Espresso and coffee are both made from coffee beans and are in fact collectively *coffee* but there are some differences between them in terms of their preparation methods and taste.
So the first thing you need to understand about this coffee vs espresso debate is that they’re both basically coffee; that all espressos are a type of coffee, but not all coffees are espressos.
As far as the preparation goes, espresso is made using a high-pressure machine which forces hot water through finely ground coffee beans while regular coffee is brewed using a drip machine or a French press.
Difference Between Espresso and Coffee
Below is a detailed comparison of espresso vs coffee. We compared their methods of preparation, flavor profile, and caffeine content.
Preparation Method
Coffee is brewed by steeping ground coffee beans in hot water, usually through a drip coffee maker or French press. As water passes through the ground coffee, it extracts the flavor and oils. Once brewed, the coffee is filtered to remove any sediment, resulting in a smoother texture. And you have your coffee!
Espresso is brewed using a high-pressure machine that forces pressurized hot (almost boiling) water through tightly packed, finely ground coffee beans resulting in a concentrated, strong coffee with a layer of crema on top.
The brewing process of coffee is slow and can take several minutes, depending on the brewing method used, whereas espresso can be made in a matter of seconds with an espresso machine.
Strength and Flavor
Another significant difference between espresso and regular coffee is their strength and flavor.
Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee with a strong and intense flavor while regular coffee is typically much milder and less concentrated. This is as a result of their different brewing methods.
Espresso also has a layer of crema on top, which is a creamy, golden-brown foam that forms when the hot water is forced through the ground coffee. So if you’re looking for a strong, intense coffee experience, espresso is the way to go. If you prefer a milder, more nuanced flavor, regular coffee might be more your style.
Coffee flavors can also be influenced by the type of coffee bean, roast level, and the brewing method used (drip, pour-over, French press, etc.).
Caffeine Content
While both espresso and coffee contain caffeine, espresso is generally considered to be stronger due to its concentrated nature. However, a serving of coffee typically contains more caffeine than a shot of espresso, as espresso shots are much smaller.
Despite its strong and robust flavor, a standard single shot of espresso contains less caffeine (around 64 milligrams of caffeine) than a regular cup of brewed coffee. On average, an 8-ounce (237 milliliters) cup of brewed coffee may contain anywhere from 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.
It’s important to note that the caffeine content can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of coffee bean, the roast level, and the brewing method.
Serving sizes can also vary, so the actual caffeine intake depends on how much espresso or coffee you consume.
Uses
Talking about their uses, espresso is often used as a base for other coffee drinks, while coffee is usually enjoyed on its own. Espresso is also sometimes used in cooking and baking, particularly in desserts like tiramisu.
The main point of it is to create a strong and intense coffee flavor in a small serving size. It’s served in small shot glasses and can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
Due to its concentrated nature, espresso can provide a quick burst of caffeine and energy to the drinker, making it a popular choice for those who need a quick pick-me-up throughout the day.
Can You Make Espresso with Regular Coffee?
It may not be possible to make a true espresso with regular coffee because espresso requires a specific brewing method using a high-pressure espresso machine.
The preparation process is seen as an art form in many parts of the world, with baristas carefully controlling variables like water temperature, shot length, and grind size to create the perfect espresso shot.
Espresso is brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at a pressure of around 9 bars, which extracts the coffee’s oils, flavors, and aromas in a concentrated form. Regular coffee is brewed through a drip method, which is not capable of producing the same high-pressure extraction that characterizes espresso.
While you can try to simulate espresso by using a Moka pot or an Aeropress, the resulting drink will not be a true espresso. However, you can use regular coffee in recipes that call for espresso or make coffee-based drinks like Americanos, which are made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso.
That being said, you can put milk in an espresso to create various espresso-based drinks such as latte, cappuccino, and macchiato. In fact, many coffee drinkers prefer adding milk to their espresso to balance the strong, concentrated flavor of the espresso and create a smoother and creamier taste.
But the thing is, the amount of milk added, depending on personal preferences, creates another type of drink. Isn’t the world of coffee just interesting‽
Here are some of the most common terms for espresso with milk:
Cappuccino: A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It is typically served in a small cup and may be dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Latte: A latte is made with one or two shots of espresso and steamed milk, with a layer of milk foam on top.
Macchiato: This is a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk added on top. The milk “marks” the espresso, which is what “macchiato” means in Italian.
Flat White: This is similar to a latte but with a higher proportion of espresso to milk. It is made with two shots of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk.
Cortado: A cortado is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, similar to a cappuccino but without the milk foam.
And many others.
Difference Between Espresso Beans and Coffee Beans
Both espresso beans and coffee beans come from the same plant, Coffea arabica or Coffea robusta. The main differences between them are how they are roasted, ground, and brewed.
Roast Level: Espresso beans are typically roasted to a darker level than regular coffee beans. This is because a darker roast brings out more of the caramelized sugars in the bean, which can create a thicker crema (the foam on top of an espresso shot) and enhance the flavor profile when using an espresso machine.
Coffee beans for drip or pour-over methods may be roasted lighter to bring out different flavors and aromas that would get lost with a darker roast.
Grind Size: Another key difference between espresso beans and coffee beans is grind size. For optimal extraction during the espresso process, the grind needs to be very fine – almost like powder.
Coffee prepared through other brewing methods usually requires a coarser grind, as too fine a grind will lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
So while there isn’t really such a thing as “espresso” vs “coffee” beans per se, these terms generally refer to specific ways of preparing and serving coffee based on its roast level, grind size, and brew method.