Today it is hard to imagine a home or restaurant without an espresso machine or coffee maker. And if you still do not have these wonderful coffee-making devices, we recommend visiting the online store Cafeboutique, which offers a wide selection of coffee machines for every taste. There are more than a dozen methods of making coffee, both automatic and manual. However, despite the variety of preparation options, one of the main ones is espresso.
It is prepared in an espresso machine by uniformly passing hot water under pressure of 9 atmospheres through 7 grams of finely ground coffee. Hence the name of the drink – 'espresso', which in Italian means 'pressed out'.
The classic volume of espresso is only 25-30 ml. Its small quantity is justified by its strong strength and rich aroma. A sign of quality preparation is a special foam – 'crema'. It should be stable, neither too light nor too dark in color.
Espresso is especially valued by those who want a quick boost. It is recommended to drink after meals as it improves digestion due to its acidity.
But why is espresso so popular? We drink coffee anywhere and anytime: on a romantic date, while reading a good book, during lunch breaks and various meetings, both business and friendly. But not everyone knows that the main component of our favorite lattes and cappuccinos is espresso. Even the price level of restaurants is determined by the cost of a cup of this coffee.
The most popular coffee drinks in the world are made from espresso. Who hasn't drunk an americano? After all, it's also espresso, only with the addition of a certain amount of hot water. Or cappuccino with its delicate milk foam? Frappé, bicerin, mochaccino, latte – all these drinks share one unchanging base. Their variety is very wide, and each has its fans.
There are also separate ways of serving espresso:
• Espresso doppio is simply a double portion of the drink and is suitable for those who want a double boost.
• Lungo espresso is often confused with americano. However, if americano is simply diluted with hot water, 'long' espresso has a portion of 100 ml already at the exit of the coffee machine, but is made from standard 7 grams of beans.
• Romano is espresso with lemon juice or a piece of zest, which further enhances the tonic effect.
• Espresso macchiato is distinguished by the addition of a spoonful of milk. This makes the drink similar to marble, hence the name ('macchiato' in Italian means 'marble').
• Viennese coffee or espresso con panna – the famous coffee with a cap of whipped cream for lovers of exquisite contrast of sweet and bitter.
There are also many other types of serving – with various spices, syrups and alcoholic drinks, we have considered only the most classic options. The versatility and unique bright taste of espresso rightfully occupies first place in fame and popularity all over the world!