You might be a newcomer to branching out and trying new types of coffee, or you also might be a coffee aficionado just looking for a cup of joe that will satisfy your taste buds. Espresso-based drinks are perfect for any occasion; whether you need extra energy for the workday or you just want to sip on some delicious coffee. In this article, we’ll recommend the best espresso-based drinks to order at Command Coffee, including those with espresso and milk, and much more. Plus, for newer coffee drinkers, we’ll define and go over the history of types of espresso drinks over the years. Read along to find out everything you need to know about popular coffee drinks today.
What Is Espresso?
You might be new to drinking coffee, or you might never have bothered to look up what exactly espresso is. Lucky for you, it’s pretty simple. Espressos are popular coffee drinks that are very concentrated. Espresso got a higher concentration of caffeine than regular coffee. Plus, the taste is stronger and the liquid is thicker than traditional coffee. You might have heard of people referring to their drinks in terms of how many espresso shots are in them. Nowadays, people typically drink espresso exclusively mixed with other ingredients, such as milk and water. However, plenty of people are still fans of drinking straight espresso.
Espresso is made by forcing hot water through very finely ground coffee beans. By doing this, a concentrate is created. This form of brewing coffee came about in Italy during the early 1900s. A businessman named Luigi Bezzera created espresso while experimenting with ways to brew coffee faster. He discovered that steam pressure created a stronger drink and made it faster than other traditional methods. The machine he used thus gained the name, Fast Coffee Machine. In Italian, this would be where the word “espresso” originated. The first espresso machine came to the United States in 1927. Ever since, Americans have enjoyed the convenience of the concentrated coffee beverage.
Types of Espresso Drinks
You may believe you know all the different types of espresso drinks, but think again. There are so many different varieties of espresso drinks out there that you’ve probably never even heard of some. The simplest espresso drink is just a single shot of espresso. This shot is also the hallmark of any espresso drink, such as those involving coffee and milk. Without this shot, the drink can simply not be made. Then, of course, there is the double espresso. This is also called a doppio. The only difference between the doppio and the espresso shot is the serving size. Since these drinks have a concentrated amount of caffeine in them, it’s important to limit how much you drink per day.
Then there is the latte. Lattes are some of the most popular espresso-based drinks today. One is typically made with a shot or more of espresso, as well as steamed milk and foam. Made in a similar vein is the cappuccino. The cappuccino is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk. When ordering a cappuccino, there will be no foam at the top. Similar to both lattes and cappuccinos is the macchiato. This drink is a shot of espresso and steamed milk. The difference with a macchiato is that it is equal parts espresso and milk. This gives the macchiato a bolder taste than your typical latte or even cappuccino.
Then there is the Americano. This drink is, as you might have guessed from the name, very popular in the United States. It is essentially a shot of espresso and hot water. The water dilutes the espresso just a bit and makes it less strong. Still, the Americano is a great drink if you want to experience the bold flavor of espresso. Then, there is the mocha, which is probably considered one of the sweetest espresso drinks. The mocha is a shot of espresso, chocolate, steamed milk, and often whipped cream or milk foam on top. If you like your drinks similar to your desserts, a mocha is definitely for you.
Popular Coffee Drinks
Now you know the basics concerning espresso based drinks. As you can tell, espresso is essential for coffee shops and coffee itself. Most cafes and coffee shops would have to forgo entire collections or their menus if there was no such thing as espresso. Most coffee drinkers today enjoy espresso, whether as a single shot mixed into a latte or an Americano. It’s amazing how many different ways you can consume it. Plus, people with completely different tastes can enjoy espresso-based drinks. One person might really enjoy the sweetness that comes with a mocha. Another person could love the bolder flavor of a single espresso shot. Then, another person might like both on different occasions!
At Command Coffee, we serve a number of different espresso-based drinks. Here are the top 10 we recommend ordering the next time you visit:
- Caramel Macchiato
- Seasonal Mocha
- Blended Espresso
- The Classic Latte
- Cappuccino
- Americano
- Espresso Doubleshot
- Cortado
- Cafe Mocha
- Command Cup
This special beverage is specifically designed to help you take command of your day. It’s a cup of coffee with a double shot of espresso.
Visit Command Coffee
If you are on the hunt for the best espresso in Indiana, Command Coffee is the place to check out. For the perfect espresso-based drink, come visit us in Indianapolis. Our store is a coffee and espresso lover’s dream. Plus, you can feel free to catch up on work or bring a friend to chat with in our cozy cafe. We also sell pastries and offer patrons breakfast and lunch menu selections. And, if you can’t physically visit, consider ordering our coffee directly from our website. For more information about visiting us, check us out online.