Making Espresso Drinks

At my place of employment I wear two hats, one as a bartender, and one as a barista. I have cranked out more cappuccinos than I care to think about.

As we saw on the martini recipe page, espresso is great for mixing into a espresso martini! An espresso also works great after a nice meal to delay falling into a food coma. Next time you are making espresso drinks at home try some of the tips and recipes below:

Also, be sure to visit The Java Cafe. This site is dedicated to you coffee enthusiasts out there. This website has coffee reviews, recipes and more.

Espresso

Espresso - or a little cup of va-vhoom as I like to call it. Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.

The "espresso master" who trained me, informed me that this brewing process should take between about 20-30 seconds, but 24 seconds is perfect. We are talking about a guy whose whole career is about making espresso drinks flawless.

When you get above the 30 second mark your espresso will start tasting burnt. And under the 20 second mark your espresso will be too acidic. Espresso is commonly served with sugar, some people enjoy a lemon twist as well.

Macciato

Pronounced "mach-e-ato" This is an espresso with a dollop of steamed milk.

Espresso Doppio

This is a double shot of espresso for when you really need to get moving.

Americano

An Americano is a shot of espresso topped off with hot water.

Corretto

Corretto means corrected in Italian. A Cafe Corretto is a shot of espresso that is "corrected" by adding a shot of grappa to it. Grappa if you are unfamiliar with it is not for the faint of heart. Grappa does have a cult following, but most people I know equate it to the Italian version of moonshine. In fact, it is an Italian brandy distilled from pomace of grapes used in winemaking.

A terrific alternative to this is to substitute any other liquor that you are more fond of. I have a friend who loves to correct his espresso with sambuca.

Cappuccino

You have probably all heard of this one. It is a shot of espresso combined with foam of steamed milk. A latte is the same thing except with proportions favoring more steamed milk rather than foam.

When making making espresso drinks like a cappuccino, creating the perfect foam makes all the difference. Try using this procedure:

Before you steam the milk, chill your frothing pitcher in the fridge.

Keep the tip of the steamer steady on the surface level of the milk, rather than moving the frothing pitcher up and down.

Occasionally touch the side of the frothing picher to feel the temperature. When it becomes hot it is time to stop. Continuing with scortch the milk.

Tap the bottom of the frothing pitcher on your counter top. This step seperates the milk from the foam. Now pour the foam over your shot of espresso. You should now have a cappuccino pretty enough for a picture.

Espresso and Cappuccino Freddo

Freddo means cold in Italian. During summer time try your Espresso or Cappuccino over ice.

Ritorno

Ritorno means to come again, to return. I suppose this drink is called Ritorno because it will keep you coming back for more.

1 shot espresso
1oz dark rum
1oz Benedectine
1/2 simple syrup - more if you like it sweeter

Shake ingredients cold and serve in a bucket glass on the rocks.

Making espresso drinks is an art form, so take pride in your creation.