Espresso means “pressed out” in Italian
The word espresso comes from the Italian esprimere, meaning “to press out,” which perfectly describes how it’s made. Hot water is forced through finely‑ground coffee at high pressure, producing a small, concentrated shot packed with flavour and aroma.
Espresso isn’t just a drink — it’s the foundation of countless coffee favourites. Lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, macchiatos, mochas… they all start with that tiny, intense shot. Despite its strength, espresso actually contains less caffeine per serving than a standard cup of filter coffee, simply because the portion is smaller.
Its invention in the early 1900s revolutionised coffee culture, allowing cafés to serve drinks in seconds rather than minutes. Fast, bold, and full of character — espresso lives up to its name.
