Espresso is a bold, rich coffee drink that powers everything from morning routines to late-night chats. Its intense flavor, brewed from finely ground beans under high pressure, makes it the backbone of drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. If you’re new to espresso, the strong taste and small serving size might feel intimidating.
But don’t worry—drinking espresso is easy once you know the basics. This guide walks you through choosing your shot, preparing to sip, and enjoying the full experience, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned coffee fan.
What Is Espresso?
Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink, typically 1-2 ounces, brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground beans at about 9 bars of pressure. The result is a thick, syrupy shot with a golden-brown layer of foam called crema on top. Crema, formed from air bubbles and coffee oils, adds a creamy texture and aromatic depth. A single shot (1 oz) has about 63 mg of caffeine, while a double (2 oz) doubles that, delivering a quick, flavorful kick.
Espresso’s versatility shines in its many forms. You can drink it straight or use it as the base for drinks like a cappuccino (espresso with steamed milk and foam) or a flat white (espresso with velvety microfoam). Its bold flavor stands up to milk, syrups, or even just a splash of hot water in an Americano.
Choosing Your Espresso Shot
Espresso comes in different sizes, each with its own intensity:
| Shot Type | Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 1 oz | Quick, intense; good for beginners |
| Double (Doppio) | 2 oz | Most common; balanced flavor |
| Triple (Triplo) | 3 oz | Rare, very strong |
| Quad | 4 oz | Uncommon, mostly U.S.; boldest |
Most coffee shops default to a double shot for straight espresso or espresso-based drinks. If you’re unsure, ask for a single to ease into the flavor or a double for the standard experience. When ordering, clarify the size to avoid surprises—baristas appreciate the precision.
How to Drink Espresso in 3 Steps
Getting ready to enjoy a shot of espresso? The process is simple but thoughtful, turning a quick drink into a small ritual. These three steps will help you savor every sip, whether you’re at a bustling café or brewing at home. From prepping your palate to tasting the full flavor, here’s how to drink espresso like a pro..
1. Prep Your Palate
Before your espresso arrives, take a moment to soak in the café vibe—the hum of the espresso machine, the aroma of roasted beans, the chatter around you. Many baristas serve a small glass of sparkling water with your shot. Sip it to cleanse your palate, clearing away lingering flavors from food or other drinks. This primes your taste buds for the espresso’s full range of notes, from nutty to chocolatey to fruity.
When your shot arrives, check the crema. It should be a light, golden-brown layer, about 1-2 mm thick, signaling a fresh, well-pulled shot. Some older guides suggest scraping off the crema, but most coffee experts now recommend keeping it. Crema carries the espresso’s aroma and adds a silky texture. If the crema looks thin or spotty, the shot might be stale, but don’t stress—just give it a taste.
2. Stir for Consistency
Espresso settles quickly. The denser, sweeter oils sink, while the lighter, more acidic notes float. To balance the flavor, gently stir the shot with a small spoon for 3-5 seconds. The espresso should look uniform, with a deep brown color and a texture like warm honey. Stirring also mixes in the crema, smoothing out the taste.
If the shot tastes too bitter (often a sign it’s over-extracted or not fresh), add a pinch of sugar to soften it. For a fresh, high-quality espresso, skip the sugar to enjoy the pure flavors. Taste it first, then decide—your palate knows best.
3. Sip, Don’t Chug
Espresso is meant to be savored, not gulped. Take a single shot in one or two slow sips, letting the liquid coat your tongue. A double shot might take 2-3 sips. Feel the warmth, the slight bitterness, and the subtle sweetness or acidity. Each sip should deliver a balanced burst of flavor and a quick caffeine boost. Pause between sips to let the taste linger, like you’re sampling a fine wine. The whole experience should take just a minute or two—espresso is a sprint, not a marathon.
Exploring Espresso-Based Drinks
If straight espresso feels too strong, try these popular options, all built on an espresso base:
- Americano: 1-2 shots of espresso with 6-8 oz of hot water, like drip coffee but with espresso’s depth.
- Cappuccino: 1-2 shots of espresso with equal parts steamed milk and frothy foam, often sprinkled with cocoa.
- Latte: 1-2 shots of espresso with 6-8 oz of steamed milk, smooth and mild.
- Flat White: 1-2 shots of espresso with 4-6 oz of steamed milk, velvety and slightly stronger than a latte.
- Macchiato: 1 shot of espresso with a dollop of steamed milk or foam, bold with a creamy touch.
You can customize these with syrups (vanilla, caramel), alternative milks (oat, almond), or sweeteners. With endless combinations, you could try a new espresso drink every day and never get bored.
Tips for the Best Espresso Experience
- Find a Quality Café: Visit a shop with skilled baristas and fresh beans. Look for places that grind beans on-site and pull shots in 25-30 seconds for optimal flavor.
- Taste the Beans: Espresso varies by bean origin—Ethiopian for fruity notes, Colombian for chocolatey depth. Ask your barista about the blend.
- Drink Fresh: Espresso is best right after brewing. If it sits too long (over 10 minutes), it can taste flat.
- Experiment: Try different shot sizes or drink styles to find your favorite. A straight double might become your go-to, or you might love a frothy cappuccino.
Why Drink Espresso?
Espresso is more than coffee—it’s a moment to slow down and savor. Whether you’re at a bustling Italian-style café or a cozy local spot, the ritual of sipping a well-pulled shot connects you to a global coffee tradition. Its bold flavor and quick caffeine hit make it perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, with so many ways to enjoy it, espresso offers something for everyone, from purists to flavor adventurers.
Next time you’re at a coffee shop, order a shot and give these steps a try. You’ll be sipping like a pro in no time, appreciating the craft behind every tiny cup.