For many, espresso is the mysterious heart of the coffee world—small, intense, and often misunderstood. Whether you’re a curious coffee lover or just tired of pretending you know what a macchiato actually is, this guide is here to help demystify espresso and break down the most popular espresso-based drinks.

What Is Espresso, Really?

Espresso isn’t a specific bean or roast—it's a method of brewing. It involves forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee with a rich body and a layer of crema. Espresso crema is the golden-brown, creamy layer of foam that forms on top of a freshly pulled espresso shot. It’s often seen as a mark of a well-made espresso and is important for both visual appeal and flavor.  

Espresso is bold, complex, and designed to be sipped or used as a base for other coffee drinks.

Types of Espresso Shots

• Single Espresso (Solo) – One shot, about 1 oz. Strong and intense.
• Double Espresso (Doppio) – Two shots, standard in most cafes today.
• Ristretto – A shorter shot, using the same amount of coffee but less water. It's more concentrated, with a sweeter, richer flavor.
• Lungo – A "long" shot, using more water, resulting in a milder, slightly more bitter espresso.

Espresso-Based Drinks And What’s Actually In Them

Here's a breakdown of your favorite espresso drinks and what makes each one unique:

Espresso Macchiato (mah-key-ott-oh)

• What is it? Espresso “stained” or “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam.
• Taste: Strong espresso flavor with just a hint of creaminess.
• Fun Fact: In Italian, macchiato means ‘stained’ or ‘spotted’, so the literal translation of caffé macchiato is ‘stained coffee’ or ‘marked coffee’.

Espresso Con Panna (cahn-pahn-ah)

• What is it? Freshly brewed espresso topped with whipped cream, 2:1 ratio
• Taste: Strong espresso flavor with a hint of sweet, creamy whipped cream

Americano

• What is it? Espresso with hot water.
• Taste: Milder than straight espresso, but still bold. Smooth, with less intensity than a drip coffee but more depth.
• Fun Fact: Legend has it that American soldiers in WWII added water to their espressos to mimic the coffee they were used to back home—thus, the Americano was born.

Cappuccino (cap-a-chee-no)

• What is it? Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and texturized milk.
• Taste: Balanced, light and airy, perfect for those who want espresso flavor with a fluffy texture.
  

Latte

• What is it? Espresso and steamed milk with a small amount of micro foam on top.
• Taste: Smooth, creamy, and milder in coffee flavor—great for adding flavored syrups.
  

Flat White

• What is it? Similar to a latte, but made with very little foam. It is also generally accepted that this beverage has a higher coffee to milk ratio than a latte. 
• Taste: Stronger espresso flavor with a velvety mouthfeel.
  

Cortado (cor-tah-dow)

• What is it? Espresso mixed with equal parts of steamed milk topped with a small amount of micro foam. Smooth and balanced, typically served in a 4oz cup.
• Taste: Bold espresso flavor with a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture

Tips for Enjoying Espresso

• Try it straight. Even if you usually go for milk-based drinks, a straight shot of espresso can help you understand the coffee’s flavor profile.
• Our House Espresso at Water Street is a medium-bodied, robust blend with a pleasantly bitter edge. Carefully crafted to highlight the finest characteristics of each origin, this espresso offers a complex flavor profile with both high and low notes. Slightly less intense than our other dark roasts, it delivers depth and balance in every cup. This darker blend shines beautifully in a latte or an Americano.
• In addition to our signature blend, we also offer a rotating Featured Espresso—a seasonal selection that reflects the freshest offerings from our roastery. This feature can be either a thoughtfully composed blend or a standout single-origin coffee, chosen for its exceptional expression as espresso. You’ll always find this option available in our shops, offering a new experience for curious coffee lovers and seasoned espresso fans alike.
• Ask your barista. Don’t be shy—ask about the espresso roast or which drink best suits your taste.
• Explore flavor. Different beans and roasts bring out different notes: fruity, chocolatey, nutty, spicy—the espresso world is rich and varied.
  
  

Espresso doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little knowledge, you can order (and enjoy) your next drink with confidence. Whether you're sipping a bold doppio or cooling off with an iced latte, espresso is a delicious world worth exploring—one shot at a time.