calling espresso drinkers

[Anonymous]

I am interested to hear from espresso drinkers why you choose espresso instead of a cup of coffee or an americano.

I love coffee, and love the taste of espresso. But I never make or order an espresso because it is so small, the pleasure I get from drinking it is too short.

[Anonymous]

I'm French and it's a cultural thing in France, to have a little cup of "express" at a cafe table whenever you want, if you're tired or you just want to sit and chat with friends. The hydration comes from water, or wine, or other drinks. The little cup is a shot. A pick-me-up. Often it comes with a little chocolate.

Personally, I have a very cute collection of espresso cups, with different designs, and half the pleasure is using one of them, depending on my mood in the moment

I find it a very amusing Americanism that you can't enjoy something you find tasty just because the volume is too small Talk about needing to supersize!

The most intense pleasures sometimes come in the smallest of packages, or the briefest of moments, OP. I hope you remember that in your life. If you think back to the moments that brought you the most joy, did they actually last all that long? I think it was the emotional connection and intensity of feeling that probably made them memorable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm French and it's a cultural thing in France, to have a little cup of "express" at a cafe table whenever you want, if you're tired or you just want to sit and chat with friends. The hydration comes from water, or wine, or other drinks. The little cup is a shot. A pick-me-up. Often it comes with a little chocolate.

Personally, I have a very cute collection of espresso cups, with different designs, and half the pleasure is using one of them, depending on my mood in the moment

I find it a very amusing Americanism that you can't enjoy something you find tasty just because the volume is too small Talk about needing to supersize!

The most intense pleasures sometimes come in the smallest of packages, or the briefest of moments, OP. I hope you remember that in your life. If you think back to the moments that brought you the most joy, did they actually last all that long? I think it was the emotional connection and intensity of feeling that probably made them memorable.

NP here - thank you for your perspective! Very informative and I really appreciate you taking the time to write it for anonymous strangers

[Anonymous]

PP from France, that was a very interesting read and I appreciate you sharing your perspective!

Funnily, I view my coffee drinking akin to the experience you describe. I don’t drink an especially large cup of coffee, but I do enjoy sipping it and the moments of enjoyment I derive from drinking and smelling it.

To me, espresso is as you say, a shot. I enjoy sipping a cocktail but I do not enjoying downing a shot of alcohol 😊. But I loved reading why you drink espresso - thank you!

[Anonymous]

I prefer espresso for the taste. It’s more roasted, a little bitter and deeper. I also like stout beers.

Iced espresso is really good too when it’s hot outside.

[Anonymous]

Americano is espresso

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm French and it's a cultural thing in France, to have a little cup of "express" at a cafe table whenever you want, if you're tired or you just want to sit and chat with friends. The hydration comes from water, or wine, or other drinks. The little cup is a shot. A pick-me-up. Often it comes with a little chocolate.

I find it a very amusing Americanism that you can't enjoy something you find tasty just because the volume is too small Talk about needing to supersize!

The most intense pleasures sometimes come in the smallest of packages, or the briefest of moments, OP. I hope you remember that in your life. If you think back to the moments that brought you the most joy, did they actually last all that long? I think it was the emotional connection and intensity of feeling that probably made them memorable.

I have noticed this too. Americans are strange creatures.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Americano is espresso

False. It is MADE with 1 shot of espresso, hot water is then added to make it about a 6oz drink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm French and it's a cultural thing in France, to have a little cup of "express" at a cafe table whenever you want, if you're tired or you just want to sit and chat with friends. The hydration comes from water, or wine, or other drinks. The little cup is a shot. A pick-me-up. Often it comes with a little chocolate.

Personally, I have a very cute collection of espresso cups, with different designs, and half the pleasure is using one of them, depending on my mood in the moment

I find it a very amusing Americanism that you can't enjoy something you find tasty just because the volume is too small Talk about needing to supersize!

The most intense pleasures sometimes come in the smallest of packages, or the briefest of moments, OP. I hope you remember that in your life. If you think back to the moments that brought you the most joy, did they actually last all that long? I think it was the emotional connection and intensity of feeling that probably made them memorable.

Ok, but counter point: we have coffee shops that sell espresso on every block in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm French and it's a cultural thing in France, to have a little cup of "express" at a cafe table whenever you want, if you're tired or you just want to sit and chat with friends. The hydration comes from water, or wine, or other drinks. The little cup is a shot. A pick-me-up. Often it comes with a little chocolate.

Personally, I have a very cute collection of espresso cups, with different designs, and half the pleasure is using one of them, depending on my mood in the moment

I find it a very amusing Americanism that you can't enjoy something you find tasty just because the volume is too small Talk about needing to supersize!

The most intense pleasures sometimes come in the smallest of packages, or the briefest of moments, OP. I hope you remember that in your life. If you think back to the moments that brought you the most joy, did they actually last all that long? I think it was the emotional connection and intensity of feeling that probably made them memorable.

I was with your post until the condescending last paragraph 🙄. I lived in Rome for 5 years with then boyfriend who was doing academic research. We and everyone we knew drank espressos for, as you say, a pick me up. Not for “intense pleasures” and “emotional connections.” Which, by the way, one gets by drinking anything - coffee, espresso, water, wine, so on - if one is enjoying sitting outside and connecting with friends/loved ones.

[Anonymous]

I like good drip coffee, but it's just too hit or miss. It REALLY irritates me to start my day receiving stale coffee, super acidic coffee, or coffee that's not very hot.

...so I pay the small premium to order Americanos instead. Smoother, more consistent, and always piping hot.

[Anonymous]

I order three shots of espresso over ice and add a little half and half. One shot of espresso isn't much caffeine compared to a 12-16 oz of drip.

[Anonymous]

I make espresso occasionally, when I have time. I make it for those who don’t regularly drink coffee.

[Anonymous]

Because I like to pretend I'm a giant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Americano is espresso

False. It is MADE with 1 shot of espresso, hot water is then added to make it about a 6oz drink.

Right so it’s espresso.