There is only one classic espresso, but many drinks that can be made from it have already been invented. You probably know some of them. In this article, we will introduce you to a total of 18 known and unknown forms of espresso, set the coffee terminology straight (because the word "presso" does not exist and there really is a difference between a latte and a cappuccino) and inspire you to discover new types of coffee.
What does the only real espresso look like?
We basically have a precise ideology for that. Coffee beans must be of good quality, fresh and of transparent origin. 7 grams are used for one espresso finely ground grains and the water must flow through the lever coffee machine pressure around nine bars. If the procedure is absolutely correct, the lever coffee machine will create a perfect 30 milliliter espresso in approximately 25 seconds.
Espresso is usually served in small and mainly preheated cups and it is advisable to stir it before consumption. Only in this way will all its anatomical parts be connected. Bitterness mixes with sweetness and fine foam, so you can enjoy the true taste of your favorite coffee.
We start nicely with a ristretto, which hides its strength behind its volume. Ristretto is actually an espresso that uses less water to prepare. It's such a small sip, but with its power it can reliably get you back on your feet.
The second and even stronger type of espresso is the doppio. It is a double dose of ground coffee (14 g) to the classic ratio of water, i.e. 30 milliliters. Doppio is synonymous with double shot.
If you don't gravitate towards such strong coffees, but would still like a stronger caffeinated drink, lungo will be right for you. It is actually almost a classic espresso, but it is allowed to flow longer. This results in a milder tasting drink with a higher caffeine content.
Americano is ideal for longer sipping. It is a single or double espresso brewed with hot water into a larger cup. The taste may remotely resemble classic drip coffee, but its strength cannot be compared to it due to the predominance of hot water.
In the Czech Republic, this somewhat jarring name is pronounced "makjato". If you request this drink in a cafe, you will receive an espresso topped with whipped milk foam.
This booster is especially popular with the older generation. In this case, the espresso is made special with whipped cream. This is such a small Viennese coffee.
Cappuccino is popular in almost every corner of the world. It is prepared in a medium-sized cup, in which the ratio of ⅓ espresso, ⅓ milk and ⅓ milk foam should be observed. However, you may also come across the term Dry cappuccino, which means a version of cappuccino with less milk content (it is replaced by fluffy milk foam by default).
Classic latte is sometimes combined with cappuccino, as their difference is not known. Latte is usually prepared in tall glasses and is made up of ⅓ espresso, ⅔ whipped milk and a thin layer of fine micro foam on top.
Latte Macchiato (pronounced "macchiato") is prepared very similarly to a classic latte. But the fundamental difference here is in the arrangement of the individual steps of the procedure. The cup or glass is first filled with whipped milk, where, as with a latte, milk must make up two quarters of the resulting drink. The espresso shot is only added to the latte macchiato at the end, when the foam has completely separated from the milk. By carefully pouring the espresso, you will achieve a three-layer aesthetic drink.
A phenomenon of today's time and a favorite drink not only of most millennials. Flat white is prepared in smaller cups or glasses, usually around 120 milliliters. It's a double espresso topped with whipped milk with the absolute minimum of foam. The anatomy of this drink totally invites you to create latte art, so you can definitely see why it's so popular.
Cortado is less well known, but for those who like very balanced flavors, it is the best choice. It contains the same ratio of coffee and whipped milk without foam.
Translated as a red eye. It is drip coffee enriched with one shot of espresso.
We translate this term as a black eye, and perhaps thanks to the previous point you already guess that it is drip coffee supplemented, and this time not only with one, but two shots of espresso.
Dead eye. If you choose this type of drink, you are probably dead tired. Dead eye is drip coffee with even three espressos. This will really get the dead back on their feet.
From the dead to the lazy. Lazy eye means decaffeinated black coffee spiced with two shots of espresso. And that means you can't avoid that caffeine anyway.
This Thai drink is not so popular in our country, which is a great pity. It's drip coffee over ice topped with condensed milk and topped with dopp.
If there's one thing that's an absolute summer staple, it's affogato. After all, who wouldn't enjoy vanilla ice cream topped with fresh espresso on a hot day?
A quarter of espresso and 3 quarters of milk. Galão comes from Portugal, where the locals like to enjoy it in their favorite cafes.
Summary at the end
Maybe you had no idea what you can order in a cafe until today. Try ordering a different option the next time you visit your favorite cafe. They may all sound similar to you now, but believe me, they are completely different when properly prepared.
