The simple short espresso is one of the main base of espresso drinks. It is made only of water and coffee, it’s very tasty and easy to make if you have the right techniques! In short, the simple short espresso is made from a dose of 12 to 14 g of ground espresso coffee. The final product is approximately 1 oz (30 ml) of liquid. If not enjoyed as is, the short single espresso can serve as the basis for the macchiato, or other beverages composed of milk or vegetal drinks.
The espresso was born towards the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century in Italy. The invention of espresso machines resulted in a desire to prepare better coffee – then already extremely popular in Europe – more quickly. Although many prototypes had probably seen the light of day previously, it was Angelo Moriondo, from Turin, who obtained his patent in 1884.
The espresso is a coffee extraction. This means that very hot water at high pressure is passed through the coffee to extract the oils. We therefore obtain a very concentrated and dense drink, with a lower quantity of caffeine. In addition, espresso is divided into two parts: the liquid and the crema. It is the basis of the majority of beverages displayed on menus in cafes.
If we delve into more detail into the making of espresso, we realize that it is truly a «tour de force» to extract so much flavor from a delicate product with a method that is nevertheless quite ferocious. Espresso can be simple or double (amount of coffee in the filter holder), and short or elongated (amount of water that passes through the coffee). Here we focus on the simple.
As with all espressos, the simple short has no water added to the cup; only the one that has passed through the coffee grounds. It is made from a single dose of espresso, so about 12 to 14 g of ground coffee. We press the coffee into the filter holder (also simple), then presto! We insert it into the infuser group.
Very hot water at high pressure applies strong pressure to the coffee. This high pressure allows the oils to be extracted, and consequently all the flavors of the coffee beans. It is also these oils that form the crema. The liquid produced by the extraction is then finely filtered, then it flows into the cup.
A single short espresso makes a drink of approximately 1-2 oz, depending on the coffee used and the machine.
Grind 12 to 14 g of your favorite espresso in fine grind, which will be poured into the double filter holder.
Press the coffee into the filter holder.
Once the filter holder is inserted into the brewing group, start the extraction. Stop it when the amount of liquid reaches approximately 1-2 oz.
Enjoy!
Have fun discovering differentespresso blends, all of which have different tasting notes!
