How should I drink espresso?
What comes to mind when you hear "espresso"?
Bitter? Strong? Small?
Compared to the past, espresso has become much more widespread, but I think many people still don't quite understand it.
This time, I'll introduce you to the profound world of espresso!
It is said that the finer and more persistent the top layer of crema, the better.
Additionally, good espresso is characterized by clearly expressing the original flavor of the coffee and having a subtle sweetness.
The remaining sugar at the end is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with the taste left in your mouth after drinking the espresso!
Latte art made with steamed milk is also popular.
In barista competitions, there is a "Signature Beverage" category for original drinks using espresso, and many unique espresso beverages are created.
Perhaps in the future, different ways of drinking espresso than what we know now may become mainstream!
What exactly is espresso?
Espresso is coffee extracted by applying pressure to ground coffee beans with a machine in a short amount of time. Espresso means "express" in Italian, and one theory is that it originated to shorten employees' coffee breaks. Espresso began to be served in Italian bars about 100 years ago, and then spread throughout Europe. In Italy, espresso is commonly enjoyed quickly before work or during short breaks, and it's generally understood that coffee means espresso.
What makes a delicious espresso?
Good espresso generally has a smooth mouthfeel and a long-lasting, aromatic aftertaste. Freshly brewed espresso is ideally divided into three layers, called "crema," "body," and "heart" from top to bottom. These three layers begin to dissipate the moment they're brewed, so it's generally consumed quickly.
It is said that the finer and more persistent the top layer of crema, the better.
Additionally, good espresso is characterized by clearly expressing the original flavor of the coffee and having a subtle sweetness.
Various ways to enjoy espresso
Many people know about espresso but aren't sure how to drink it. What's the right way to drink it? Should I add something? While you might have various questions, in my personal opinion, the most important thing is... If you think it's delicious, that's all that matters! But since we're here, I'll introduce some popular ways to drink espresso!Italian staple: with sugar
In Italy, it's common to drink espresso with sugar, which is a delicious way to enjoy both bitterness and sweetness. It's easy to drink! 1. Add 1 to 3 spoonfuls of sugar to the espresso. 2. Stir lightly (Note: Be careful not to overmix, as it can cause the flavor to dissipate!) 3. Drink it quickly before the flavor dissipates. 4. Scoop up and eat the sugar remaining at the bottom of the cup with a spoon.
The remaining sugar at the end is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with the taste left in your mouth after drinking the espresso!
Easy-to-drink latte
Perhaps more well-known than espresso itself, the caffè latte is also a legitimate way to drink espresso. To drink it, simply add milk to the espresso! Mixing it with milk makes it milder and easier to drink.
Latte art made with steamed milk is also popular.
In barista competitions, there is a "Signature Beverage" category for original drinks using espresso, and many unique espresso beverages are created.
Perhaps in the future, different ways of drinking espresso than what we know now may become mainstream!