Brewed to Perfection: 5 Classic Ways to Enjoy Espresso Coffee
Espresso is more than just a shot of coffee — it’s the heartbeat of coffee culture worldwide. For the true connoisseur, espresso offers a gateway into a world of aroma, body, and complexity, where every milliliter counts. Whether you’re a café regular or a home brewer with a portable espresso machine, like those from Aroama Coffee, mastering the five foundational ways to enjoy espresso can elevate your daily ritual into an art form.
This story was inspired by a recent post from Lauren O’Brien, Owner & Director of Aroama Coffee, whose passion for coffee and innovation continues to shape how we experience espresso today. Through her advocacy for portable brewing and love for tradition, Lauren celebrates both modern convenience and timeless methods — a balance that perfectly mirrors these five ways to enjoy espresso.
1. Espresso (30ml – Single Shot)
The cornerstone of modern coffee culture, the espresso shot is a 30ml pour of pure intensity. Brewed under high pressure using finely ground coffee, it delivers a bold, concentrated flavor with a balanced profile of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness. It’s topped with a silky layer of crema — a sign of a well-extracted shot. Whether enjoyed solo or as a base for other drinks, espresso embodies the essence of the bean.
Expert Tip: Use freshly ground beans with a precise grind size to ensure optimal extraction — around 25–30 seconds for a classic shot.
2. Espresso Doppio (60ml – Double Shot)
A “doppio” is simply double the espresso, offering twice the intensity. With 60ml of liquid gold, this is the go-to for those who crave a bolder caffeine kick without compromising on flavor. It’s also the standard shot used in most café beverages.
Did You Know? The term “doppio” is Italian for “double,” and it’s the standard in specialty coffee shops, replacing the single shot in most espresso-based drinks.
3. Ristretto (22ml – Concentrated Shot)
Italian for “restricted,” a ristretto is a shorter, more concentrated shot of espresso — typically only 22ml. Brewed with the same amount of coffee but less water, it produces a syrupy, sweeter profile with reduced bitterness. It’s the drink of choice for those seeking depth and complexity in a smaller sip.
Tasting Notes: Expect fruit-forward brightness and chocolate undertones, with a rich mouthfeel and lower perceived acidity.
4. Short Macchiato (30ml or 60ml Espresso with Foamed Milk)
“Macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian — in this case, espresso marked with a dollop of foamed milk. A short macchiato tempers the intensity of espresso without diluting its character, making it ideal for those who appreciate both strength and softness.
Variants: Use a single or double shot as the base. The milk is usually textured, not steamed flat, adding a luxurious touch to the finish.
5. Espresso Con Panna (30ml or 60ml Espresso with Cream)
A decadent twist on the classic shot, Espresso con Panna is topped with a generous layer of whipped cream. The contrast between the bitter espresso and the sweet, velvety cream creates a dessert-like indulgence, popular across Europe and the U.S.
Perfect For: Afternoon pick-me-ups or those exploring espresso but not quite ready for the full punch of a straight shot.
The Modern Espresso Movement
Today’s espresso experience goes beyond cafés and baristas. As Lauren O’Brien highlights, the coffee world is evolving through tech-driven brewing solutions — with portable espresso machines redefining how and where we enjoy our daily shots. Aroama Coffee’s commitment to making espresso accessible anywhere speaks to a growing global love affair with quality coffee and convenience.
From sustainably sourced beans to smart brewing tools, coffee lovers are now more empowered than ever to recreate café-quality espresso wherever their journey takes them.
Conclusion
Espresso is the foundation of coffee culture — versatile, expressive, and deeply personal. These five classic preparations offer something for every palate, whether you’re chasing complexity, intensity, balance, or indulgence. And with portable innovations like those from Aroama Coffee, that perfect shot is never out of reach.
Which style is your favorite — bold ristretto, creamy con panna, or the classic espresso? Explore them all, and let your taste buds lead the way.
