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July 11, 2023 By CoF Barista

What is espresso?

Espresso is a coffee drink made by forcing high pressure hot water through a tightly packed container (called the doser or porta filter) of finely ground coffee. This process yields a concentrated coffee beverage that is strong and flavorful. It also results in an espresso drink topped with “Crema,” which is a tasty foam that forms on top of the coffee.

espresso-drinks-in-espresso-glasses
Image credit: Flickr

Espresso might be thought of as the national drink of Italy, where it is enjoyed daily at home, in cafés, and in restaurants. Espresso drinks can be made from any coffee bean; what makes espresso unique is the method of preparation and the fineness of the coffee grind.

Espresso originated in Italy where it is not only a beverage but an inherent part of the social fabric of the country. Espresso delivers a caffeine punch to the drinker; it’s consumed as a wake-up beverage first thing in the morning, like an energy drink during the day, and with meals.

Typically, espresso is served in small cups or glasses that hold only 1 to 2 ounces.

Even though these may resemble a shot glass, the proper way to drink espresso is to sip it–not to drink it all down at once. Espresso is usually consumed unsweetened, but it may be sweetened with sugar or other sweetener, and it may be consumed with a sweet biscuit like biscotti.

Espresso is typically consumed as a single shot (1 ounce) for a double shot (2 ounces). The double shot is called a doppio. Some espresso drinkers prefer a more dilute drink called a lungo (or long) espresso. The lungo is made with the same amount of coffee but with twice the water.

Specialty drinks

Over time, we have developed quite a set of espresso-based drinks that many espresso drinkers prefer.

cappuccino-is-an-espresso-drink
Image credit: Flickr

Coffeehouses have a rich menu of such drinks which helps attract customers. Some of these favorite drinks include:

  • Cappuccino – espresso topped with steamed, frothed milk—often decorated on top.
  • Caffe latte – a double shot of espresso topped with steamed milk.
  • Caffe Americano – a shot of espresso diluted with hot water.
  • Caffe Mocha – add chocolate to a latte.
  • Caffe Macchiato – espresso with a small amount of usually foamed milk (literally translates as “stained” or “marked” coffee.
  • Cortado – equal parts 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed warm milk.

Since espresso is made from “normal” coffee beans but with a more extreme process of high-pressure water passed through very finely ground coffee, it should be no surprise that all the characteristics of coffee can be found in espresso. However, these tastes and characteristics are amplified by the process of making espresso as are the taste characteristics of your coffee.

Espresso and caffeine

Because of its strong distinctive flavor, espresso has earned a reputation of being high in caffeine, but that is not necessarily so. He single shot of espresso contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. The actual amount of caffeine delivered depends on the variety of coffee in the method by which it is brewed.

The acidity of espresso, like brewed coffee, depends on the roast of the beans you are using. Lighter roasts generally taste more acidic than darker roasts.

Buying espresso beans

Like with other coffees, you want to buy fresh roasted, whole, high-quality coffee beans. While these beans may be available from a number of sources, you may find the best results by developing a relationship with a local coffee bean supplier or grinder.

Best-coffee-beans

If you find a merchant that you trust and with whom you can develop a personal relationship, you are likely to be able to get the high-quality beans you want.

Storing espresso beans

Coffee beans are best stored in a cool dark place. There is a debate as to whether it’s best that they be stored in the freezer or not. Some people feel that storing them in a freezer result in the beans picking up more water than they should have. Our personal experience is that freezer storage works well. We leave the beans in their heavy, original packaging, which seems to protect them from freezer or water damage.

Aficionados suggest that once the beans are opened, they have a relatively limited shelf life of one to two weeks. Again, our personal experience is that being stored well in the freezer will last longer than that.

Filed Under: Espresso Drinks

October 29, 2022 By CoF Barista

Latte vs Macchiato vs Cappuccino – which should I choose?

Latte vs Macchiato

Both a latte and a macchiato use the same basic ingredients, one may ask “what is the difference between a latte and a macchiato?” Recall that macchiato means “marked” in Italian. A Macchiato is mostly espresso, marked with a small amount of steamed milk and foam for those who love a rich, bold taste of espresso itself. A latte is primarily a milk drink with a small amount of espresso in it. A Latte Macchiato is mostly steamed milk, marked with espresso for those who prefer a creamier drink.

What is a Latte?

What is a Macchiato?

What is a Cappuccino?

What is Espresso?

Latte vs Cappuccino

In asking what is the difference between a cappuccino vs a latte, which both use the same basic ingredients, one might ask “what is the difference?” A Cappuccino is an espresso based drink with the basic ratio of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 wet foamed milk. Conversely, a latte is basically a milk drink with a little coffee in it. A cappuccino is a strong coffee with milk while a latte has proportionately much more milk.

Filed Under: Espresso Drinks

October 30, 2022 By CoF Barista

Espresso Drink Recipes

While it is always a great experience to walk into your favorite coffee house and order your great exotic drink, it can be even more fun to make those espresso drinks yourself for the enjoyment of you and your friends (and save a lot of money!). Here we present a few recipes for exotic espresso drinks that you can make at home with your espresso machine.

Would you like to learn to make a Pumpkin Spice Latte? Perhaps a Caramel Macchiato would hit the spot–or maybe a Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato? How about an iced coconut milk mocha macchiato?

The key to making all of these drinks is the ability to make superior espresso coffee. You will also appreciate the ability to steam your drinks, to froth your milk, and add crema to your beverage. You will find it well worth your time and money to invest in an espresso machine (if you don’t already have one).

It’s easier than you think to create or reproduce outstanding specialty drink recipes when you start with the right equipment.

Caramel Macchiato Recipe

Better than Starbucks for a fraction of the price! You can purchase your caramel syrup or make your own; it’s pretty easy.

Ingredients: 
  • 14 reduced fat or whole milk
  • 2 tbsp. vanilla syrup
  • 2 espresso
  • Caramel sauce, to drizzle
Directions
  1. Prepare the espresso using your espresso machine and reserve, as it goes in last to “mark” the drink.
  2. Steam or otherwise warm your milk, and then froth the milk with milk frother. If you don’t have milk frother, just use a whisk aggressively to whisk the milk until foam forms.
  3. Add milk and vanilla to your cup.
  4. Then add the espresso.
  5. Finally, drizzle with Caramel Syrup and enjoy!

You can buy caramel syrup at many upscale stores, or, one of our favorites is Ghirardelli Caramel Syrup (View on Amazon).

Lastly, you make your own caramel syrup!

  1. Heat 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and comes to a boil. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture turns golden amber in color.
  2. Remove from heat and add 1 cup water. Return to heat and continue stirring until mixture becomes liquid. Let cool completely before using.
Interestingly, this is same recipe as for Hummingbird food except that you do not brown (caramelize) the sugar, so if you feel like hovering after this great drink, you will know why!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Available any time of year!

Pumpkin spice lattes have become one of the iconic signals that the holidays are near. But, of course, you can enjoy this delicious drink year-round with your espresso machine!

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin purée
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%, or any unsweetened nondairy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 shots espresso (or 1 cup freshly brewed coffee)
  • Extra milk (optional)
Directions
  1. Whisk together pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, milk, syrup, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix constantly until the mixture starts to steam.
  2. Remove from heat and pour mixture into a blender. Cover, hold the lid on tightly (yes, “Tightly”-you don’t want the hot mixture spewing out), and blend until frothy (typically about 15 seconds).
  3. Make the espresso or coffee. You can make extra milk foam to top your latte by pouring a few tablespoons of milk into a glass jar or other shaker with a lid while coffee is brewing. Tightly seal the lid and shake for 30-60 seconds. Remove lid and place jar in microwave for 30 seconds.
  4. Divide coffee and milk mixture between two mugs. Top with extra milk foam (if using) and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Note: you may buy pumpkin pie spice at almost any market or make it yourself.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients:
  • teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • teaspoons ground ginger
  • teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
  • Mix and store tightly sealed.
  • Voila! You have your own, homemade pumpkin spice latte!

Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato Recipe

Want to make a great iced espresso drink? Try a homemade iced cinnamon almond milk macchiato!

Ingredients
  • caramel drizzle
  • ice
  • Almond milk (4 oz or more, as desired)
  • Shot of espresso
  • Dash of Cinnamon
  • Caramel syrup drizzled on top
Instructions
  • Drizzle caramel in a traditional cup, covering bottom and decorative drizzle around the sides.
  • Add ice.
  • Add Almond Milk
  • Add dash of cinnamon and espresso.
  • Top with Caramel syrup drizzle.

Here’s our favorite Ghirardelli Caramel Syrup (View on Amazon) and a recipe to make you own, if you prefer.

We’re sure you will find this Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato delicious and refreshing when you want a cold espresso drink.

Filed Under: Espresso Drinks

December 20, 2022 By CoF Barista

Holiday Drinks

If you have an espresso machine, you can use it to make some outstanding Christmas drinks without the expense of visiting your neighborhood Starbucks for their holiday drinks. Here we’ve collected some of our favorite recipes to help you produce some easy Christmas drinks of your own! Check out our holiday recipes below!

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte
  • Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee
  • Gingerbread Latte
  • Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino
  • Holiday Peppermint Mocha

For a fun Holiday/Christmas idea, why not set up drink review test with your guests? The Holiday Drink Recipes are all relatively easy (and fun!) to make. Do your own testing with your group: for example, taste test and review Pumpkin Spice Latte vs. Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee. Or do a review of sweet drinks and review and compare Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino vs. Holiday Peppermint Mocha.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a classic holiday drink favorite at your local big-name coffee shop. Here’s our recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Ingredients

  • 2 T sugar
  • 2 c of milk (whole or low-fat to your taste)
  • 2 T of canned pumpkin
  • 2 T vanilla extract
  • 1/2 t of pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 -1/2 c espresso (fresh from your espresso machine).

Preparation Instructions

  1. Combine the first three ingredients (milk, sugar and pumpkin) in a medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until steamed
  2. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pumpkin spice
  3. Put the heated mixture into a blender and process about 10 seconds until foamy or whisk the mixture until foam appears
  4. Pour blended/whisked mixture into a mug, add your espresso and serve immediately!

Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee

If you enjoy Pumpkin Spiced drinks, you will want to give Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee a try.

If you are not familiar with Dalgona Coffee, it is a phenomenon of TikTok and, later, other social media platforms that is made with instant coffee or instant espresso, can be made relatively quickly without exotic equipment, and the result tastes great. The denizens of the internet rapidly discovered that the basic Dalgona coffee drink readily takes many specialty flavorings—including Pumpkin Spice!

Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 T instant coffee or instant espresso
  • 2 T granulated sugar
  • 2 T cold water

Preparation Instructions

  1. Combine coffee, sugar, and water in a medium bowl
  2. Using a hand mixer (or a hand whisk), vigorously mix or whisk until the mixture until it is shiny and silky smooth
  3. Continue mixing until the foamy mixture will hold peaks. Note that this can take 10 or more minutes if whisking by hand—a power hand mixer might be a good investment.
  4. Mostly fill a glass with ice and milk, then add a thick dollop or layer of the foamy mixture—traditionally done with a decorative swirl. Mix the two together if you prefer.

Preparation Instructions for Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee (or Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Latte)

  1. To basic Coffee Dalgona, you can add virtually any flavoring
  2. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Dalgona: Add ¼ t pumpkin spice to the basic sugar/water/coffee mixture.
  3. If you wish to add pumpkin puree for more pumpkin taste, start by adding 1 T of pumpkin puree to the milk and mix before pouring over ice (adding it to the base mixture will make it difficult to get the proper frothing).

Dalgona Coffee is great with many added flavors. For example, you can add:

  • Chai Spices
  • Cocoa powder (for a Mocha flavor)
  • Vanilla
  • Matcha tea powder
  • Crushed freeze dried fruit (like strawberries. Yum!)

Gingerbread Latte

This is a “classic” recipe for Gingerbread Latte. This spiced latte taste delicious and will warm you up in the cooler weather of the holiday season.

Ingredients

  • 2 c of water
  • 1 1/2 c of sugar
  • 2 1/2 t of ground ginger
  • 1/2 t of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 t of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 c of your fresh, delicious espresso
  • 8 ounces of milk, steamed with a little foam (whole milk preferred, or lower fat milk, to your taste)
  • Whipped cream and ground nutmeg to your taste

Preparation Instructions

  1. Prepare gingerbread syrup by combining water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla in a saucepan large enough to prevent boil-over of the mixture
  2. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer the syrup, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat and cover it with a lid
  3. Make 1/2 cup (a double shot) of espresso with your espresso machine. Prepare 8 ounces of hot milk with your steamer (or a microwave). This is where a nice cappuccino machine can make your day easier and your drink tastier.
  4. Finish your latte by placing the double shot of espresso in a 16-ounce cup. Then add 1/4 cup of gingerbread syrup, and top with the steamed milk. Stir.
  5. Finish off your gingerbread latte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Enjoy immediately!

Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

This Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino provides that sweet Holiday drink taste you crave during the Christmas season. It is the perfect drink when you crave a drink that is both cold and sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1 c espresso or strong coffee
  • ¼ c plus 2 Tbs of your favorite flavored creamer
  • 1 T chocolate syrup
  • ½ t brown sugar
  • ½ t white sugar
  • 3 T chopped mini chocolate chips
  • 2 T cookie crumbs or 3 crushed Oreos
  • 1-1½ c crushed ice
  • Chocolate whipped cream
  • Cookie crumbs for garnish

Preparation Instructions

  1. Mix coffee, creamer, and chocolate syrup together (cool if you start with hot coffee)
  2. Put coffee mixture in a blender
  3. Add chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, and ice
  4. Blend on high until mixture is smooth
  5. Top with whipped cream and cookie crumbs
  6. Serve immediately!

Holiday Peppermint Mocha

A long-time favorite in coffee shops, this Peppermint Mocha recipe is a drink you can make and enjoy at home (for a fraction of the price).

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c of sugar
  • 1/4 c of water
  • 3 t peppermint extract
  • 3 t powered cocoa
  • 3 t warm water
  • 1/2 c hot espresso
  • 1.5 c steamed milk

Preparation Instructions

  1. Stir water and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil
  2. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add 1.5 t peppermint extract.
  3. Allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes
  4. Mix cocoa and water in a cup or small bowl to a past consistency
  5. Add espresso and 1.5 t peppermint extract.
  6. Add steamed milk and serve immediately

It’s Easy to Enjoy Your Favorite Christmas Drinks

Kick back and relax with family and friends for the holidays and enjoy some of your new favorite espresso drinks!

You will find that a super automatic espresso machine especially one with a double boiler and steam wand can make these drinks easy to prepare. Here are three great espresso machines to check out:

  • Gaggia RI9700/64 Babila Espresso Machine (View on Amazon.com) is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine. It has a manual steam wand which can also dispense hot water. The Babila features automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos and includes a milk carafe.
  • Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine (View on Amazon.com). While this is a single boiler machine (meaning you cannot brew and steam at the same time), it is a popular and reliable machine with excellent milk frothing capabilities. If you want to step up to true dual boiler capability, we recommend the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine (View on Amazon.com).
  • DeLonghi ECAM23450SL Superautomatic Espresso Machine (View on Amazon.com). This DeLonghi machine has all the features of full-size machines despite its compact size. It’s designed to easily prepare both lattes and cappuccinos with its front mounted milk tank. It’s designed for easy maintenance and has a built in water filter to allow the use of tap water.
Related articles:
  • How to make a flavored coffee drink at home.

Filed Under: Espresso Drinks

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