Espresso has a bolder full flavoured taste, while regular filter coffee has a ‘regular coffee’ taste. You might or might not like filter coffee just like you might or might not like Espresso but life’s short and life’s for living so there’s only one way to find out, and that’s to go and try one. Whatever the outcome it will be a new experience.
So what’s the deal with Espresso?
Regular Coffee beans and Espresso beans are the same, both types of Coffee can be made from any Coffee bean. Regular Coffee is made by placing medium grind coffee beans into a paper filter and pouring hot water over the top. As the water slowly soaks through the beans and filter, it takes the extracted coffee with it.
Espresso is made by forcing water at very high pressure through purposely ground coffee beans which sit in a metal basket (known as the extraction process) making a quick hit of coffee which needs to be consumed as soon as it’s ready to get the full flavour.
Espresso making is a delicate skill which uses the variables of extraction time, water temperature, grind level and of course coffee bean types and blends.
There are three layers to a freshly pulled cup of Espresso after around 10 seconds the layers start to separate, Espresso is a ‘while standing at the bar drink’ your Barista (or Espresso machine) pours the Espresso in a cup so you can consume instantly. Leave it for a few minutes, and the layers will separate, and your Espresso will taste nowhere near as good as it should, and will even taste bad.
Can I have milk and sugar with Espresso?
Yes, although milk and sugar will tone down the unique and impressive taste of pure Espresso. There’s no law saying you can’t and who cares if the Coffee Snobs sneer at you. Having an Espresso with some milk and maybe a bit of sugar could be your ‘gateway drug’ to becoming a hardcore Espresso Drinker.
- An Espresso served with a little milk is known as a ‘Flat white.’
- An Espresso served with steamed milk is known as a ‘Latte.’
- An Espresso served with steamed milk, and frothed milk is known as a ‘Cappuccino.’
- An Espresso served with frothed milk is known as a ‘Dry Cappuccino.’
- An Espresso served with steamed milk is known as a ‘Machiatto.’
- An Es.presso served with sugar is known as an ‘Espresso With Sugar’
If you want to try your Espresso with sugar by all means add some, most Italians add sugar to in their Espresso as a matter of course, and if it’s good enough for the Italians, then it’s good enough for you.
There’s no time to waste go down to your local Coffee Bar today and order an Espresso, as soon as it’s served drink it!
If Espresso is love at first taste why not treat yourself to some Espresso Equipment and bring the much loved experience to your home.