Having an espresso has become synonymous with recharging yourself. Because espresso is concentrated coffee, many people prefer to drink it when they’re pulling all-nighters or when they need to stay alert. Many even start their days with a potent espresso shot. Espresso is a very popular drink and it makes the base for other coffee beverages like cappuccino, latte, macchiato, etc. Let us dive into the history of espresso and get to know this drink a little better!
History of Espresso
Espresso is a strong coffee beverage that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. Its exact origins are somewhat unclear, but it is generally believed to have been developed as a way to quickly serve coffee to patrons at local cafes.
The first patent for a steam-powered espresso machine was granted in 1901 to Luigi Bezzera, and the popularity of the drink quickly grew in Italy in the years that followed. It was made by forcing hot water through ground coffee beans at high pressure. The resulting drink was known as an espresso. Espresso became especially popular in the post-World War II period, as Italy experienced a period of economic growth and a rise in café culture.
Espresso soon spread to other countries, and by the 1960s and 1970s, it had become a staple in coffee shops and cafes in Europe, North America, and beyond. Its popularity was due in part to its quick and convenient preparation, as well as its bold and concentrated flavour.
In the decades that followed, espresso continued to gain in popularity, and today it is widely regarded as a staple of coffee culture. From specialty cafes to chain coffee shops, espresso is widely enjoyed for its strong, rich flavour and versatility as a base for other coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
How Is Espresso Made?
Many believe that espresso is a type of coffee bean or the roast level of coffee. Some also believe that it can be made only from artisanal coffee. While artisanal coffee will give you better flavours and notes, a cup of espresso can be made from any kind of coffee beans.
Espresso is a type of coffee preparation made with the espresso machine. Finely ground coffee is put in the machine and as the baristas pull the handle, hot water is made to pass through the grounded beans at high pressure. A well ‘pulled’ espresso shot will have ‘crema’ on top, which is brown foam formed by soluble oil molecules in the coffee.
The taste of an espresso is quite concentrated and hence it is served in special espresso cups which are tiny in size and hold about 60ml of coffee.
You only need two ingredients to make an espresso, finely ground coffee beans and hot water. But to make an authentic espresso, you need proper equipment. You can make a good espresso using a French Press or an Aeropress at home.
How Does An Espresso Taste?
An espresso has a bold, rich flavour with a slightly bitter taste and a hint of sweetness. The flavour profile of an espresso is highly concentrated, with a high level of caffeine and a low volume of liquid. The result is a strong, intense coffee experience that is meant to be enjoyed in small sips.
The flavours of the coffee beans come through in the espresso, with notes of dark chocolate, nuts, caramel, and fruit depending on the type of coffee beans used.
A well-made espresso should have a smooth, creamy texture, with a well-balanced flavour that is not too bitter or too sweet.
We bet you feel like drinking an espresso after reading about it! You’re welcome to join us at our experience centre in Vikhroli. We will serve you an aromatic espresso cup made from Bombay Island Coffee’s special Espresso Blend. You can also learn how to pull an espresso shot at one of our coffee workshops!