Espresso Beverages

Water between 88 and 92 degrees C. (190-197 degrees F.) is forced under 8 - 10 Bars (atmospheres) of pressure through 6 - 9 grams of finely ground coffee so that 1 to 2 fluid oz. of brew are delivered into a small cup in 18 - 25 seconds. Espresso is usually served in a "demitasse", a small cup. Demitasse means "half cup" in French and generally holds 3 oz. of liquid.

ESPRESSO

A single shot (approximately 1 to 1-1/2 oz of espresso). The Italian tradition is to ceremoniously drink the espresso "solo" in a single gulp to enjoy the fullest espresso flavor while the beverage is at its peak of freshness.

ESPRESSO RISTRETTO

Uses the same preparation method as a basic espresso except you dispense only 1 oz. (or less) water through the espresso grounds with an extraction time of 18-20 seconds. Ideally, the grind is adjusted slightly finer; however, the slow extraction can also be accomplished by tamping or pressing the coffee with extra pressure. (Ristretto means restricted in Italian.) Yields a very intense espresso flavor.

ESPRESSO 
DOPPIO

A double shot of espresso. (Doppio means double in Italian.)

ESPRESSO LUNGO

A single serving of espresso, "pulled long" to yield a larger serving. You dispense 2 to 3 oz of water through the espresso grounds with a longer extraction time of 25 - 40 seconds. (Lungo means long.)

CORTADO

Espresso "cut" (from the Spanish and Portuguese cortar) with a small amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity.

ESPRESSO CON PANNA

A single espresso topped with whipped cream.  (Con panna means with cream in Italian.)

ESPRESSO MACCHIATO

A single serving of espresso topped with a dash of frothed milk. (Macchiato means marked.)

ESPRESSO ANISE

Espresso served with a touch of anisette syrup.

ESPRESSO ROMANO

A basic espresso served with a twist of lemon. (But, many coffee aficionados believe the lemon interferes with the espresso's delicate flavor balance.)

ESPRESSO CUBANO

Espresso with raw sugar is added to the espresso grind during brewing for a sweet taste

BORGIA

A single espresso poured into a tall glass filled with steamed milk with a spoonful of chocolate syrup stirred in. Topped with whipped cream, fresh ground nutmeg, and orange peel.

GRANITA

Espresso that has been frozen and crushed. Adding sugar to the espresso before it is frozen prevents "solid freezing", hence the "granularity". Served in a cup with a spoon.

IGLOO ESPRESSO

A single espresso with sugar and ice, blended at very high speed and topped with whipped cream. An exceptionally creamy delicacy.

AFFOGATO

Espresso over gelato (Italian ice cream). (Affogato means drowned).

Espresso-based Specialty Drinks

CAFE LATTE

Espresso poured slowly into a tall glass filled full with steamed milk and foam. A layer of coffee will form half-way down the glass. (A latte has less milk than a cappuccino.) Sometimes referred to as a “lattecino”.

FLAVORED LATTE

Lattes are frequently flavored with Italian syrups. Nut flavors such as hazelnut and almond are among the most popular additions.

CAFE MOCHA

A single espresso poured into a tall glass filled with steamed milk to which a spoonful of cocoa is dissolved or chocolate syrup is added. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or powder. (Also known as a “moccaccino”.

FLAVORED MOCHA

A mocha with a variety of flavors added to it; most common are almond, mint, and hazelnut. Raspberry, orange, or coconut, as well as many other flavors, are also used.

MOCHACCINO

A single shot of espresso mixed to taste with chocolate syrup or powder and 5 oz. steamed milk. Top with peaked milk foam.

AMERICANO

Espresso with hot water added (rather than with more water run through the espresso), usually making a 6 ounce cup. Unlike traditional espresso, this is often consumed "American style" with milk and/or sugar.

CAFE TOBIO

Two shots of espresso with an equal amount of American Coffee.

RED EYE

A cup of brewed coffee with a shot of espresso added. (Also known as a “Shot in the Dark” or a “Depth Charge.”

BLACK EYE

A cup of brewed coffee with 2 shots of espresso added. (Also known as a “Slingblade.”

DEAD EYE

A cup of brewed coffee with 3 shots of espresso added.

Cappuccino Drinks

BASIC CAPPUCCINO

Although ratios may vary to taste, a common recipe for a traditional 6 oz. cappuccino is: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 frothed milk. Powdered cocoa or cinnamon may be sprinkled on top as a garnish. To layer the milk and espresso, it is necessary to allow the freshly frothed milk a moment to rest and thus separate. Pour steamed milk into the cup, then pour the espresso slowly into the steamed milk. Spoon frothed milk on top. The espresso settles between the milk and the foam.

CLASSIC CAPPUCCINO

A cappuccino made with espresso alone, topped with frothed milk. Top 1-1/2 oz. espresso with 1-1/2 oz. to 2 oz. foam. Very similar to an Espresso Machiatto, save for the quantity of frothed milk used. As a variation, it may be flavored with Italian syrup.

CAPPUCCINO CIOCOLOCINO

Regular cappuccino topped with vanilla, chocolate or coffee ice cream.

LACHINO

Espresso topped with a 50/50 mix of foamed milk and steamed milk. (Also called a “Wet Cappuccino.”)

NIENTA

Decaffeinated cappuccino with nonfat milk. (Also called a “Why Bother?”)

ICED CAPPUCCINO

A shot of freshly brewed espresso over ice with 3 oz. cold milk added. Spoon foamed milk on top to create a layer of foam. Sweeten to taste.

Cafe au lait

The difference between caffe latte and cafe au lait is that the former beverage is Italian in origin and the latter is French. Cafe au Lait is made with strong brewed coffee, not espresso.

CAFE LATTE AU LAIT

Brew strong, dark roast coffee using the drip method. Serve with a separate pitcher of heated (not frothed) milk. Cafe au lait is often served in a bowl instead of a cup, so as to be convenient for dunking brioche and croissants and for warming one's hands while seated outdoors. Traditionally consumed at breakfast. The coffee and steamed milk are mixed by the customer to change strength and proportion as desired.

CAFE CON LECHE

Similar to cafe au lait, but a Spanish beverage in origin. Dark roast coffee is brewed by drip method then mixed with sugar and served with heated milk. It is customary to serve cafe con leche with warm, buttered bread.