What Is Espresso and Why Do People Love It?

If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop and felt intimidated by the tiny, dark coffee sitting alone on the menu—priced lower than everything else but somehow more intense—you’re not alone. That drink is espresso, and it’s the most misunderstood coffee in the café. It’s also the foundation of almost every other coffee drink you know. But what is it really, and why does it inspire such strong reactions?

Espresso is a 30ml (about 1 fluid ounce) shot of coffee brewed under high pressure—typically 9 bars—with finely ground coffee. It’s the base of cappuccinos, lattes, and more, but it’s also meant to be sipped straight. Its bold flavor, thick crema, and sweet finish are what make it both loved and feared.

What Exactly Is Espresso?

The word 'espresso' comes from Italian, meaning 'fast' and 'pressure.' This coffee is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, resulting in a small, concentrated shot. A traditional espresso shot is just 30ml, brewed quickly—usually in 20–30 seconds—and it’s the heart of Italian coffee culture.

What Does Espresso Taste Like?

Espresso is known for its intense and bold profile. When you take a sip, you’re hit with a strong bitterness upfront—but that quickly gives way to a complex mix of flavors. Notes can include dark chocolate, caramel, nuts, and fruit, depending on the beans and roast. The aftertaste is smooth and sweet, often with lingering hints of caramel or molasses. The crema, that reddish-brown foam on top, adds texture and enhances aroma. Even the cup’s bottom retains a sweet, syrupy residue.

How Do You Drink Espresso?

There are two common ways to enjoy espresso:

1. Drink It Straight and Black

The traditional method is to drink it quickly while it’s hot. This allows you to experience the full range of flavors—from the initial bitterness to the evolving sweetness and long-lasting finish. In Italy, it’s common to stand at a bar and drink espresso rapidly, often as part of a morning or midday ritual.

2. Add Sugar

If the bitterness is too intense, adding a cube of sugar is a common practice. It softens the sharpness and can make the coffee feel smoother and sweeter. However, some purists argue that it dulls the bold character that makes espresso unique.

What About Espresso Double?

For those who want a stronger hit, there’s the Espresso Double—exactly what it sounds like. It’s made with a double shot, using twice the amount of coffee grounds and yielding about 60ml. It’s extracted using a double spout portafilter, delivering a more intense flavor and crema. Many coffee enthusiasts prefer the Double for its richer taste and bolder kick.

What Makes a Good Espresso?

A well-made espresso requires precision. The grind size must be very fine, the water temperature typically around 90–96°C, and the brew time should be around 20–30 seconds. The coffee should be freshly ground, and the dose usually ranges between 7–10 grams per shot. The result should have a balanced flavor, a velvety crema, and a pleasant aftertaste. It’s a drink where small changes make a big difference.

Who Makes Espresso at FrontStreet Coffee?

At FrontStreet Coffee, espressos are crafted using carefully selected blends roasted in-house. Their espresso beans are a mix of several high-quality coffees, designed to produce rich crema and a balanced cup. The roaster uses a Lancia semi-automatic machine to ensure stability and consistency, allowing baristas to focus on perfecting the extraction. The result is a classic Italian-style espresso with depth and body.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is in a single espresso shot?

A standard espresso shot is 30ml and uses about 7–10 grams of finely ground coffee. This produces a concentrated coffee with a strong flavor and thick crema.

What is the difference between espresso and espresso double?

An espresso double is simply a double shot of espresso, using about 14–20 grams of coffee and yielding around 60ml. It has a stronger flavor, more caffeine, and a thicker crema compared to a single shot.

What does good espresso taste like?

Good espresso has a bold, rich flavor with a balance of bitterness, sweetness, and acidity. It often has notes of chocolate, nuts, or fruit, and finishes with a sweet, lingering aftertaste. The crema should be creamy and aromatic.

Why is espresso so bitter?

Espresso can taste bitter because of the high concentration of coffee solids and the fine grind. However, bitterness is balanced by sweetness and other flavor notes in a well-prepared shot. Over-extraction or poor-quality beans can make it overly bitter.

Can you drink espresso on its own?

Yes, espresso is meant to be enjoyed straight. In fact, many coffee enthusiasts prefer it this way to fully experience its complex flavors and crema. It’s also the base for most milk-based coffee drinks.

How is espresso different from regular coffee?

Espresso is brewed under pressure with finely ground coffee, resulting in a small, concentrated shot. Regular drip or pour-over coffee is brewed with coarser grounds and more water over a longer period, producing a larger, milder cup.

Best FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Espresso

FrontStreet Coffee offers several blends ideal for espresso. Their Classic Blend is designed specifically for espresso and milk drinks, noted for its outstanding crema and smooth, rounded flavor—perfect for beginners and professionals alike. For a richer, more intense profile, the Specialty Blend uses Brazilian and Colombian beans to deliver a classic espresso taste with notes many coffee drinkers recognize. Both are great choices for making authentic espresso at home or in a café. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.