People who know much about coffee shops always look for good Espresso with interesting flavors. Most people need to realize the amount of work that goes into creating an espresso experience from a cup of coffee.
Let’s talk about how to drink Espresso. How to make espresso taste as good as possible, and how the process impacts its flavor and quality.
The 5 Easiest Ways to Enjoy Your Espresso
Now that you know what people say, it’s time to start drinking the drink. How much Espresso people drink depends on where they are and who they ask. We’ve put together a five-step plan for how to drink Espresso.
We’ve given you the most common ways to do it and the more traditional ones. This way, you’ll be ready to go into any coffee shop you want.
1. Ordering an Espresso
As soon as you walk into a cafe, it would help if you tell the barista what you want. It’s best to order the shot “for here” and drink it in the establishment if you want the full effect. You can also choose between a single image and a double shot.
You should get a double unless you’ve been to a few other coffee shops that day. You’ll get the full experience if you get a double. Depending on your surroundings, where you sit may also be significant. For instance, many enjoy sitting at tables, especially if they want to order food.
Contrarily, Espresso is typically intended to be sipped rapidly and joyfully. Sit down (or rise) at the bar, start a conversation with the person next to you, and leave within 15 minutes. And finally, let it be known that you prefer a demi-tasse for your shot.
2. Cleansing Your Palate
A common point of confusion for first-time espresso drinkers is the next step. Depending on the location, the barista may or may not bring you a bottle of sparkling water after you place your order. At Starbucks, this won’t take place.
The conventional approach, however, calls for expanding your taste buds and clearing your tongue before consuming your tea. This will let you taste all of the coffee’s flavors and notes.
The carbonation in the sparkling water awakens your taste buds and prepares you for whatever might be served. In addition, it will eliminate any lingering flavors. It’s important to be open to trying as wide varieties of coffee as possible, as a single bean can have multiple aromas and tastes.
3. The Crema
When your Espresso comes, you should take a moment to look it over. The presence or absence of crema on freshly brewed coffee reveals important information about its quality. The crema should be thick and dark reddish brown in an ideal world. This implies that your coffee was made with high-quality coffee beans.
You should smell the aroma before drinking because the crema helps to keep it in. The crema can tell you much about your drink.
Those passionate about coffee often engage in lengthy debates regarding the byproduct’s texture, aroma, hue, significance, and flavor. Many people think it’s a window into the Espresso’s soul, so it’s important to look at it carefully.
Removing the Crema
After you’ve looked into the crema’s depths, it’s time to throw it away. It’s yucky! But things get tricky because people have different ideas about this. Most self-proclaimed “modern coffee experts” advise using a spoon to scoop out the crema.
It tastes very bitter, and doing this doesn’t change the taste of the coffee at all. Those who live on the crema side of the coffee industry say it’s the best way to enjoy an espresso drink.
Leaving the Crema
“Traditional coffee house experts,” on the other hand, would never think of taking off the crema. It is a component of both the shot and the experience. They also think it keeps most of the smell and half of the taste. If you take it out, you’re not sipping it conventionally.
How do people feel? Check out both ways. Most likely, no one will care if you take it off, but you want to taste it, too. Both camps agree, however, that you must decide whether to get rid of it as soon as possible. The crema will settle to the bottom quickly, remaining out of reach.
Also Read: 12 Best Super Automatic Espresso Machines
4. Stir
This is another point where many experts disagree about how to drink Espresso. Do you stir it or let it alone? Once more, the traditional method of consuming Espresso is to do nothing and sip it. But at this point, you should give it a quick stir.
After brewing, Espresso tends to separate. The parts that sound like thick syrup sink to the bottom, while the lighter, brighter notes rise to the top. If you swirl the spoon around a few times, you can ensure that both ingredients are spread out evenly, giving the drink a very good taste.
One reason some people don’t like to mix their coffee is so they can enjoy the distinct flavors of each component. The way the taste changes from the first to the last sip makes up the whole experience. If you have never had Espresso before, you should use a spoon.
5. Drinking Espresso
Now you can finally drink your Espresso. However, there is some discussion over the best approach, as there was with the preceding steps. How you drink has a direct effect on how you want to feel.
Do you drink Espresso to get a quick boost or to explore the different flavors and notes? This is a vital inquiry of oneself, and one’s reply may vary daily.
Customers at barista bars in Italian cafes typically drink Espresso while chatting with one another and the baristas. They never mix it and guzzle the crema in two gulps at the most (before it cools down).
If you want to enjoy the espresso, you’ll probably spend a little more time drinking it. You’ll want to take your time with each sip, but you shouldn’t need more than four. You should also take off and stir the crema.
If this is your goal, you should take a small sip, just enough to coat your tongue, and then taste again to appreciate flavor nuances.
Amount of Coffee Consumed
Single, double, and triple shots of Espresso are available.
- One ounce equals a single.
- Doubles are 2 ounces.
- Three ounces is a triple.
Most of the time, people order single or double. The terms for a double shot, triple shot, and the uncommon, primarily American, quadruple shot are doppio, triplo, and quad, respectively.
When you order your Espresso, make sure you say what size you want.
While waiting for your coffee, take a moment to look around. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk, the ambiance of the cafe or restaurant, and the company of other customers can enhance your espresso-drinking experience.
You should follow these guidelines to enjoy Espresso like a true coffee enthusiast.
Also Read: How to Use Delonghi Espresso Machine Complete Guide
A Guide to the Language of Espresso
Before you go to a coffee shop, you should learn the language of the baristas. Knowing the jargon enables you to place precise orders and gives you more self-assurance if the barista surprises you with a question.
Espresso
It’s safe to assume you’re familiar with Espresso if you’ve stumbled into this post. But here, the pronunciation is important, not the term itself. Expresso orders are the surest way to get the side eye from the person behind the counter.
The easiest approach to learning how to say the word is to listen to how it sounds, as is the case with most incorrectly said words (eh-spress-o).
Additionally, keep in mind that Espresso is a verb and a noun. Hence, it refers to the beverage’s name and method of preparation.
Shot
Another name for Espresso is a shot. Therefore, it is typically used to discuss beverages that include Espresso and other ingredients. Examples of these include cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mocha lattes.
You may also be asked how many shots you want. A single shot means one Espresso, and a double shot means two espressos.
Demi-tasse
This cup, with the pronunciation “dem-e-tas,” is appropriate for serving Espresso. Espresso is traditionally prepared in a little white ceramic mug. Half a cup is called a “demi-tasse” in French. There’s still no explanation for why the French-sounding moniker goes with an Italian drink.
Good Espresso is always served in cups, like at cafes that take themselves seriously. If you want to make an impression or demonstrate your coffee expertise, order your Espresso in a demi-tasse.
Pull an Espresso
This term describes forcing hot water through coffee grounds at a pressure of nine bars in espresso machines. A barista would manually pull levers to brew coffee, where the phrase “pull an espresso” comes from.
Most coffee shops today have new machines that don’t need levers. Nonetheless, it is a common expression. For example, someone might say, “Be careful. Freshly pulled Espresso is very hot!”
Dial In
In coffee, the term “dial-in” refers to finding the optimal settings for making a cup. This may necessitate experimenting with different grind sizes, Water temperatures, or pressure settings. You know you’re getting the best coffee possible if you dial in.
Crema
The next word is very important. Crema is the white foamy stuff that sits on top of your Espresso when you first make it. When CO2 breaks down, it gives off this gas.
CO2 makes tiny bubbles of air in an espresso machine. A foam-like substance forms when they meet the oils in the coffee grounds. This event has the same effect as the “Guinness effect,” when you get a “head of foam” on your drink.
Cupping
Coffee farmers utilize a scientific method called “cupping” to evaluate the quality of their beans. It’s a complicated way for them to check the quality of their beans.
However, many people who aren’t farmers use the phrase to refer to the more straightforward and in-depth approach to tasting Espresso to identify its flavor nuances.
Along the same lines, you may hear the terms “over-extracting” and “under-extracting” used to talk about how a coffee tastes. In general, too much extraction makes the coffee bitter, while too little extraction makes it sour.
Mouthfeel
Mouthfeel is a method of evaluating coffee that is quite similar to cupping. It can discuss texture, taste, weight, acidity, and greasiness.
You’ll be able to give a more detailed description of the Espresso’s surface as your taste for it develops and your sensitivity to its different flavors grows.
How do you Drink Espresso Best?
Even though people disagree on whether you should stir Espresso, there are ways to make it more enjoyable to drink. Using these methods, you can taste the full range of flavors in the Espresso. Making an Espresso order is the most likely way to enjoy it.
The flavor will change drastically if the espresso shot sits too long. Unless you tell the barista otherwise, a decent shot of Espresso will have a thin film of crema on top.
Before you drink your espresso shot, most specialty coffee shops will give you a glass of sparkling water. Before drinking your coffee, start with this to eliminate any unwanted flavors lingering in your mouth.
It’s best to inhale deeply through your nose before chugging down that shot of Espresso. By recognizing their aroma, closely related to their taste, you can discover more about Espresso’s tastes.
The liquid will cover your tongue well if you slurp the Espresso when ready to drink it. In many cultures, slurping is considered disrespectful; however, slurping Espresso or coffee is perfectly fine.
The next step is to give the flavors time to linger before trying to put a name on them. One of the most fun things about drinking Espresso is figuring out what you’re tasting and being able to explain it. You will get better at this the more you practice.
You can then decide whether to branch out and try coffees from other roasters or areas or stick with what you know and love.
Advice on How to Drink Espresso
We have a few additional suggestions while navigating the espresso scene if you want to make an impression. Remembering this information will not only help you feel more at ease but will also allow you to make the most of your time there.
Using Your Own Espresso Machine
Over time, it can cost a lot to order espressos from restaurants. You don’t need a barista or to fly to Naples to make authentic Espresso with modern machines.
Respecting Its Strength
Espresso’s strong taste can be a little scary for people who don’t drink coffee very often. If you’re curious and up for an adventure, you’ll eventually stumble upon that perfect shot.
When to Drink Espresso
Espresso is only drunk in the afternoon in Italy. It’s not a pick-me-up in the morning or a snack between meals. If you want to be like the locals, the best time to enjoy it is between 4 and 6 pm.
Where to Drink Espresso
Espresso can be enjoyed in more places than just coffee shops in Italy. Espresso can be made well in just about any store with a trained barista, but if you want the real deal, you should seek it out at the beverage’s birthplace.
Acquired Taste
Some people find it intimidating to drink Espresso, and it’s also seen as a romantic thing to do. The desire to be the most stylish person at the café counter can soon turn sour after one too many strong drinks.
Espresso can be hard to get used to if you usually drink a Dunkin’ Donuts caramel iced coffee. Your palate may take some time to enjoy the subtle and powerful flavors, but practice makes perfect.
Knowing a Good Espresso
In light of the advice mentioned above, you might be unable to distinguish between a good and a bad espresso if you are not accustomed to drinking them. Espresso should be bitter, but not too much so. It should also taste rich, but not so much that it’s too strong.
The mouthfeel should be complete and strong without making you feel like you need to take a deep breath or gulp down a glass of water. Aftertastes typically feature these lighter (brighter) overtones.
When to Drink Espresso
Espresso is popular with coffee drinkers because it can be drunk at any time of day. However, there are strict time limits for drinking it in Italian fashion.
In Italy, Espresso is a popular afternoon drink. The powerful black shot is just what you need to get over that midday hump. People also don’t like drinking coffee with Milk after 11 a.m., especially after meals.
Other Forms of Espresso
Unless you’re ordering a drip coffee, most coffee shop drinks begin with an Espresso shot. Cappuccinos, lattes, and other beverages start with a single or double shot of Espresso, but the result is not an espresso. Even so, there are a few different ways to make an Espresso:
Macchiato
In contrast to what you can get at Starbucks, a real macchiato is made with Espresso and a splash of Milk.
Americano
This is a useful way to begin acclimating to the robust flavor of straight Espresso. The Americano differs from a standard cup of coffee by adding more hot water to the shot.
Cafe Lungo
The ratio of Espresso to hot water is greater than in an Americano but smaller than in an Espresso.
Corretto
This is usually a nighttime drink because the alcohol dilutes the shot of Espresso. Most people use grappa or sambuca, which means “corrected coffee” in Italian.
Cappuccino
Similar to a macchiato but made with equal parts espresso, steamed Milk, and foam.
Affogato
Almost like a coffee float but with vanilla ice cream.
FAQ’s
How strong is Espresso compared to coffee?
Espresso is typically served in glasses holding 1 to 2 ounces, whereas the lowest-size coffee naturally comes in at 8 ounces. When consumed in such large amounts, it makes sense that coffee would have more caffeine than Espresso.
There may not be as much caffeine in a single shot of Espresso as there is in a cup of coffee. Even so, if you’re going to drink the same amount of either, Espresso is the better choice because it tastes better and has more caffeine.
Espresso can get more caffeine into your bloodstream in less time. A person’s level of alertness is proportional to the amount of caffeine they ingest, but there is also an effect due to the timing of their caffeine intake.
The body reacts to it more strongly when caffeine is eaten fast in significant doses. It also lowers the amount of acid in your digestive system.
How come Espresso is so small?
Espresso shots are made by applying high pressure and nearly boiling water to a portafilter to push finely ground coffee through. Small amounts of water make Espresso, which gives it a strong flavor.
More water would be needed to brew Espresso, reducing its flavor. You can get a full-bodied taste and more caffeine in your coffee by using less water per pound of ground beans.
Why does Espresso come with a glass of Water?
Coffee made with espresso beans packs quite a punch. It would be similar to drinking coffee boiled down to its purest form, and it probably wouldn’t taste very good. A glass of sparkling water is the perfect way to cleanse your palate before experiencing such a symphony of flavor.
How Often Do You Take an Espresso Shot Straight?
A “straight” shot of Espresso has not been flavor- or decoration-modified in any way. There is no sugar or Milk to alter the taste of the coffee in any way.
Although many people drink Espresso black, it’s best to take it slow and savor each shot to avoid a caffeine overdose.
Do you drink Milk with your Espresso?
People often enjoy their coffee with steamed Milk, so feel free to add some to your drink. You’re still drinking coffee, but from now on, you’ll order a macchiato instead of an Espresso.
How many Espresso shots is Normal?
The typical person would benefit from one shot of Espresso in their beverage. For the best taste, you’ll need two shots per drink, but you shouldn’t drink more than 4-6 shots per day for your health.
Do you have Water after or before your Espresso?
It would help if you took a sip of the Water before you took a sip of the Espresso. Espresso leaves a pleasant aftertaste that lingers for some time after consumption.
It would be a shame to wash away and eliminate this lovely aftertaste by drinking something immediately after.
Does one put Sugar in Espresso?
Most people who like Espresso will agree that a well-made shot doesn’t need sugar. Coffee should have a natural sweetness and very little bitterness if the barista is good and the cafe uses quality beans.
Most people associate bitterness and murkiness with Espresso, so if that’s how it tastes to you, by all means, add more sugar. Espresso from a large chain café generally needs sugar added even remotely to make it drinkable.
Each coffee drinker has to decide for themselves if adding sugar is okay. Avoid sugar, if at all possible, because of the well-documented negative effects it has on health.
Conclusion
This guide on how to drink Espresso, consume, and enjoy an espresso is one we hope you’ve found useful. Ordering your first shot at a hip coffee shop can be a little frightening, but like with anything, practice makes perfect.
There’s value in humming (or drinking) along with your favorite track. By all means, if you enjoy a Big Mac and Espresso at midnight! To get the most out of the experience, you should know the basics and a few tips, which we hope you got from us today.
Also Read: How to Make Espresso with Keurig