What is espresso, and how does it differ from regular coffee?

The only thing that might make the sound of your morning alarm more bearable is the thought of your beloved cup of coffee waiting for you—if you’re a coffee drinker, of course. With nearly two-thirds of Americans reporting daily coffee consumption, there's a high chance you're one of them. Coffee is widely loved for its taste, its energizing caffeine kick, and even its potential health benefits. While ordering coffee might seem simple, the growing variety of coffee options can sometimes be overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some essentials, including espresso (note: not 'expresso'). This popular and energizing drink should be in every coffee lover's vocabulary, though it’s not the same as regular coffee. Even if you’ve never specifically ordered an espresso, you might already be enjoying it in one of the many espresso-based beverages available. Here’s what you need to know about this essential coffee drink.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a specific type of coffee that is more concentrated than regular coffee. A serving of espresso is known as a shot, and due to its higher concentration, it has more caffeine than regular coffee. Espresso shots are typically small and strong, around an ounce in size. A common misconception is that espresso requires special espresso beans, but the type of beans isn't what makes coffee espresso. It's the brewing process, which involves using high pressure to extract the coffee, that turns it into espresso.

What’s the Difference Between Coffee and Espresso?

Still unsure about how coffee and espresso compare? Keep reading to discover the key differences between these two beloved caffeinated drinks.

Espresso has more caffeine per ounce

An 8-ounce cup of regular coffee contains about 96 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, whereas a 1-ounce shot of espresso contains approximately 63 mg. Although a cup of regular coffee has more caffeine overall, you can consume a greater volume of it while staying within the daily recommended 400 mg caffeine limit. If you prefer espresso, you'll need to adjust your intake as it’s more concentrated per ounce, meaning fewer ounces per day.

Espresso is brewed using pressure

There are many methods to brew coffee, but to make authentic espresso, you’ll need the right equipment. While regular coffee makers rely on gravity to drip hot water over coffee grounds, espresso machines use approximately nine bars of pressure to force hot water through the compacted grounds quickly. Although the process is faster, espresso machines come with a learning curve. With more components and steps, they tend to be more complex and pricier than a typical drip coffee maker.

Espresso beans are ground very fine

When you start brewing coffee at home, one of the first lessons is grind size. Enthusiasts will tell you that grinding your own coffee beans can make a big difference. But if you don’t own a coffee grinder, you can still brew espresso—just ensure that your coffee grounds are finely ground. Since the water is in contact with the grounds for a shorter period, a fine grind allows for more surface area interaction. Espresso beans themselves aren’t much different from regular coffee beans, except they typically have a darker roast.

Espresso has a rich, bold flavor and a frothy crema

If you're a coffee lover who appreciates rich flavors, espresso might be your perfect match. The distinct brewing method of espresso brings out more flavor, creating a fuller body, thicker texture, and a more intense taste. You'll also notice a foamy layer on top of espresso, known as crema. This frothy layer is made up of tiny bubbles formed from carbon dioxide gas. While not everyone enjoys the taste of crema, there's no denying that it makes for an impressive visual.

What Is a Blonde Espresso?

Espresso is typically made from dark roast coffee beans, which are roasted longer to produce a bolder, more robust flavor. Blonde espresso, however, is crafted using lightly roasted beans. These beans undergo a shorter roasting time, resulting in a more subtle flavor but with a higher caffeine content.

How to Enjoy Espresso

Espresso is a versatile coffee drink. You can savor it by itself or use it as the base for various espresso-based beverages. Though it's called a 'shot,' espresso is best enjoyed by sipping rather than gulping. Whether you choose to remove the crema or mix it into the drink is entirely up to you—both methods have their merits.

If you're ready to explore espresso-based beverages, here are a few options to try:

• Americano: A hot drink made by combining equal parts espresso and water. If the strong flavor of espresso is too intense, this is a great way to mellow it out.
• Cappuccino: A warm coffee drink created by pouring steamed milk over espresso, then topping it with a thick layer of frothed milk.
• Espresso martini: A smooth and caffeinated alcoholic cocktail, made with espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, served chilled.
• Latte: Similar to a cappuccino, a latte is a coffee drink made from espresso, steamed milk, and a small amount of frothed milk. Lattes can be served hot or iced, and often feature beautiful latte art.
• Macchiato: A hot coffee beverage made by adding a small amount of milk froth to a shot of espresso.
• Mocha: An espresso-based drink with chocolate flavor. Made from steamed milk, espresso, and chocolate, it’s like a rich hot chocolate with a shot of espresso.