Traditionally, espresso was served in a “demitasse”, a special cup that holds 3 ounces. Espresso is a special shot. It’s a unique drink that offers a variety of flavors and sensations. Espresso is the essence of coffee.
Italians pride themselves on their heritage and know what a good espresso is. They will even tell you the real test for a good espresso. When you add sugar to the cream, it should stay on the surface of the cream for 30 seconds before sinking. Are you ready for the count? Espresso is usually drunk in one sip. What if you want to enjoy twice the espresso? You have two options. Either order a second espresso or a Doppio right from the beginning. An espresso doppio means, in Italian, a double shot.
Espresso Americano is, as its name implies, a type of beverage that is made in the “American way”. To make a regular cup of espresso, you simply add hot water to a traditional espresso. Espresso Americano can also be enjoyed with milk or sugar.
You might try other espresso recipes to get a richer flavor. Espresso con panna is espresso with whipped cream topped with espresso. A macchiato is espresso with milk foam topped. An espresso Romano, a classic espresso shot, is made with a touch of lemon. Granita is a sweetened, frozen espresso that you can then crush. This makes a great topping for ice cream.
Espresso can also be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails. The Espresso Martini is a classic espresso cocktail. For two, you will need 7 oz vodka, 1 espresso shot, 1/2 cup Kahlua, and ice. For about 30 seconds, shake vodka with crushed ice. Next, add espresso and Kahlua to the mixture and shake again. Allow it to stand for about one minute, then strain into two martini glasses. Add coffee beans to garnish.
Simple is another vodka-based espresso drink. For thirty seconds, mix one shot vodka, one espresso shot and two teaspoons castor sugar with ice cubes. Strain into a glass, and add one shot of Amarula Cream to the top.
Mocha Martini is another delicious cocktail that you can make with espresso. Let’s suppose you forgot to take your espresso shot, and it’s now cold. It’s a wonderful beverage, so why waste it? Mix one shot of cold espresso with one shot of bourbon, one shots cocoa liqueur, and one shot Amarula Cream. Pour into a chilled glass. Add half a cup of double cream to the middle. Add cocoa powder to garnish.
Espresso is a wonderful drink that can add flavor to many drinks. Espresso can be described as an Italian sip: it is sensual, romantic and full of flavor. It can also be appetizing, delicious, mysterious, passionate, and savoury. This beverage can be enjoyed in its original form or you can let your imagination explore new possibilities. Espresso can be used by chefs to enhance the flavor of certain cakes, ice creams, and create syrups. You can even make your own espresso-based recipe!