Espresso is more than just a type of coffee—it’s a cultural icon, a daily ritual, and the foundation of many beloved coffee drinks. This small but powerful shot of coffee has a rich history that dates back to early 20th-century Italy, and its influence has spread across the globe.
From its invention in Italian cafés to its evolution into modern specialty coffee, espresso has become one of the most important and widely consumed coffee styles in the world. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of espresso, how it developed over time, and how it continues to shape coffee culture today.
What Is Espresso?
Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. This process extracts rich flavors, natural oils, and a layer of crema (a golden foam) on top. Unlike drip coffee, espresso is brewed in a matter of seconds, resulting in a strong, full-bodied shot.
Espresso is not just a drink—it serves as the base for many popular coffee beverages, including cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and Americanos.
The Origins of Espresso: Italy in the Early 1900s
The Need for Faster Coffee
Before espresso, coffee brewing was a slow process. Traditional brewing methods, like Turkish coffee and drip coffee, required several minutes to extract flavors, which was inconvenient for busy cafés and customers. In the early 20th century, Italian coffeehouses needed a faster way to serve coffee, leading to the development of pressure-based brewing methods.
1901: The First Espresso Machine by Luigi Bezzera
The first known espresso machine was invented in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera, an Italian engineer. Bezzera designed a machine that used steam pressure to force water through coffee grounds, reducing brewing time to just a few seconds. He called his new method “caffè espresso”, meaning “pressed-out coffee” in Italian.
Bezzera’s machine could brew coffee much faster than traditional methods, but it had inconsistent pressure and temperature control, making it difficult to produce consistent espresso.
1905: Desiderio Pavoni Perfects the Espresso Machine
In 1905, businessman Desiderio Pavoni improved Bezzera’s design by adding a pressure release valve and temperature controls. He founded La Pavoni, one of the first companies to manufacture commercial espresso machines.
With Pavoni’s improvements, espresso machines became a staple in Italian cafés, allowing baristas to serve coffee quickly while maintaining quality.
Espresso in the 20th Century: Innovation and Global Expansion
1947: The Birth of Modern Espresso – Achille Gaggia’s Lever Machine
A major breakthrough in espresso technology came in 1947, when Achille Gaggia invented the first lever-operated espresso machine. Unlike earlier steam-powered machines, Gaggia’s design used a lever to create 9 bars of pressure, which resulted in a richer, creamier espresso with a layer of crema on top.
This was the birth of modern espresso, and crema became a signature characteristic of high-quality espresso.
1960s: The Rise of Automatic Espresso Machines
In the 1960s, Italian manufacturer Faema introduced the E61 espresso machine, the first fully automatic espresso machine using an electric pump instead of a manual lever. This made espresso brewing more consistent and accessible, leading to its widespread popularity outside Italy.
Espresso Spreads to the U.S. and Beyond
By the 1980s and 1990s, espresso culture spread beyond Europe, reaching the United States, Australia, and Asia. The rise of specialty coffee shops, such as Starbucks, helped introduce espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas to a global audience.
Today, espresso is a staple of coffee culture worldwide, influencing everything from third-wave specialty coffee to home espresso machines and barista competitions.
How Espresso Is Made: The Key Elements
To make great espresso, several factors must be carefully controlled:
1. Grind Size
Espresso requires a fine grind, almost like table salt. If the grind is too coarse, the espresso will be weak and under-extracted. If it’s too fine, the shot will be overly bitter and slow to extract.
2. Brew Time
A perfect espresso shot typically brews in 25-30 seconds. If the extraction is too fast, the coffee will be sour and weak. If it’s too slow, the coffee will taste overly bitter.
3. Water Pressure
Modern espresso machines use 9 bars of pressure to force water through the coffee grounds. This high pressure extracts rich flavors and creates the signature crema.
4. Coffee-to-Water Ratio
A standard espresso shot uses about 18-20 grams of coffee to produce 30-40 grams of liquid espresso. This 1:2 ratio is ideal for a balanced, flavorful shot.
5. Temperature Control
The ideal brewing temperature for espresso is 195–205°F (90–96°C). Water that is too hot or too cold can affect extraction and alter the final taste.
Popular Espresso-Based Drinks
Espresso serves as the base for many popular coffee beverages, including:
- Espresso: A single (30ml) or double shot (60ml) of concentrated coffee.
- Ristretto: A short espresso shot with a stronger, more intense flavor.
- Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water for a milder taste.
- Macchiato: Espresso with a small amount of foamed milk on top.
- Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
- Latte: Espresso with more steamed milk and a small layer of foam.
- Flat White: Similar to a latte, but with a stronger coffee-to-milk ratio.
Espresso Culture Around the World
Espresso is deeply embedded in different coffee cultures worldwide:
- Italy: Espresso is traditionally enjoyed standing at the bar in small cafés, often with a quick chat with the barista.
- United States: Espresso is commonly consumed in lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, often with added flavors.
- Australia & New Zealand: Known for their flat white, a velvety milk-based espresso drink.
- Scandinavia: Espresso is widely appreciated in third-wave coffee shops, where high-quality beans and precise brewing techniques are emphasized.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Legacy of Espresso
Espresso has come a long way since its invention in early 20th-century Italy. What started as a simple solution to brewing coffee faster has evolved into a global coffee phenomenon, influencing modern café culture and specialty coffee trends.
Whether you enjoy a classic Italian-style espresso, a smooth flat white, or a bold double shot, espresso remains the heart of the coffee world. Its rich history, evolving technology, and cultural impact ensure that it will continue to be a favorite among coffee lovers for generations to come.
How do you like your espresso?