Espresso

Coffea arabica / Coffea canephora (beans) Beverage/Flavoring

Espresso Beverage/Flavoring

At a Glance

  • Category Beverage/Flavoring

The Forktionary Angle

"Demystifying the heart of coffee culture: Espresso. Discover the perfect shot's secrets and its endless culinary applications."

Definition

A concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot, pressurized water through finely ground coffee beans, resulting in a thick, crema-topped shot.

Brewing Pressure 9 bars (approx. 130 psi)
Caffeine Content (per oz) 30-50 mg (varies greatly)
Optimal Extraction Time 25-30 seconds

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Espresso are:

Intense rich bitter sweet acidic complex aromatic

Chef’s Secret

Beyond beverages, use a shot of strong, fresh espresso to deepen the flavor in chocolate desserts, stews, or even a savory marinade for beef.

Best Substitutes

Strong brewed coffee

ratio, less concentrated
Ratio 1:2

Instant espresso powder

reconstituted
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Use fresh, dark-roasted beans specifically for espresso. Grind them immediately before brewing to an extremely fine consistency for best results.

Recipes Using Espresso

Number Of Servings Cocktails Beverages Easy

Kahlua Espresso Martini

Indulge in the rich, sophisticated flavor of this Kahlua Espresso Martini! This quick and easy cocktail recipe combines the smooth taste of Kahlua coffee liqueur with the bold intensity of espresso for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for a night out or a sophisticated evening in, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Occasion Chocolate Desserts Low Sodium

Baked Fudge Cake

Indulge in this intensely rich and fudgy cake, a delightful dessert that's surprisingly simple to make! Its unique texture – firm and fudgy on the outside, with a soft, mousse-like center – will impress your guests. This recipe delivers a decadent treat that's perfect for special occasions or a well-deserved self-indulgence. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Cocktails Preparation Number Of Servings

Adult Chocolate Milk

Indulge in this decadent Adult Chocolate Milk Cocktail! Inspired by the bevvie tag gang, this recipe blends the creamy comfort of chocolate milk with a jolt of espresso and a smooth vodka kick. Perfect for a sophisticated evening treat or a fun party drink.

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Novelty Low Protein Course Low In Something

Affogate Al Caffe

Indulge in the heavenly union of rich espresso and creamy ice cream with our Affogato al Caffè recipe! This delightful Italian dessert is surprisingly simple to make, requiring only minutes to prepare. The secret? Using super-chilled, high-quality ice cream (vanilla or chocolate – your choice!) ensures a perfect balance of melting and creamy texture. Elevate your coffee break or end your meal with this irresistible treat. Serve with crunchy biscotti for the ultimate experience!

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For 1 Or 2 Beverages Preparation Time To Make

Acapulco Mocha Iced Latte

Escape to the tropics with this refreshing Acapulco Mocha Iced Latte! Inspired by Christie and Thomas Katona's "Cappuccino Espresso: The Book of Beverages," this vibrant drink blends rich espresso with decadent mocha flavors, all chilled to perfection. A simple yet elegant treat perfect for a hot day or any time you crave a delicious iced coffee.

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For 1 Or 2 Number Of Servings Preparation Easy

Bailey's Espresso Martini

Indulge in this sophisticated Bailey's Espresso Martini, a creamy and caffeinated delight perfect for after-dinner enjoyment. This easy cocktail recipe, straight from the Bailey's website, is ready in minutes! Learn how to make this luxurious drink at home.

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Number Of Servings Preparation Easy Beverages

Anniversary Cappuccino

Celebrate your anniversary with this decadent Anniversary Cappuccino, inspired by Christie and Thomas Katona's "Cappuccino Espresso" from their book of beverages. This luxurious coffee drink features rich espresso, creamy steamed half-and-half, and a touch of decadent whipped cream and cocoa. A perfect romantic treat for two!

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Presentation Sweet Occasion Served Cold

Honey I M Peanuts About You Cake

Indulge in this decadent chocolate peanut butter cake, a recipe so irresistible, you'll want to hide it from yourself! This show-stopping cake is a rich, gooey dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. The generous portion size means you can enjoy a smaller slice without sacrificing flavor. Get ready for rave reviews – this one's a keeper!

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1 Day Or More Time To Make Desserts Cakes

Authentic Black Forest Cake Schwarzwald Kirsch Kuchen

Indulge in the true taste of Germany with this authentic Black Forest Cake recipe! Unlike its overly sweet North American counterparts, this Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte boasts a sophisticated balance of deep, rich flavors and a delightful kick of Kirsch (cherry brandy). Made with fresh cherries (or high-quality canned Bing cherries – absolutely NO pie filling!), this recipe is a decadent dessert for adults only. If Kirsch is unavailable, cherry juice can be substituted, though the experience won't be quite the same. Prepare for a truly unforgettable culinary journey!

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Easy Number Of Servings 15 Minutes Or Less Course

Be Mine Latte

Indulge in the irresistible Be Mine Latte, a decadent coffee drink perfect for Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion. Made with rich espresso, creamy milk, and the luscious flavor of Davinci Gourmet syrups (available online at www.davincigourmet.com), this recipe is surprisingly easy to create. Treat yourself or your loved one to this luxurious and heartwarming beverage!

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Taste Mood Steaks Holiday Event Picnic

Beer And Coffee Steaks

Elevate your grilling game with these intensely flavorful Beer and Coffee Rubbed Steaks! Marinated overnight in a bold beer mixture, then coated in a zesty coffee spice rub, these steaks achieve a dark crust and juicy interior. Perfect for a summer BBQ or special occasion, this recipe from David Joachim's "The Tailgater's Cookbook" is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for an explosion of rich coffee and beer flavors!

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Healthy 3 Steps Or Less Dietary Beverages

Mocha Latte Syrup

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of homemade mocha latte syrup! This easy recipe takes just minutes to make and elevates your coffee experience to a whole new level. Perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your morning routine or creating delicious coffee shop-worthy drinks at home. Say goodbye to expensive store-bought syrups and hello to a customizable, delicious treat!

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Time To Make Time To Make Beverages Course

Banana Bread Latte

Indulge in the ultimate cozy treat! This Banana Bread Latte perfectly blends the creamy sweetness of banana with the rich aroma of coffee, topped with decadent whipped cream and crunchy walnuts. A quick and easy 5-minute recipe that's perfect for a chilly morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. #bananabreadlatte #coffeelatte #bananadrinks #easyrecipe #quickrecipe #coffeeshopfavorites

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Occasion Holiday Event Taste Mood 15 Minutes Or Less

Arctic Mocha

Cool off with this refreshing Arctic Mocha! A frosty blend of rich espresso, creamy milk, and a hint of cool mint from York Peppermint Patties. This easy 10-minute recipe is perfect for a hot day or a delightful treat any time.

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Vegetarian Fall Time To Make Equipment

Barefoot Contessa's Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the ultimate hot chocolate experience with Ina Garten's decadent recipe! This luxurious beverage features high-quality Valrhona (French) or Callebaut (Belgian) chocolate for an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special treat, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers an unforgettable taste sensation. Upgrade your hot chocolate game today!

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Course 5 Ingredients Or Less 15 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Pumpkin Spice White Mocha

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this decadent Pumpkin Spice White Mocha recipe! This easy-to-make drink combines rich espresso, creamy white chocolate, and the perfect touch of pumpkin pie spice for a cozy treat that's perfect for chilly evenings or a special autumnal brunch. A simple recipe for the ultimate fall beverage.

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Equipment 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make Taste Mood

Aphrodisiac Martini

Unleash your inner temptress (or temptor!) with this tantalizing Aphrodisiac Martini. Is it magic? Is it science? You decide! This seductive cocktail is quick, easy, and guaranteed to ignite the senses. Perfect for a romantic night in or a sophisticated cocktail party.

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