Espresso coffee drinks are a popular piece of American culture thanks to the growing popularity of cafes. Espresso is a strong, concentrated form of coffee. The different types of espresso coffee drinks you consume are based around the combination and amount of ingredients used to accompany the espresso.
An espresso shot is exactly what it sounds like: a shot of espresso coffee (¾ of an ounce). Because of the intensity of the espresso, most people do not drink straight shots of espresso. Instead, most people add flavored syrups, milk and some sort of sweetener to their espresso coffee drinks.
Types of Espresso Coffee Drinks
An espresso macchiato has a shot of espresso and a small amount of foamed milk spooned over the top. Macchiato is Italian for "marked," and in this drink, the espresso is said to be marked with the foam. An espresso macchiato with whipped cream instead of the foamed milk is called an espresso con panna.
A café americano is made with a single or double shot of espresso mixed with 6 to 8 ounces of hot water from the espresso machine. Similar to a regular cup of coffee, this drink is hotter, smoother and more intense than a normal cup of coffee.
A cappuccino is made with a single or double shot of espresso, topped ¾ of the way with dry foam and a small amount of wet foam. Cold milk is essential to the foaming process. This drink has a high quantity of foam and is not a very filling espresso coffee drink.
A café latté is similar to the cappuccino but has less foam and more steamed milk. In this drink, the foam is held back with a spoon while the frothed milk is poured from a steaming container. The café latté is finished with a small amount of foam placed on top of the drink.
A café mocha is made with powdered or chocolate syrup mixed with a shot of espresso. This drink is finished with steamed milk and a whipped cream topping.
Adding Flavor to Your Espresso Drinks
Many people like to add flavors to their coffee drinks. Some popular flavored syrups include caramel, hazelnut, almond, vanilla and fruit flavors like raspberry and strawberry. Most flavored coffee drinks begin with a flavored syrup that is mixed with the espresso. Steamed milk is added to the espresso mixture to finish off the drink.
 | For coffee lovers, there's little better than starting the day with a perfect cup of coffee. The act of making coffee may seem simple, but really, brewing your perfect cup of coffee is more of an art. Start by investing in quality equipment, knowing your palate and how to select, store and brew your favorite beans. |
 | A good cup of coffee is only as good as the coffee maker that brews it. Understanding the types, differences and additional features of each machine will help you find the right coffee maker for you. |
 | A great cup of coffee is only as good as the quality of its beans. If flavor is a priority, grinding your own beans is a must. Finding the best coffee bean grinder can make the difference between a delectable cup of coffee or a bitter blend. |
Coffee, not unlike wine or tea, is a beverage whose subtle flavour is defined not only by the main ingredient itself but also the finer aspects of preparation. Even seemingly minor changes in the process can make a difference and bring you closer to that perfect coffee taste at home. |
There are literally hundreds of coffee makers to choose from. These include automatic drip, vacuum pots, espresso and cappuccino makers. While it's important for you to conduct your own research and compare prices, the following information can help you become familiar with some of the more popular brands. |
