European Espresso

If you like strong coffee, chances are you'll like espresso. Espresso was created by an Italian designer at the beginning of the 20th century. His idea was to use steam pressure to force hot water through extremely fine ground coffee beans using a piston lever.

Espresso is traditionally enjoyed by people who want their coffee to be rich and viscous. They like its strong flavor and jolt of caffeine.

Europeans have long favored espresso. In recent years the drink has spread across the world and is now commonly served throughout the US. It has become a popular drink for anytime of day.

Some coffee houses such as Starbucks and restaurants have taken the drink a step further and added toppings and additional flavors to make it even more special. Espresso is the base of other popular beverages including cappuccinos and lattes loved by many.

Today's espresso machines are designed to force steamed water through finely ground coffee to produce the thick, syrupy beverage we know as espresso.

Espresso machines can be quite large and typically only make one serving at a time. You flip a lever and out will come a small portion of a thick liquid known as a "shot." Espresso is distinctive in that it forms reddish foam on the top called crema.

When you make espresso you use a very fine grind of coffee to force steamed water through. This process allows the flavorful oils of the coffee beans to remain. The fine grind also makes for a thicker drink than coffee made with traditional automatic drip machines.

If you shop around you may find that espresso machines are more costly than regular coffee makers, but for those who love their strong brew, it's worth it. A well-made espresso maker will give years and numerous cups of enjoyment.