Espresso coffee - origin, pronunciation and how to make

Espresso

Pronunciation: /eˈspres.oʊ/ (ess-PRESS-oh)

Pure coffee energy. Very small cup.

Best for: Perfect for early morning wake-up calls or a quick pre-workout energy boost.

Taste Profile

Strength
Mild
Strong
Sweetness
Bitter
Sweet
Texture
Watery
Creamy

What is Espresso?

Pure coffee energy. Very small cup.

This coffee drink is perfect for those who perfect for early morning wake-up calls or a quick pre-workout energy boost.. With a strength level of 5 out of 5, this is a bold choice to coffee.

When to Drink

Espresso is the ultimate choice for a quick energy boost. It is best enjoyed in the morning to kickstart your day with intense flavor, or after lunch as a digestive cleanser. In Italy, it is traditional to drink it standing at the bar for a brief moment of pleasure. This concentrated shot provides focus and alertness when you lack the time for a full cup.

Professional Preparation

Equipment

Commercial Espresso Machine, Burr Grinder, Tamper

Method

  1. Grind: Use freshly ground beans with a fine consistency, similar to table salt.
  2. Dose & Tamp: Load 18–20 grams of coffee into the portafilter for a double shot. Tamp the grounds evenly with approximately 30 pounds of pressure to ensure an even extraction.
  3. Extract: Lock the portafilter into the group head. Extract for 25–30 seconds at 9 bars of pressure.
  4. Result: You should yield about 2 ounces of liquid with a golden-brown "crema" on top. The flavor should be balanced, avoiding burnt or sour notes.

Home Preparation (Simplified)

Equipment

Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker) or AeroPress

Method

  1. Grab a Moka Pot: Fill the bottom chamber with water up to the valve.
  2. Fill & Don't Press: Fill the basket with coffee grounds. Don't tamp or squish them down—keep it loose!
  3. Heat It Up: Screw it together and put it on the stove.
  4. Listen: When you hear a happy gurgling sound, it's done! Pour immediately. It's rich, strong, and perfect for waking you up.

History & Background

While Luigi Bezzera patented the first steam-pressure machine in Milan in 1901 to speed up brewing times for his employees, the espresso we know today is quite different. Bezzera's machine burned the coffee with boiling water. The true revolution came in 1948 when Achille Gaggia invented the lever-piston machine. This innovation increased pressure from 1.5 bars to 9 bars, creating the signature golden foam known as "crema" for the first time. This invention transformed Italian social life, creating a culture of standing quickly at the bar ("al banco") for a quick shot, fundamentally changing how the world consumes caffeine.

How to Pronounce Espresso

Espresso

Click to listen to the pronunciation