5 espresso based drinks and the tools to do them

Milky or Straight up Espresso?

When it comes to trying new drinks I am like Ove from the Swedish film En man som heter Ove, a tiny bit resistant to going out of my comfort zone. There are, however some drinks that were worth the "risk" and, yes, it is possible to go crazy and actually make them at home. 

The tools you're going to need for all of these five espresso-base drinks are: a grinder which can grind fine for espresso and an espresso machine.

For the coffee grinder, my suggestion today will be Fellow's Opus




And for the espresso machine, Sage also has a great option, for home baristas the Bambino will do wonders. 

Latte

The milkiest of drinks, a latte is made by combining a shot of espresso with steamed milk and a small layer of foam on top. Here are the basic steps to make it:

1. Grind and extract a shot of espresso.
2. Steam milk until it has a velvety texture and is slightly frothy.
3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shot, holding back the foam with a spoon.
4. Spoon the remaining foam on top of the milk.

If you're really going way out and want some sweetness to that hot beverage try adding flavorings like vanilla, caramel, or sugar syrup to your latte, depending on your taste.

To froth the milk you could try Tiamo's Pitcher Silicon No-handle, it gives you good control to create your latte art(whether that be a blob or a swan, own it!)


Now, to foam your milk you have two paths: be a tided up home barista or you can be a rebel, it's up to you. 

Tided up	Nope, I'm a rebel
Milk steamer by Sage	A French press, you say?

Frothing milk with a French press is possible but it demands a tiny bit of patience: 

• It's important to no boil your milk;
• Let enough room for double the milk quantity you are pouring;
• Raise & lower the plunger to froth, start slow and gradually go faster until milk has doubled the quantity - that's why the space is so important -.

Macchiato

Also espresso based but with just a touch of steamed milk and foam added to a shot of espresso. Here are the basic steps to make a macchiato:

 

1. Grind and extract a shot of espresso.
2. Steam a small amount of milk until it's velvety and slightly frothy.
3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shot, holding back most of the foam with a spoon.
4. Spoon a small amount of foam on top of the milk.

The word "macchiato" means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, so a macchiato is often served in a small demitasse cup and has a distinctive mark or spot on top of the foam. The amount of milk used in a macchiato is minimal, so you'll get a good taste of your espresso.

Cappuccino

Don't go asking for this in Italy in the evenings, it's a morning drink (I say gesturing with both hands) however it's acceptable for the rest of Europe whenever the need arises.  You've guessed it, there's an espresso in there, it's made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Here are the basic steps to make a cappuccino:

 

1. Grind and extract a shot of espresso. (or two if you're needy)
2. Steam milk until it has a velvety texture and is slightly frothy.
3. Pour the steamed milk into a cup, filling it about one-third full.
4. Spoon a layer of foam on top of the milk.
5. Pour the shot of espresso on top of the foam.
6. The traditional cappuccino has a total of 6 ounces (180 ml) and is served in a porcelain cup. Cappuccinos are often topped with cocoa powder or cinnamon to add flavor and decoration.

The key to making a good cappuccino is to achieve the right balance between espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The espresso should be strong and bold, the milk should be velvety and slightly sweet, and the foam should be creamy and thick. 

Cortado

A cortado is a coffee beverage that originated in Spain and is made by combining equal parts espresso and warm, steamed milk. Here are the basic steps to make a cortado:

 

1. Grind and extract a shot of espresso.
2. Steam milk until it's warm and velvety, without adding much foam.
3. Pour the steamed milk into the espresso shot, filling the cup halfway.
4. The result is a small, smooth coffee that's less intense than a traditional espresso but more concentrated than a latte.

 

Americano

An Americano, on the other hand, is a coffee beverage that's made by diluting an espresso shot with hot water. Here are the basic steps to make an Americano:

 

1. Grind and extract a shot of espresso.
2. Boil water and pour it into a separate cup.
3. Pour the espresso shot into the cup of hot water.
4. The result is a coffee that's similar in strength and flavor to a drip coffee, but with the added complexity and richness of espresso.

It's worth noting that the ratios of espresso to milk or water can be adjusted to suit personal preference when making a cortado or Americano.

For the love of an espresso based drink; don't stick to the rules, challenge yourself with different beans, milks and pretty latte patterns.

Whatever your thoughts feel free to contact us via chat or let your comment below. We don't claim to be experts, we just like coffee.