Espresso Coffee

What is espresso coffee and what is the difference between espresso and coffee?

A common misunderstanding is that espresso coffee beans are a separate type of bean. They are not. If you have ever asked, what is espresso coffee or what is an espresso coffee, the answer lies in the method rather than the bean itself.

Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground, firmly packed coffee under pressure. Traditional espresso brewing uses about nine atmospheres of pressure, producing a short, concentrated drink with a fuller body than most filter methods. Regular coffee, by contrast, usually relies on gravity or immersion and takes longer to brew.

So, what is the difference between espresso and coffee? In simple terms, all espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso. The same beans can often be used in both methods. What changes are the grind size, the brewing pressure, the brew time and the final strength in the cup.

A quick way to picture it is this:

• Finer grind
• Higher pressure
• Short extraction time
• Smaller serving size
• More concentrated flavour

The history behind espresso coffee

Espresso as we know it began in Italy in the early 20th century. Luigi Bezzera is widely linked with the early machine that used steam pressure to speed up brewing and produce a stronger cup. The idea was simple but clever: make coffee faster without giving up intensity.

Later, in 1938, Achille Gaggia improved the process by creating a machine that increased pressure and gave a better tasting result. That shift helped move espresso away from the overly harsh, burnt character often linked with earlier machines. It also set the pattern for the espresso style many people know today.

Espresso coffee taste and characteristics

A well-made espresso should taste concentrated but not rough. You can expect sweetness, bitterness and acidity to sit in balance, with a creamy texture and a lingering finish. The top layer, called crema, is often golden brown and slightly foamy, though its appearance can vary depending on the beans and roast.

Espresso can be enjoyed on its own, though it also forms the base of many café favourites. That matters when choosing the best coffee for espresso, because some beans shine as a short black shot, while others work best with milk.

Popular drinks built on espresso include:

• Espresso: a short, concentrated shot served on its own
• Americano: espresso topped up with hot water for a longer drink
• Latte: espresso with steamed milk and a light layer of foam
• Cappuccino: espresso with steamed milk and thicker foam
• Flat white: espresso with silky milk and less foam than a latte
• Macchiato: espresso marked with a little milk or foam

How many grams of coffee in an espresso shot?

If you are asking how many grams of coffee in an espresso, a good starting point for a single shot is 6 to 8 grams of coffee. If you want to know how much coffee in double espresso, many people begin around 15 grams for a double shot.

These are useful starting points rather than fixed laws. Your basket size, bean density, roast level and taste preference all have an effect. Some home baristas like a slightly heavier dose to get more body, while others prefer a lighter, brighter shot.

Here is a simple guide:

Single Espresso: Use 6 to 8 grams of dry coffee to make a typical drink size of 25 to 30 ml. The caffeine content is around 63 mg, though this can vary.

Double Espresso: Use about 15 grams of dry coffee for a drink size of 50 to 60 ml. The caffeine content is roughly 126 mg, based on two single shots.

The caffeine figure is only a guide. Mayo Clinic lists a 30 ml espresso at 63 mg of caffeine, but actual levels can shift depending on bean type, dose and extraction.

How fine to grind coffee for espresso

If you are wondering how fine to grind coffee for espresso, the answer is very fine, but not to the point of becoming flour-like dust. Espresso needs a finer grind than cafetière, filter or drip coffee because the water is in contact with the grounds for such a short time.

Too coarse, and the water runs through too quickly. The shot tastes thin, sharp or sour. Too fine, and the water struggles to pass through. The result can be bitter, heavy and over-extracted. That is why many people choose espresso ground coffee from a specialist rather than trying to guess the right setting at home.

At The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, many coffees can be ordered as Ground Espresso Fine, which is a practical option if you want to use an espresso machine without buying a grinder straight away.

A few signs can help you adjust:

• Shot runs too fast: grind finer
• Shot comes out in slow drips: grind a touch coarser
• Taste is sharp or sour: extraction is likely too quick
• Taste is harsh or hollow: extraction may be too slow

How to make coffee with an espresso machine

If you want to learn how to make coffee with an espresso machine, start with fresh coffee and an even, fine grind. Dose your coffee into the portafilter basket, level it, then tamp it firmly so the bed of coffee is compact and even. Lock the portafilter into place and begin the shot straight away.

Many people aim for a brewing time of around 25 to 30 seconds, though this can vary by bean and recipe. What matters most is the taste in the cup. You are looking for a shot that starts slowly, flows in a steady stream and finishes with body, sweetness and a mild bittersweet edge.

Water quality matters as well. A machine can only do so much if the water tastes flat or harsh. Clean equipment is just as important. Old coffee oils collect quickly in baskets, showers and spouts, and they can make even the best espresso coffee beans taste stale.

If you are using milk, pull the espresso first and steam the milk straight after. Espresso is at its best when fresh, before the crema thins out and the aromas fade.

How to make coffee with a stovetop espresso maker

People often ask how to make coffee with a stovetop espresso maker. A moka pot does not produce true espresso in the technical sense, as it uses lower pressure than a pump espresso machine, but it can still make a strong, bold coffee that works very well as an espresso-style drink.

Fill the lower chamber with hot water up to the valve. Add coffee to the basket, levelling it off without tamping. Assemble the pot, place it on low to medium heat and wait for the coffee to rise into the upper chamber. Once it starts to gurgle, remove it from the heat so the brew does not overcook.

For this method, aim for a fine to medium-fine grind rather than the very finest espresso grind. Too fine, and the pot may struggle to brew cleanly. Too coarse, and the coffee can taste weak.

Best coffee beans for espresso and what coffee to use in an espresso machine

When people ask what are the best coffee beans for espresso or what coffee to use in espresso machine, there is no single answer. The best coffee beans for espresso depend on the flavour you enjoy most.

Many espresso drinkers prefer medium-dark to dark roasts because they often bring chocolate, toasted nut and caramel notes, along with a heavier body. These qualities also cut nicely through milk. Others like lighter or medium single origins for a brighter shot with fruit, floral notes or a cleaner finish.

A useful rule is to match the bean to how you drink your coffee:

If you like chocolate and low acidity:

• Look for: Medium-dark blends or dark roasts
• Best used for: Straight espresso shots and milk-based drinks

If you like fruit and brightness:

• Look for: Medium roasted single origin coffees
• Best used for: Neat espresso or americanos

If you like rich, smoky depth:

• Look for: Darker roast profiles
• Best used for: Cappuccinos and flat whites

If you like smooth balance:

• Look for: Well-rounded Arabica blends
• Best used for: Everyday home espresso

We offer a wide range of options across different origins and roast styles, many of which are perfect for making espresso at home. This variety means you can explore and try more than one style without it becoming overly expensive.

If you’re new to home espresso, it’s best to start with coffees that are naturally sweet and rounded. As your technique improves, you can experiment with brighter and more unique flavour profiles.

How much caffeine in coffee double espresso?

People often expect espresso to contain far more caffeine than every other brew. The reality is a little more nuanced. Espresso is more concentrated by volume, but the serving is much smaller.

So, how much caffeine in coffee double espresso? If one 30 ml espresso contains about 63 mg of caffeine, a double espresso may sit around 126 mg. Still, it can be lower or higher depending on dose, bean type and extraction.

That is one reason a double shot can feel punchy despite its small size. You are drinking a concentrated coffee quickly, often in a few sips rather than over ten or fifteen minutes.

How to drink espresso coffee

If you are unsure how to drink espresso coffee, there is no strict rulebook. Some people drink it in one or two sips. Others take their time and let it cool slightly, which can reveal more sweetness and detail.

Try it first without sugar. A balanced espresso should not need much correction. If you are served water alongside it, take a sip beforehand to clear your palate. Then notice the aroma, the first impression on the tongue, the body, and the aftertaste.

Home espresso rewards patience. A small tweak in grind, dose or bean choice can change the cup completely. That is what keeps it interesting, whether you prefer a neat shot in the morning or a silky latte in the afternoon.