Espresso: The Art of Coffee

Espresso being brewed from an espresso machine into a glass cup.

In Italy, coffee is more than just a drink - it is a daily ritual, an expression of culture, and a symbol of social connection. And at the heart of it all is espresso, the small but mighty shot of coffee that defines Italian coffee culture.

Outdoor dining scene with several tables covered with white tablecloths, chairs, and parasols outside a restaurant in a European city. Patrons are sitting and eating, some with masks, while waiters serve. The building has blue shutters and signs in Italian, indicating it is a restaurant.

Barista pouring steamed milk into a cappuccino inside a coffee shop.

A Quick Yet Meaningful Ritual

Unlike other coffee traditions where people linger over their drinks, Italians treat espresso as a quick, energizing break. Many will have multiple espressos throughout the day, sometimes adding a splash of milk (as in a macchiato) but never ordering a cappuccino in the afternoon - milk-based coffees are strictly for mornings!

Barista making coffee at a coffee shop counter with customers waiting and various coffee equipment and plants on the marble countertop.

Crafting the Ideal Espresso

Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure, creating a concentrated, bold, and aromatic drink. A well-crafted shot has a rich, velvety texture and is topped with a layer of golden crema, which enhances both the flavor and aroma.

The key to a perfect espresso lies in three main factors:

Grind size – Fine enough to create resistance but not too fine to clog the machine.
Water temperature & pressure – Ideally 90-96°C and 9 bars of pressure.
Extraction time – A standard espresso takes 25-30 seconds to brew.

People sitting at outdoor café tables along a narrow European street, with old buildings and flags hanging overhead.

The Foundation of Modern Coffee

Espresso culture has since spread worldwide, forming the foundation of many popular coffee drinks, including cappuccino, latte, and Americano.

Yet in Italy, espresso remains something special: a moment of pleasure, a pause in the day, and a testament to the country’s dedication to the perfect cup of coffee.