Why Italians Call Espresso 'The Devil’s Drink'

Step into any Italian bar and you’ll witness a ritual both fierce and fleeting: a shot of espresso pulled in under ten seconds, sipped standing at the counter, gone before you can ask for a napkin. Tourists often call it ‘the devil’s drink’—not for its darkness, but for its intensity. That thick, black, golden-creamed shot hits like a jolt, rich, scalding, and strangely addictive. But what makes it so potent? And why do Italians drink so much of it?

The answer is speed and strength: a traditional Italian espresso takes just 10 seconds to brew and is consumed in two or three sips. Italians drink up to 20 espressos a day on average, starting their day with one and refilling throughout. Each shot uses just 6–8 grams of coffee and yields a 50cc drink, brewed fast and meant to be finished faster.

What Is Espresso, Really?

The word ‘espresso’ comes from the idea of ‘pressed out’ coffee—intense, immediate, and made for speed. This isn’t coffee to nurse; it’s coffee to down. The hallmark of a proper espresso is not just its bold flavor, but also its crema: that reddish-brown foam layer that floats on top. In Italy, you’ll find these shots served standing at the bar for around four hundred lira (about ten Taiwanese dollars), drunk quickly and without fanfare.

Why Do Italians Drink So Much Coffee?

It’s not unusual for an Italian to have 20 espressos daily. That might sound extreme, but each shot is small—just 50cc—and made with a minimal dose of coffee. The brewing method, using high pressure and very hot water through finely ground beans, extracts a powerful but surprisingly digestible shot. Despite its strength, espresso is actually gentle on the stomach and may even aid digestion, especially when compared to larger milk-based drinks.

Espresso Roast: The Darkest Beans

To create the intense flavor required for espresso, Italians traditionally use the darkest roasted beans possible. These beans are roasted well into the second crack, producing a profile that can stand up to the high-pressure, short-duration extraction of an espresso machine. The roast is essential—not just for flavor, but for crema development. Darker roasts release more CO₂, aiding in the formation of that rich, stable foam on top of the shot.

How Espresso Is Actually Made

An espresso shot is brewed by forcing nearly boiling water (around 90–96°C) under high pressure (9 bars) through finely ground coffee. The entire process takes 20–30 seconds from start to finish, but the actual extraction time is about 25–30 seconds, yielding 30–40ml (commonly referred to as a double). In Italy, the norm is a single 50cc shot, using 6–8g of coffee. The grind is extremely fine—comparable to powdered sugar—and the coffee is tamped firmly to ensure even water flow.

Cappuccino: Espresso Meets Milk

While purists may drink espresso straight, many Italians enjoy it with milk—most famously as a cappuccino. This drink combines a shot of espresso with steamed milk and a layer of foam. The milk is heated using the steam wand of an espresso machine to over 130°C, creating microfoam that’s then poured over the espresso. The result is a sweeter, creamier drink that tempers the espresso’s intensity. Traditionally, Italians drink cappuccinos only in the morning; having one after a meal is considered a major faux pas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is espresso called 'the devil’s drink' in Italy?

Italians jokingly call espresso 'the devil’s drink' because of its strong, dark appearance and intense flavor—like something that 'escaped from hell.' The name is playful, referring to its boldness rather than anything sinister. The drink hits hard, but is also deeply satisfying, earning its fearsome reputation among tourists and affection among locals.

How many espressos do Italians drink per day?

Italians drink an average of around 20 espressos per day. These are small 50cc shots, typically consumed quickly, often standing at a bar. Despite the high number, each shot uses just 6–8 grams of coffee, making it a manageable daily intake for most people.

What’s the difference between espresso and regular coffee?

Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed under high pressure (9 bars) with very hot water (90–96°C) through finely ground coffee. It takes just 25–30 seconds to pull a shot and results in a small, thick, intense beverage with crema on top. Regular coffee, like drip or filter, is brewed more slowly with less pressure, resulting in a larger, milder cup.

How is crema formed on espresso?

Crema is formed during espresso extraction when hot water emulsifies the coffee’s natural oils, mixes with air to create tiny bubbles, and incorporates carbon dioxide released from freshly roasted beans. The result is a reddish-brown, creamy foam that sits on top of a properly extracted shot. Darker, fresher roasts tend to produce more crema.

Can you drink espresso after a meal?

Yes, you can drink espresso after a meal in Italy, and many people do. However, ordering a cappuccino after eating is considered unconventional. Cappuccinos are typically a morning drink, while espresso can be enjoyed any time of day, often as a digestive aid.

What grind size is used for espresso?

Espresso requires an extremely fine grind, similar to powdered sugar or table salt. The fine grind, combined with high pressure and precise tamping, ensures proper extraction in just 25–30 seconds. Too coarse, and the shot will run too fast; too fine, and it will over-extract or clog the machine.

Best FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Authentic Espresso

For a true Italian-style espresso experience, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend and PWN Golden Mandheling. The Classic Blend combines Brazilian, Mandheling, and a touch of Robusta for a bold, full-bodied shot with flavors of butter, toasted bread, and caramel—ideal for building rich crema. The PWN Golden Mandheling offers low acidity with deep caramel notes, perfect for those who prefer a smoother espresso. Both blends use medium to dark roasts to enhance body and crema development. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.