A GUIDE TO ESPRESSO COFFEE
This guide explores the essentials of espresso coffee for Australian coffee lovers. We'll cover what makes an espresso unique, from a ristretto to a long black, and explore popular local favourites like the flat white and piccolo latte. You'll learn how to select the best espresso coffee beans and the basic steps to pulling a perfect shot at home. Understanding these fundamentals is the first step to consistently enjoying cafe-quality coffee.
What is Espresso Coffee?
At its heart, espresso coffee is a brewing method, not a type of bean. It’s defined by the way the coffee is made. The process involves forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. This intense process extracts flavour compounds quickly, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee with a rich, complex taste and a syrupy body.
A key feature of a well-made espresso is the crema – a reddish-brown foam that sits on top of the shot. This crema is formed from oils and carbon dioxide released from the coffee during brewing. It contributes to the aroma and the lingering aftertaste of the espresso. This method differs greatly from other ways of making coffee, like using a plunger or a drip filter, which rely on steeping and gravity, producing a much lighter and less intense brew.
Common Espresso Drinks in Australia
Across Australia, the espresso shot is the foundation for a wide menu of coffee drinks. From a simple short black to a creamy latte, nearly every coffee ordered in a local cafe starts with a shot of espresso. Understanding these drinks helps you know exactly what to order and what to expect in your cup.
The Basics: Straight Espresso Shots
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Espresso (or Short Black): This is the purest form—a single, concentrated 30ml shot that serves as the base for all other drinks. It offers the most direct taste of the coffee beans.
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Ristretto: A 'restricted' shot made with the same amount of coffee but about half the water. This results in an even more concentrated shot that is often sweeter and less bitter.
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Lungo: The opposite of a ristretto, a 'long' shot is pulled with more water passing through the coffee grounds. This creates a larger drink with a milder flavour.
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Doppio: A simple double shot of espresso, giving you about 60ml of coffee for a stronger and more robust experience.
Popular Black Coffees
The long black is an iconic drink in Australian cafes. It is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water. This specific method of pouring the coffee on top of the water is important because it preserves the crema, giving the drink a richer appearance and texture compared to its cousin, the Americano. With an Americano, the hot water is added to the espresso, which mixes the crema into the drink.
Favourite Milk-Based Coffees
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Flat White: An Australian classic. A flat white consists of an espresso shot combined with steamed milk, finished with a very thin, velvety layer of microfoam. It has a stronger coffee flavour than a latte.
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Latte: A latte has a higher ratio of milk to coffee, creating a milder, creamier drink. It's served in a glass and has a small layer of foam on top.
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Cappuccino: A traditional favourite, a cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick, airy layer of foam. In Australia, it is almost always finished with a sprinkle of chocolate powder.
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Piccolo Latte: Another Australian cafe staple, the piccolo latte is a ristretto shot served in a small latte glass, topped with steamed milk. It’s perfect for those who want the flavour of a strong coffee with just a small amount of milk.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans for Espresso
The quality of your espresso starts with the beans. When selecting espresso coffee beans, you have two main options: single origin or blends. Single origin beans come from one specific farm or region and offer a unique flavour profile that reflects their origin. Coffee blends, on the other hand, are created by combining beans from different regions to achieve a consistent, balanced, and well-rounded flavour. Many cafes prefer coffee blends for their espresso because they provide a reliable taste day after day.
The roast profile also plays a big part in the final taste. While very dark roasts were once the standard for espresso, many modern Australian coffee roasters now offer medium roasts. These roasts bring out more of the bean's natural sweetness and acidity, creating a more dynamic and interesting shot. Above all, freshness is the most important factor. Coffee beans are at their best within a few weeks of being roasted. Partnering with a roaster who provides a consistent and fresh supply ensures your coffee always has the best possible flavour and a rich crema.
How to Make Espresso at Home: The Basics
Making great espresso at home can be very rewarding. While machines vary, the basic principles remain the same. Focusing on these four steps will help you create a delicious shot.
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Step 1: The Grind: Use a fine, consistent grind size similar to table salt. You may need to adjust your grinder slightly to get the perfect extraction time.
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Step 2: Dosing: Fill your machine's portafilter basket with the correct amount of ground coffee. A kitchen scale can help you be precise and consistent with your dose.
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Step 3: Tamping: Apply firm and even pressure to the coffee grounds with a tamper. This creates a level and compressed 'puck' of coffee, which helps the water flow through it evenly for a balanced extraction.
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Step 4: Brewing (Pulling the Shot): Lock the portafilter into the machine and start the brew. A good target for a double shot is around 60ml of espresso in about 25 to 30 seconds. This is just a starting point, so feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Summary On A Guide to Espresso Coffee in Australia
Espresso is a versatile brewing method that serves as the foundation for the vibrant coffee culture we enjoy in Australia. From a short black to a flat white, each drink begins with a carefully extracted shot. To achieve cafe-quality results, the key is to use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. Understanding the basics of grinding, dosing, and brewing empowers you to create delicious coffee at home. Sourcing your beans from a reliable supplier is the best way to guarantee freshness and consistency in every cup.
Contact us. The Blind Coffee Roaster is the best coffee roaster to partner with for residential and commercial coffee.
