My First Cup of Espresso

It’s a gray overcast day here in Texas and those types of days always make me think of the past. Not in a melancholy way just a remembering.

Ever go into a coffee shop and listen to people order? You may know what some of the drinks are, but maybe not all. I remember several years ago when a friend took me to Hialeah outside of Miami. We stopped by a tiny restaurant and walked inside.

My friend ordered for the two of us as I didn’t speak Spanish. In short amount of time two steaming shots of espresso were placed before us. My friend said something in Spanish and chugged the espresso down like a shot of tequila.

I followed and my love affair with coffee was born. I had had coffee before, but nothing like this. The flavor was intense, hot and delicious. I was hooked. Since that time I have explored the various tastes of coffee.

Espresso is rapidly brewed coffee made from dark roasted Arabica beans. The beans are finely ground and the espresso essence is extracted quickly in a matter of seconds instead of being brewed in minutes like coffee. The name comes originally from the French meaning just for you, but the word espresso itself is from the Italian.

The base for all great cups of coffee bar drinks starts with rich dark espresso. Espresso is a one ounce shot of full-bodied dark coffee. On top of the espresso you will see the layer of bubbles called crema. When served in a demitasse size cup espresso is also called a short black.

Crema results from carbon dioxide released during the brewing time of the coffee beans. Having crema on the top of your espresso lets you know the coffee has been correctly prepared. The fragrant essence of your espresso is found in the crema. Enjoy the fragrance as the oils of the coffee beans release their aroma here.

Whether you drink your espresso in a heavy white cup, a demitasse cup or any other drinking cup, savor the fragrance and the moment.

What was your first cup of espresso like? Share your experience.

Not the usual grind,