There’s a lot of debate surrounding espresso vs coffee beans. So what’s the difference? espresso is made from finely ground coffee beans that are packed tightly into a portafilter and then forced through a metal filter with high pressure. Coffee beans, on the other hand, are simply roasted, ground, and brewed. Let’s take a closer look at the two types of brews and see which one comes out on top.
What Is Espresso and How Is It Made?
Espresso is a type of coffee that is made by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This produces a thick, intense coffee with a layer of crema on top. Espresso is typically served in small cups and is often used to make espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. Espresso is also popular on its own, as a strong and flavorful coffee drink.
Espresso is made by using a special espresso machine. The espresso machine forces pressurized hot water through the coffee grounds, using high pressure. This creates a very thick and intense coffee with a creamy layer of crema on top. espresso machines can be quite expensive, but there are now compact espresso machines available that are perfect for home use.
Espresso is typically served in small cups, which allow you to enjoy the intense flavor and aroma. espresso-based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos are also popular, and these drinks are made by adding espresso to milk and frothing the milk to create a creamy texture. Espresso can also be enjoyed on its own, as a strong and flavorful coffee drink.
The Difference Between Espresso and Coffee Beans
Espresso is made from a single type of coffee bean, whereas regular coffee is made from a blend of different types of beans. Espresso beans are roasted for a shorter time than regular beans, so they are darker and have a more intense flavor. Espresso is also brewed under high pressure, which extract more flavor from the beans. Espresso is usually served in small cups, and has a higher caffeine content than regular coffee.
The Benefits of Espresso Over Coffee Beans
When it comes to espresso vs coffee beans, there are a few clear benefits of espresso.
For starters, espresso is more concentrated than coffee beans. This means you need less espresso to get the same caffeine buzz as you would from drinking coffee beans.
Additionally, espresso has a more intense flavor than coffee beans. This makes it a great choice for people who crave a bold and flavorful cup of joe.
Finally, espresso is more acidic than coffee beans. This can be either a good or bad thing, depending on your preferences. Acidic coffee can be harsh on your stomach, while espresso’s acidity can help perk you up and give you an energy boost.
5 Recommended Espresso Beans
Death Wish Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee
Koffee Kult Coffee
Black Rifle Coffee
San Francisco Bay Coffee
3 Recipes Using Coffee Beans You Need To Try
Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz espresso beans
- 1.5oz vodka
- 0.75oz dry vermouth
- 0.25oz simple syrup
Preparation:
- Add espresso beans, vodka, dry vermouth, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Enjoy!
Variations:
For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate vodka in place of regular vodka. You can also add a dash of Kahlua or Bailey’s Irish Cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Caramel Macchiato Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 espresso shots using espresso beans
- 1/2 cup steamed milk
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (optional)
Preparation:
- Brew espresso shots using espresso beans.
- Pour into a preheated cup or mug.
- If you are making several drinks at once, keep the espresso shots warm by placing them in an oven heated to low (200 degrees F).
- Do not let them sit for more than about 10 minutes or they will start to lose flavor and become bitter.
- In a steaming pitcher, steam milk until it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F on a thermometer.
- Pour steamed milk into the espresso shot and stir gently to combine.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the drink and optionally top with whipped cream.
- Serve immediately.
Irish Cream Cappuccino Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 espresso shot using espresso beans
- 1/4 cup strongly brewed coffee iced or at room temperature*
- 1/2 cup cold heavy cream
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
Preparation:
- Brew espresso shot using espresso beans and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine coffee, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract and Baileys Irish Cream liqueur in a blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and thickened after about 30 seconds.
- Pour mixture into a serving glass and place espresso shot on top.
- Enjoy!
Tips for making perfect coffee beverages every time
1. Use fresh, quality coffee beans.
2. Grind your coffee beans just before making espresso.
3. Use the right amount of coffee grounds for your machine.
4. Use hot water and steam pressure to make espresso.
Espresso vs Coffee Beans: The Verdict
Brewing espresso is a science that takes practice and patience. The beans you choose are important, as is the grind, extraction time, and water temperature. If you want to make espresso at home, make sure you have quality espresso beans such as the suggested beans in this blog post.
Good luck!
Check out our guide on the best coffee beans for cold brew.