This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here
Last Updated on February 12, 2019 by Alaina Bullock
The World of Espresso Drinks
When it comes to coffee there are more choices today than even before. Forget the days of choosing between decaf or regular! Now you have a myriad of ways to brew your coffee, as well as hundreds of different coffee-based drinks! So many drinks that if you are anything like me, you may get a bit confused when it comes to all of the different ones out there – especially when it comes to espresso! Well fear not, today I’ve broken down some of the best espresso drinks so you always know what you are getting whether you are at your favorite coffee shop or making it at home.
Image via Pixabay
First of all a bit of background. Despite what many think, espresso is not a roast at all, instead it is a method of brewing. Many refer to it as being a concentrated shot of coffee. It is most often a blend of roasts that together give a bold flavor. It’s made by tightly packing the finely ground coffee into a portafilter, and then forcing high-pressure water through the grounds. The finished drink is then extracted in shots – hence the term, a shot of espresso.
Image via Pixabay
Espresso Servings
Espresso is most often served in small demitasse-style cups and consumed immediately after extraction. Common servings include the following:
Ristretto – the first 3/4 ounce of espresso in an extraction. it’s also known as a “short shot”.
Single Shot – a 1-ounce shot of espresso.
Lungo – ‘lungo’ is the Italian word for ‘long’. Otherwise known as a “long shot”, this is a 1 1/2 ounce shot of espresso.
Dopio – ‘dopio’ is the Italian word for ‘double’. However, unlike a double shot of liquor, a double shot of espresso is not just a 2-ounce shot; instead the double shot uses twice the amount of coffee in the portafilter, whereas the lesser shots use a single serving.
Popular Espresso Drinks
Now that you have the basics down, here’s a look at some of the different types of espresso drinks.
Macchiato – the word macchiato comes from the Italian word that means to stain. So the macchiato is basically the same as a shot of espresso (or sometimes two), except it’s “stained” with just a dot of foamed milk.
Cafe Noisette – a Cafe Noisette is one step between a machiatto and a latte. It’s basically a big shot of espresso with half of that amount in hot milk.
Café Breve – the Cafe Breve is a shot of espresso with steamed half and half or light cream.
Espresso con Panna – the espresso con panna is a shot of espresso with a layer of whipped cream.
Image via Pixabay
Latte – the latte gets its name because it’s full of milk. It is basically a shot of espresso mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of steamed milk, and then topped with foam. If you prefer it without the foam, it’s called a Flat White.
Americano – the Americano is perfect for those who want their espresso to either last a bit longer or be less strong. It’s made by mixing a shot of espresso with twice the amount of hot water.
Mocha – loved by those who want something a bit sweeter than a regular espresso, the mocha is a combination of espresso, chocolate and steamed milk. I love it!
Cappuccino – a popular choice, the cappuccino consists of three equal parts: a third espresso, a third milk, a third froth. When made correctly it is nice and smooth.
Image via Pixabay
Red Eye – prefer regular coffee, yet with a bit more kick? The Red Eye is for you! This drink is nothing more than a cup of drip coffee with a shot of espresso.
Flavored Espresso Drinks – flavored espresso drinks are pretty much the exact same drinks listed above, but with flavored syrups added. For example, a Café Mocha is a latte with chocolate syrup added along with the steamed milk. Yum!
Espresso Drinks at Home
In addition to the ever-expanding coffee menus, home brewers are becoming more popular as well. If you’re tired of paying the outrageous price for a coffee shop espresso, why not invest in your own espresso machine? Today there are all sorts of home machines ranging in price from under $100 up to thousands of dollars. Nespresso is one of the more popular brands with several different affordable home espresso machines.
Now I know what you are thinking! Buying those espresso coffee pods can get to be just as expensive as buying the drink at your local coffee shop! Well this is true…and it’s not. If you look into different online coffee suppliers you can easily cut down on the expense. For example, Nespresso compatible capsules from Gourmesso are a great way to enjoy your espresso without paying the exorbitant costs!
Whether you choose to head to the coffee shop or to your kitchen, now you can really enjoy your espresso since you know all of the different espresso drinks available!
What is your favorite way to drink espresso? Share with us in the comments below!