Espresso
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Common Cafe Coffees: Recipes from Espresso to Affogato Styles
Learn how to make 10 classic cafe-style coffees including affogato-style iced lattes, macciato, Swiss chocolate coffee, and more with exact ratios and steps.
Espresso vs Single Origin Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Espresso can be made with single origin beans, and single origin coffee isn’t always espresso. Here’s how to tell them apart by grind, brew method and bean type.
Why a Good Espresso Shows Visible Crema (Tiger Spot)
A good espresso features visible crema — the amber foam layer also called 'tiger spot.' Learn what it is, why it matters, and how it forms.
Why Espresso Has the Lowest Caffeine Content
Espresso made with dark-roasted arabica beans has the least caffeine per shot. Here’s why roast level, brew time, and bean type matter.
How Espresso Is Made: Temperature, Pressure, and Timing
Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at 9–10 bar pressure for 20–30 seconds, yielding about 30ml of concentrated coffee.
How to Taste and Understand Espresso
Learn how to evaluate espresso like a pro: crema, flavor balance, body, and common tasting mistakes explained with FrontStreet Coffee examples.
Why You Should Avoid Using Your Espresso Machine’s Boiler Water
Using water directly from your espresso machine’s boiler can harm shot quality, wear out the machine, and pose health risks. Here’s why you should avoid it.
How Home Espresso Machines Work and What to Expect
Home espresso machines vary widely in design and performance. Most use internal tanks, vibratory pumps, and lack the steam power of commercial models.
Why Blended Espresso Beans Need Rest After Roasting
Blended espresso beans perform best after resting. Find out how long you should wait based on whether they were blended before or after roasting.
Common Espresso Drinks in Cafés Explained
Learn how classic café espresso drinks like espresso, latte, cappuccino, and flat white are made, with key ratios and preparation details.
What Are Macchiato and Con Panna? Bold Espresso Drinks Explained
Macchiato adds two spoonfuls of milk foam to espresso; Con Panna tops it with whipped cream. Both are small, rich shots served in demitasse cups.
Espresso Brewing Tips Every Barista Should Know
Learn how to dial in espresso with insights on blends, single origins, grind settings, and extraction tips from a specialty roaster’s experience.
Iconic Espresso Machines by Era and Manufacturer
Explore the most representative espresso machines by historical period and maker, from early commercial models to modern classics.
What Makes Up a Great Espresso? Two Key Elements
Learn how water and crema form the foundation of a well-brewed espresso. Discover how pressure and emulsification create body and aroma.
What’s Really in Your Espresso Crema?
Espresso crema is a mix of foam and oils, but liquid oil breaks it down fast. Find out why your crema fades in minutes.
How to Add Milk to Espresso-Based Coffee
Learn the best milk options for espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, including fresh milk, cream, and non-trans fat coffee creamers.
How to Maintain Your Home Espresso Machine Properly
Learn essential maintenance steps to keep your home espresso machine running smoothly and brewing great shots consistently.
What Makes Espresso Different From Other Coffee Drinks
A single shot of espresso delivers intense flavor and aroma due to its high concentration and crema. Here’s why it stands apart.
12 Factors That Affect Espresso Perfection
Master the 12 key variables that determine whether your espresso turns out balanced, sweet, and crema-rich—or bitter and thin.
How to Prepare and Pour an Espresso Latte Art
Learn the essential steps for making espresso, steaming milk, and pouring latte art — from foam quality to classic leaf patterns.