Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink made by forcing hot water through finely ground, tightly packed coffee at high pressure. It’s the base for lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, and many other café drinks. This guide explains what espresso is, how it’s brewed, what it tastes like, and how it differs from drip coffee and other methods—so you know what you’re drinking and what you need at home if you want to make it. For equipment, see our best espresso machine and best burr grinders guides.

How Espresso Is Made

Espresso is made in an espresso machine. Water is heated (typically to around 195–205°F), then forced through a puck of finely ground coffee at pressure (usually around 9 bar). The process is fast—a single shot often takes 25–35 seconds—and the result is a small volume of concentrated liquid (about 1–2 oz per shot) with a layer of crema (the golden foam on top). The grind must be fine and even, the dose and tamp consistent, and the machine capable of holding temperature and pressure. That’s why espresso is more demanding than drip or French press—the margin for error is small. For a deeper dive into machines and technique, see our best espresso machine and best espresso machine under $500 guides.

What Espresso Tastes Like

Espresso is strong, concentrated, and full-bodied. You get a lot of flavor in a small sip—bitter, sweet, and acidic notes in balance when it’s pulled well. Crema adds a smooth, creamy texture. The exact taste depends on the beans, roast, grind, and machine. Poor extraction can taste sour (under-extracted), bitter (over-extracted), or thin (wrong dose or pressure). When it’s right, espresso is rich and complex. It’s also the foundation for milk drinks: add steamed milk for a latte or cappuccino, or hot water for an Americano. For a comparison of those drinks, see our latte vs latte macchiato vs flat white guide.

Espresso vs. Drip Coffee

Drip coffee is made by gravity (or a pump) passing water through grounds in a filter—no high pressure. The result is a larger, less concentrated cup. Espresso is pressure-brewed, concentrated, and served in small shots. Same coffee plant, different method and ratio. Caffeine per ounce is higher in espresso, but a typical shot has less total caffeine than a full mug of drip because the volume is so small. For a full comparison of methods, see our best coffee makers guide.

What You Need to Make Espresso at Home

You need an espresso machine (see our best espresso machine and best espresso machine under $500 roundups) and a grinder that can produce a fine, consistent grind. Pre-ground “espresso” coffee is a compromise—it goes stale quickly and you can’t dial in the grind. A good burr grinder is essential. You’ll also need fresh beans, a scale and timer (for dose and shot time), and some practice. Espresso has a learning curve, but once you’re set up, you can pull shots and steam milk for drinks like latte and cappuccino at home.

Conclusion

Espresso is concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through fine grounds at pressure. It’s strong, full-bodied, and the base for many café drinks. To make it at home, you need an espresso machine and a burr grinder—and a bit of practice. For more on machines, shots, and milk drinks, see our best espresso machine and latte vs latte macchiato vs flat white guides.

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