Welcome back to the second part of our exploration into the world of espresso-based drinks. In the first part, we delved into the classics, drinks that have become staples in coffee shops around the world. Now, we venture beyond the classics, exploring drinks that offer unique twists and variations on the traditional espresso. From the spirited Caffe Corretto to the zesty Espresso Romano, let’s uncover the stories and flavors that make these drinks stand out.
Cappuccino
May it sound Italian; The Cappuccino is Austrian in origin. It is a harmonious blend of equal parts of ones: one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part foam milk. The name “cappuccino” is believed to have been inspired by the color of the robes worn by the Capuchin monks. The color was the benchmark on until how ‘brown’ the coffee should look when enough milk has been added. In principle, cappuccino is a milk drink with strong coffee presence. Traditional cappuccino is a sensory delight, with the rich and robust espresso balanced by the creamy milk, topped with a cloud of frothy milk that adds a light and airy element to the drink. The modern interpretation, however, may vary greatly from one café to another.
Mocha
Perhaps the Mocha is named after the Yemeni city of Mocha, though we haven’t found strong evidence that links the two. To put it simply, the drink is a caffe latte mixed with chocolate. It’s made with one third espresso, two thirds steamed milk, and a portion of chocolate, usually in the form of sweet cocoa powder or chocolate syrup. The Mocha showcases the harmony between coffee and chocolate, a delightful blend that act like a dessert in a cup.
Cortado
The Cortado is a Spanish-origin coffee drink. The word ‘Cortado’ is Spanish for ‘cut’, referring to the espresso, traditionally, being ‘cut’ with an equal amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity. The modern interpretation, however, may vary greatly from one specialty cafe to the others. The milk used in a cortado is usually steamed, but not frothy and “texturized” as in many Italian coffee drinks. It’s a drink that showcases the harmony between the boldness coffee and the smoothness milk, a soothing blend that softens the espresso’s intensity without diluting its flavor.
Piccolo Latte
The Piccolo Latte, or simply Piccolo, as it is often referred to on coffee menus, is a small milk beverage that’s typically served in a 3-4 oz/85-114 ml glass. A Piccolo Latte, probably meaning ‘small cafe latte’, is very similar to the Cortado in its concept, but the key difference is the ratio of milk to espresso. The Piccolo Latte is made with a ristretto shot, which is a very short or “restricted” shot, topped with warm, steamed milk served in a small glass.
Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna, which translates to “espresso with cream,” is a delightful blend of strong espresso and light whipped cream. This drink is a nod to the Viennese coffee tradition, where coffee is often served with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, combining the intensity of espresso with the lightness of whipped cream.
Espresso Romano
Espresso Romano is a unique twist on the classic espresso. It’s an espresso served with a slice of lemon on the side. While there’s no historical evidence to suggest that this combination originated in Rome (or anywhere in Italy), it’s a popular order in some parts of the world. The lemon slice is meant to be rubbed along the rim of the cup before sipping the espresso, adding a refreshing aromatic citrus note and complexity to the (generally) darker roasted and robust espresso.
Caffe Corretto
Caffe Corretto, meaning ‘corrected coffee’, is an Italian tradition where espresso is ‘corrected’ with a shot of liquor, usually grappa, brandy, or sambuca. This spirited twist on the classic espresso is often enjoyed after dinner, and it is more commonly consumed in Italy than any other places. The Caffe Corretto is a drink that showcases the versatility of espresso, and the delightful blend that properly represents the dolce vita.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey into the world of espresso-based drinks, we hope you’ve discovered new favorites and gained a deeper understanding of the versatility of espresso. Each drink, from the classics to the unique variations, tells a story of culture, innovation, and a shared love for coffee. So cheers to the art of espresso, and the endless possibilities it brings!
