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Espresso Drinks

We love our coffee here in the US. Drip, pour over, french press, cold brew, you name it. But many other countries have none of these, and drink espresso instead. So let’s chat about those drinks…

First things first, what exactly is espresso? Technically, it is coffee. Espresso is made from coffee beans, but it’s finely ground, brewed quickly and under very high pressure, yielding a very strong, rich shot caffeine.

An Americano is the closest thing you’ll get to coffee. It’s essentially a watered down shot of espresso. Since espresso shots are so strong, adding extra water gives you a drink similar to coffee, but with a bolder, more bitter taste.

A cappuccino is a mixture of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Typically, you’ll find a 1/3 ratio of all three, but that can vary. It’s the most “balanced” espresso drink that you can get.

A latte is a good choice if you want a more subtle espresso taste. With lattes, the majority of the drink is milk. Compared to a cappuccino, a latte will contain more milk, but less foam on top (that’s how you get that lovely latte art)

A macchiato can be one of two things- a latte macchiato, or an espresso macchiato. An espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of foam on top. But the latte macchiato, which we are used to here in America, is made of the same ingredients as a latte. However, it’s prepared differently, giving you a unique flavor. The espresso is poured after the milk, and will yield a stronger espresso flavor than a regular latte.

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About Matt Rosenman

With over 15 years of experience in health and fitness, Matt Rosenman is the expert voice behind cheatdaydesign.com. Matt’s philosophy is simple: no foods are off-limits, and a healthy lifestyle shouldn't be complicated or restrictive. As a certified personal trainer with a bachelor’s degree in Health Behavioral Sciences, Matt brings well-rounded expertise to his blog. From revamping classic recipes with a nutritious twist to debunking health myths, he guides his readers through the maze of fitness fads with science-backed advice. Featured in major publications and with a strong following on social media, Matt is committed to making “healthy” uncomplicated—proving there's no need for a cheat day when you’re enjoying delicious, better-for-you meals every day. Join Matt on his mission to simplify health without sacrificing flavor. Learn More