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 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.

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.

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.

As the popularity of great coffee shops has rapidly increased in the past few years, the creativity of the baristas in the tastes and sophistication of those of us who drink their beverages has similarly increased. Menus have grown longer and more complex. So, when I walk into a Starbucks or other favored coffeehouse, what should I choose off the lengthy menu?

The most tasty and popular drinks to order include Latte, Macchiato, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Mocha, and Flat White. Understanding what it is that differentiates these drinks may help you choose among them and to broaden your tastes. While these drinks are in some ways all very similar, including espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, the ratios of these ingredients in the order in which they are included is important.

Since all of these beverages are based on espresso, let’s talk a little bit about what espresso is.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is from the word esprimere, “to express” or “to force out”. Espresso is coffee brewed by forcing very hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. The act of forcing the water through the coffee beans at high pressure creates a beverage (or “shot”) that is thicker than normal coffee and contains more dissolved and suspended solids than normal coffee. This is, in turn, produces a stronger, bolder flavor which is quite concentrated. Because of the pressurized brewing process, the flavors and chemicals in a typical cup of espresso are very concentrated. Espresso can be consumed as is (perhaps with a bit of crema) or used as the base for other drinks such as Latte, Macchiato, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Mocha, and Flat White. In these other drinks, typically what changes is the ratio of milk to espresso, the order in which ingredients are added, and the quality and amount of the foam on top of the drink. It may be worth noting that although espresso has a higher concentration of caffeine than most coffee beverages, the typically smaller serving size surprisingly results in less total caffeine than a typical mug of dirt brewed coffee.

So now we have espresso; what are some of these other, more exotic drinks?

What is a Macchiato?

A macchiato (or caffè macchiato) is basically a shot of espresso with a little bit (perhaps 1 to 2 teaspoons) of hot milk. Macchiatos have the highest ratio of espresso to milk of any drink made with those ingredients. In a macchiato the milk is intended to moderate the taste of the coffee with barely a touch of sweetness. Typically, a macchiato is prepared by pouring a small amount of steamed milk directly into a single shot of espresso. In fact, Macchiato means “stained” in Italian– espresso stained by a little bit of milk.

You might also like to read: What is a Cortado?

Starbuck’s® caramel macchiato has created its own followers of this tasty beverage. This delicious Macchiato begins with steamed milk topped by a dense, creamy foam. It also contains vanilla syrup. Then espresso is poured over and through the foam, where it mixes with the milk and creates a brown mark on top. Then the barista adds a crosshatch of sweet caramel sauce to the top of the foam (Starbucks’ signature pattern, but obviously the shape of the pattern does not affect the taste). You will find several copy-cat recipes on line, but they all basically make a standard caramel sauce and drizzle that sauce over a standard macchiato.

Similarly, Starbuck’s® iced caramel macchiato has become quite popular as a hot-weather drink. An iced caramel macchiato is basically a standard macchiato poured over ice and topped with a drizzle of caramel.

What is a Latte?

A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. In Italy, caffè latte is almost always prepared at home and only for breakfast. The coffee is poured into a cup containing heated, unfoamed, unsweetened milk.

In the U.S. and elsewhere outside of Italy, a latte is typically prepared in an 8 oz. glass or cup starting with one shot of espresso. The glass is then filled with steamed milk with approximately a ½ inch layer of foamed milk on the top. We also tend to substantially sweeten our lattes (unlike Italy and the rest of Europe). And we certainly don’t limit the consumption of lattes to breakfast!

We also are fond of substituting ingredients in lattes. For example, it is common to substitute chai tea for espresso to make a chai latte (a drink that is easy to make at home on your stovetop). It is also not unusual to utilize soymilk or almond milk in place of cow’s milk. Lattes have become tasty and social drinks to be consumed any time.

Starting in the early 2000’s, Starbucks® successfully introduced lattes taste themed to certain holidays. Following this successful introduction, Starbucks made popular the pumpkin spice latte. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is an espresso drink made with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice and a small amount of pumpkin puree. The pumpkin spice latte is offered by Starbucks® and many other coffee shops through the fall season up until the end of December.

Similarly, Starbucks® introduced the cascara latte in 2017. This latte combines espresso, steamed milk, and cascara syrup, topped with foam. The beverage is topped with a sprinkling of cascara cherry extract mixed with cane sugar. Cascara syrup is made from the skins of the cherries from which coffee beans are extracted.

What is a Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is an espresso-based coffee drink that, like many of our current coffee shop beverages, originated in Italy. It is traditionally prepared with a double espresso and steamed milk foam. Some baristas will use cream instead of milk, and some will further flavor the drink with chocolate powder or cinnamon.

In a modern cappuccino, the temperature and texture of the milk are as important as the double espresso shot. When a barista steams the milk for a cappuccino, he or she will create a microfoam by introducing very tiny bubbles of air into the milk. The microfoam is important and gives the milk a velvety texture. The foam produced by steaming the milk is quite critical to this drink, thus making the cappuccino one of the most difficult espresso-based beverages to make properly. And we’re all use to seeing skilled baristas producing artistic shapes while pouring the milk on top of a cappuccino or other drink.

The traditional way of preparing a cappuccino is by using the equal ratios of ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam. Alternatively, we now see cappuccinos served with elaborate decorative art produced by the textured milk at the hands of a skilled barista, producing a beverage to be enjoyed both with your palate and with your eyes.

Be sure to check out our article on Espresso Machine vs Cappuccino Machine. The automatic cappuccino machines will produce your favorite cappuccino at the touch of a button.

What is a Mocha?

A mocha (or caffè mocha) is a combination if espresso and hot milk (like a latte and similar drinks), but with the addition of chocolate. The added chocolate may be in the form of sweet cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.

You can think of a mocha basically as hot chocolate with a shot of espresso added. Mochas are usually served either with a distinctive milk froth or whipped cream on top. For reasons of both the presentation and taste, it is common to have the top decorated with chocolate powder, chocolate flakes, cinnamon, or other flavors. A mocha can also be made with white chocolate, called a white mocha or with a blend of both white and dark chocolate, which goes by a variety of names including tuxedo mocha, black and white mocha, zebra, marble mocha, tan mocha, etc.

What is a Flat White?

A flat white is similar to a latte but differs in the way the milk is treated. The essence of a flat white is that there is no milk froth or thick foam but only microfoam, which has a glossy or velvety consistency. The intent is that the espresso be the dominant flavor rather than the milk. A good flat white should have a well-developed thin layer of microfoam (crema) which is uniformly brown in color. Because of the use of microfoam, traditionally a flat white does not include latte art.

Starbucks generally produces a version of the flat white with “holiday spices” near Christmas.

So you have many options of great espresso beverages to try on your visits to your favorite coffee house.

Do you want to make an espresso drink at home? Check out our top-rated espresso machines for home for all budget. It is possible to be your own barista with some practice, and using an easy-to-use espresso machine.

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.

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.