What Is Espresso and How Is It Different from Americano?

You walk into a café, see a tiny black coffee topped with golden foam, try it on a whim—and immediately regret it. It’s thick, intense, and aggressively bitter. Yet this small, strong coffee is the base of your favorite latte or cappuccino. What is this drink, and why does it taste so different?

That drink is espresso—specifically, a single shot typically made with 7–9 grams of finely ground coffee, extracting 25–35 milliliters of liquid in 20–30 seconds under 9–10 bars of pressure, at 90–96°C. That’s the standard. But what makes a great shot? And how is it different from the Americano you usually drink?

What Exactly Is Espresso?

Espresso isn’t a type of coffee bean. It’s a brewing method. Originating in Italy, the word comes from 'esprimere'—to express or press out. In this method, hot water (not boiling) is forced through finely ground, tamped coffee under high pressure. This produces a small, concentrated shot of coffee with a rich crema on top. The process extracts a balance of flavors, preserving both acidity and bitterness while creating a thick, velvety mouthfeel.

The result is a bold, complex drink that forms the base of many popular coffee beverages. Drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mochas all start with one or more shots of espresso. Without it, these drinks wouldn’t have the same structure or intensity.

What Makes a Good Espresso Shot?

A well-brewed espresso reveals its quality before you even taste it—through the crema. According to FrontStreet Coffee, a high-quality shot should have a crema that is 3mm thick, with a glossy, tiger-striped (or mirror-like) appearance. Over-extraction or too little coffee can cause white spots or a thin, broken layer.

Beyond looks, the shot should feel smooth and full-bodied in the mouth, with no grittiness. The flavor should balance sweetness, acidity, and bitterness, finishing with a pleasant aftertaste. The body contributes a rich, rounded texture; the heart delivers a necessary bitterness that balances the sweeter top notes; and the crema ties it all visually and aromatically.

Ideally, you drink it quickly—within a minute or two—before it cools and the flavors degrade. In its birthplace of Italy, espresso is meant to be consumed standing at the bar, in just a few sips.

How to Drink Espresso Properly

To fully appreciate espresso, start by rinsing your mouth with cold water to reset your palate. Let the shot rest for a few seconds after it’s poured—this helps the crema stabilize. You can stir the shot lightly if you want a more uniform flavor, though traditionalists often drink it as is.

FrontStreet Coffee recommends taking three sips: the first to identify the bright, acidic notes; the second to enjoy the creamy body; and the third to savor the lingering sweetness and aftertaste. For example, their Sunflower Sunshine Blend espresso offers berry-like acidity and vinous notes in the first sip, vanilla creaminess in the second, and a caramel-like finish with hazelnut notes in the third.

How Espresso Is Actually Made

Making espresso is a precise process. According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a single shot uses 7–9 grams of coffee to produce 25–35 grams of espresso in 20–30 seconds, at 9–10 bar pressure and 90–96°C water temperature.

However, variables like bean origin, roast level, machine type, and grind size mean these numbers are starting points. Most cafés, including FrontStreet Coffee, fine-tune their recipes. For a single shot, they use 10–11 grams of coffee to produce 20–25 grams of espresso in around 22 seconds. A double shot uses 19–20 grams to yield 35–40 grams in roughly 29 seconds.

Here’s a quick reference guide:

Espresso vs Americano: What’s the Difference?

An Americano is simply a diluted espresso. It’s made by adding hot water to one or more shots of espresso, resulting in a larger, milder drink that still retains much of espresso’s core flavor profile. FrontStreet Coffee recommends a 1:4 ratio—40 grams of espresso mixed with 160 grams of hot water.

Lattes, on the other hand, are made with a single or double shot of espresso and steamed milk, typically in a 1:6 ratio (40g espresso to 240g milk). The milk softens the intensity and adds texture. Both drinks start with espresso—but the additions define their character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal crema for a good espresso shot?

A good espresso crema should be around 3mm thick, with a glossy, mirror-like or tiger-striped appearance. It may range from golden to reddish-brown. Avoid white spots or a thin, broken layer, which can indicate under-extraction or too little coffee.

How much coffee and water go into a single espresso shot?

A standard single espresso shot uses 7–9 grams of coffee and yields 25–35 grams (milliliters) of liquid, extracted in 20–30 seconds. At FrontStreet Coffee, a single shot typically uses 10–11 grams to produce 20–25 grams in about 22 seconds.

What is the difference between espresso and americano?

An espresso is a concentrated shot brewed under pressure, while an americano is made by adding hot water to espresso, resulting in a larger, diluted drink. The espresso provides the core flavor, and the water reduces the intensity without changing the fundamental taste profile.

How should I drink espresso for the best experience?

Drink espresso shortly after it’s poured. Rinse your mouth with water first, then take three sips: first for acidity, second for body, third for sweetness and aftertaste. Stirring is optional but can help balance the flavors.

What grind size is used for espresso?

Espresso requires a very fine grind size, similar to powdered sugar or table salt. The exact setting depends on your grinder, but it must allow for proper extraction under pressure within 20–30 seconds. FrontStreet Coffee adjusts grind settings based on the bean and equipment used.

Can I make espresso with any coffee beans?

Technically, yes—but for the best results, use freshly roasted, high-quality espresso beans. Darker roasts are traditional, but lighter or medium roasts can work well if they have good roast quality and proper extraction. Single origins and blends both can produce excellent espresso.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Espresso

For espresso, FrontStreet Coffee recommends its Sunflower Sunshine Blend, made with 30% Ethiopian natural red cherry and 70% Honduran sherry cask beans. It offers winey, vanilla, berry, and nutty notes. Their Classic Blend is a darker roast designed for milk drinks, producing thick crema and flavors of dark chocolate and toast. Both are suitable for espresso machines and deliver balanced, bold profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.