee |
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Espresso Macchiato [ess-press-oh mock-e-ah-toe] • "Macchiato" simply means "marked" or "stained". |
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Espresso con Panna [ess-press-oh kon pawn-nah] • A more old fashioned drink than a latte or cappuccino. |
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Caffé Latte [caf-ay lah-tey] • Sometimes prepared with approximately one third espresso and two-thirds steamed milk. • A latte is sometimes served in a bowl. |
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Flat White • Australian flat white's are usually stronger than those found in other countries. |
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Cafe Breve [caf-ay brev-ay] • A mocha breve is espresso, chocolate, and half and half in proportions equal to those of a cafè mocha. |
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Cappuccino [kapp-oo-chee-noh] • The foam on top of the cappuccino acts as an insulator and helps retain the heat of the liquid, allowing it to stay hotter longer. • Cappuccino takes its name from an order of Franciscan Minor friars (named "cappuccini"). |
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Caffé Mocha [caf-ay moh-kuh] • Mocha is also a type of 'chocolatey' coffee bean (from Yemen). • A variant is white café mocha, instead made with white chocolate. |
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Americano [uh-mer-i-kan-oh] • A 'red eye' is made by adding drip coffee instead of hot water. • Americano was not popular in the United States until the explosion of chain coffeehouses |
How Can I Vary My Order?
• 'Double' or 'Triple' the number of shots in your drink (double latte, please?)
• Ask for 'long poles', which means that the milk or cream will be foamed more thoroughly
• Substitute soy milk for milk or cream for a more earthy flavour
