What Is Espresso? The Complete Guide to Espresso Coffee

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under approximately 9 bars of pressure, producing a 1–2 oz shot in 25–30 seconds. The result is thicker, more intense, and more complex than drip coffee — and it’s the base for most café drinks. That’s the short answer. Below is everything else worth knowing about what espresso actually is, how it works, and why it tastes the way it does. ...

April 15, 2026 · 8 min · Barista At Home