Espresso

Espresso is a fundamental way of making coffee and at the same time the basis of world coffee culture. It is a small portion of a concentrated, rich drink made in a special coffee machine.

The essence of the method lies in the combination of pressure and speed: through a tightly compressed “puck” of finely ground bean at a temperature of about 90 °C, a small amount of hot water is forced under high pressure (about 9 bar) in just 25–30 seconds. This intensive method of extraction gives, as a result, a thick, aromatic drink with a rich taste and the characteristic golden foam — crema — on the surface. Espresso is drunk as a drink in its own right in small sips, but, most importantly, it is the base foundation for most other coffee drinks: cappuccino, latte, americano, flat white. A perfectly made espresso is the pinnacle of the barista's mastery and the heart of any quality café.