How to Drink Espresso

How to Drink Espresso Like an Italian

Coffee is an integral part of the Italian culture, and has been for more than 400 years. Espresso as we know it developed in the early 20th century, but it has become as Italian as pizza, Michelangelo, and the Vespa.

In this video, we touch on the historic roots of coffee in Italy, pay homage to the invention of the espresso machine, and offer tips on how to drink espresso the way the Italians do: slowly and with full enjoyment.

If you’re in the market for an espresso machine, be sure to check out our review of espresso makers:

If you have an espresso machine and are looking for great beans to use in it:

If you need to upgrade your grinder for better quality espresso, here’s our review of the top coffee grinders (including some that let you grind directly into the portafilter):

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[clewmedia]

I could listen hours and hours to your calm voice with this lovely mixture of English, garnished with perfect Italien expressions. Tanto di cappello!

[Guitarmickey]

My father who was an Italian from Columbia would like to have his "caffe coretto" after a nice dinner at a restaurant. He would order an espresso with a lemon peel and a Cointreau. A bit of sugar, a twist of the peel before it went in and a few drops of the liqueur. I always thought that was just so, cool. Thanks!

[roblastem]

Thank you for the history! I purchased a Gaggia Classic, so espresso has become a big part of my morning routine. I usually grind about 21 grams into a triple shot basket and stick to a 1:2 ratio. Once you get everything dialed in, it is the best tasting style of coffee around! Cheers

[lleroy]

Thanks Scott. Great info on the history. I enjoyed your video very much and wasn't expecting to learn anything like I did.

[jeffzurschmeide]

Molto Bene! I need to go to Italy about once every 6 months just to bring back sacks of the shop-roasted beans you can get in any town.

[jinvid]

Absolutely loved the History lesson along with the great espresso I’m currently enjoying!

[bonglasala]

Good actor with very good research staff.

[Totalnoobrey]

Makes me wonder what time you have your dinner? Apparently, my espresso keeps me up for quite long!

[chessprovoko]

I can confirm everything in this video is accurate

[quickcooking]

I am not much of coffee drinker and never seemed to interest before. But lately, I have tried to drink espresso everyday in the office prepared by a barista (did I write this right?)out of curiosity. No sugar, and mostly with cookies. And I found espresso is very interesting. At least this is kind of coffee I can enjoyed (starbuck era kind of makes me loss of interest toward this growing culture since it's like drinking milk with coffee taste). And also, I am surprised I still can sleep on time. I wonder if the caffeine level is not that high on espresso? Also, I've heard creme is one of the best part of espresso. So I don't get why in the video we need to stir it out.

[francescogiacopelli-eu]

La capitale de espresso cafe e napoli io sono un intenditore il vero espresso deve essere cremoso molti tipi di cafe specie quelli delle cialde fanno molta svhiuma ma non e cremosita se volete provare un vero espresso venite a napoli o palermo .

[nocoinnogain]

whats with the climactic looks after every sip. that sure is not how italians drink it. but good video otherwise

[حمدالمري-رو]

Don’t you think it’s not fair to skip how Arabs discovered it before European people 200 years ago ?

[lienbijs]

This is actually not the way how Italians drink " espresso". First, Italians call an espresso " un caffè". Espresso is the name of the coffee make technique. Also it will be served warm, not hot because Italians don't take several zips but just take one zip standing and leave again and don't like to wait till the coffee is not too hot anymore to drink. Drinking un caffè is also not an social activity, it is just drinking it in one zip standing at the bar and you continue your way again.