Gourmet espresso coffee is the base to many drinks such as: cafe lattes, cappuccino and cafe mocha. It is a very concentrated and strong form of coffee. Think less water, and more coffee concentrate and you have a shot of espresso. Gourmet espresso coffee is the what makes Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and other gourmet coffee shops in business!
Espresso is a very dark and robust roast of coffee. It is rich and hearty, and the beans are roasted until they are almost black in color. They also become oily and shiny. The longer roasting process creates a more intense coffee flavor and gives espresso that punch of coffee essence! Personally, when I need a good pick me up, I go for a shot of espresso. Some people enjoy sipping on a shot of espresso as it has a pungent and almost startling effect on the palate and body.
One of my favorite coffee drinks in a latte. I love it warm or iced. A latte is simply espresso and steamed milk. Something so simple, is yet so decadent. A fun fact is that if you order a “latte” in Italy, you will get a glass of milk. Latte translate to milk in Italian. However, if you ask for a cafe latte you will receive what Americans think of as a latte – steamed milk and coffee.
Espresso is also used in a cappuccino. A cappuccino is simply an Italian coffee drink prepared with espresso, hot milk and steamed milk foam. That extra layer of creamy foam on top of the drink differentiates it from a latte. I love to drink a nice cappuccino with dessert or on a cold winter morning.
Cafe mocha, or just mocha, as it is known in the United States is a delicious chocolate drink that is decadent and rich. It consists of espresso, hot milk, and a touch of chocolate in the form of syrup or a cocoa powder. It is much sweeter than the other drinks – and typically has more calories. I could drink a mocha for a dessert, they are that sweet and delicious! Read more …