Complete Guide to Espresso: Equipment, Beans, and Specialty Drinks

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What is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee brewed under high pressure. Its key features include:

• Short extraction: 25–30 seconds
• High pressure: around 9 bars
• Rich crema: a golden foam layer on top, a sign of quality and flavor

Espresso can be enjoyed on its own or serve as the foundation for countless specialty coffee drinks.

Equipment for Making Espresso

Commercial Equipment

Ideal for cafés and restaurants, commercial setups typically include:

• Commercial espresso machine: multi-group semi-automatic or fully automatic for consistent output
• Commercial grinder: durable, high-capacity, designed for continuous use
• Water treatment system: ensures stable water quality and protects machine longevity
• Milk system & refrigerator: supports high demand for milk-based drinks

Home Equipment

Perfect for home baristas and coffee enthusiasts:

• Entry-level: capsule machines or compact fully automatic units, easy to use
• Advanced level: semi-automatic espresso machine paired with a quality grinder for more control
• Accessories: tamper, milk frothing pitcher, scale, and timer

What is the Golden Cup Standard?

The Golden Cup Standard represents the ideal extraction balance for espresso:

• Coffee dose: 18–20g
• Yield: 36–40ml
• Time: 25–30 seconds

This balance ensures a harmonious mix of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.

Coffee Beans Best for Espresso

By Roast Level

• Not recommended: light roasts – too acidic and difficult to extract consistently
• Recommended: medium to dark roasts – provide body, caramel, nutty, and chocolatey notes

By Altitude

• Mid to high altitude (1200–1800m): concentrated flavors, ideal for espresso
• Low altitude: tends to be weak or grassy, lacking body

Bean Variety: Arabica beans offer delicate flavors, while adding Robusta increases crema and strength.

Espresso-Based Specialty Drinks

Espresso is the base for a wide variety of coffee drinks, such as:

• Americano: espresso + hot water
• Cappuccino: espresso + steamed milk foam
• Latte: espresso + steamed milk + light foam
• Macchiato: espresso + a dollop of foam
• Mocha: espresso + milk + chocolate syrup

Espresso is truly the heart of modern coffee culture.