Five Great Ways to Enjoy Espresso

Espresso! Just the word alone is enough to wake you up. This strong and delicious coffee, made by forcing near boiling water through finely ground beans, can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are my five favourite.

1: Straight or Macchiato

This might sound boring, but one of the best ways to have espresso is a shot straight from your machine. If it’s a little strong for you, add a splash of milk for a “macchiato” – Italian for “stained” or “stained with milk.”

2: Caffè latte and Cappuccino

Caffè lattes and Cappuccinos are probably some of the most popular ways to enjoy espresso, and for good reason: They’re delicious! In Italy, these are traditionally served in the morning, but really, they can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you have an espresso machine capable of steaming milk, that’s great! Otherwise, you could try using a milk steamer.

Caffè Latte

1 part espresso
2 parts steamed milk (or more depending on personal taste)

Pour the espresso in a coffee cup and add the steamed milk. Mix together and add some foam on top (if desired).

Cappuccino

1 part espresso
1 part steamed milk
1 part milk foam

Pour the espresso into a coffee cup and add the same amount of steamed milk. Lastly, top with foam and sprinkle with cinnamon.

3: Caffè Corretto

Caffè corretto is what you get when you add a shot of liqueur to your espresso. Knowing that, it’s a surprise not all espresso is “corretto”, Italian for “correct.”

Take a shot of espresso and top it up with your favourite liqueur (traditionally Sambuca).

4: Affogato

Ice cream covered with espresso! I don’t really know if I need to say anything else. Two of the best things ever, now mixed together.

Two scoops of vanilla ice cream
One shot of espresso

The word “affogato” means “drowned” in Italian and that’s what you have here. Ice cream drowned in espresso (deliciousness drowned in even more deliciousness).

5: Espresso Cocktails

In standard FMMS fashion, we also have to make some cocktails!

Not only is espresso great for tired mornings and as an after-dinner digestivo, it also makes a pretty good cocktail ingredient. Some of our favourites are the Espresso Martini and a more original take on the Old Fashioned.

Espresso Martini

1 oz vodka or grappa
1 oz Kahlua
1 oz espresso

Pour the espresso, vodka, and Kahlua into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with three coffee beans.

Espresso Old Fashioned

I found this unique take on the Old fashioned at Bon Appétit and I’m glad I did.

2 oz espresso
1 oz bourbon
¼ oz simple syrup
A couple dashes Peyschaud’s bitters
Lemon peel for garnish

Pour all the ingredients, with the obvious exception of the lemon, into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Stir until chilled (about 30 seconds) and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

There you have it! Five ways to enjoy espresso. Who knew it was so versatile? I hope you discovered some recipes you didn’t know about before. Just be sure that you don’t accidentally add vodka or grappa to your breakfast espresso… unless of course you want to have an awesome day!