NATIONAL ESPRESSO DAY
Get the pure coffee essence on National Espresso Day! Whether you sip one cup or keep buzzing all day long, November 23rd is the day.
The word espresso (/ɛˈsprɛsoʊ/; Italian pronunciation: [eˈsprɛsso]) in Italian means ‘quick in time.’ Before the advent of the espresso machine, espresso was simply a coffee expressly made for the person ordering it. It was also made with recently roasted and freshly ground beans. The cup was brewed shortly before serving. In the late 1800s, this practice was commonplace in cafés and restaurants.
While today’s espresso maintains the freshness quality, it has undergone a transition in meaning. We’ve come to know espresso as a highly concentrated brew served in smaller quantities. We may also use espresso as a base for other delicious coffee creations.
We can thank the espresso machine for this modern view of espresso. In 1901, Italian Luigi Bezzera invented the first successful espresso machine. The newer technologies produced a smaller, more concentrated cup more quickly than traditional coffee brewing methods. Additionally, this thicker, more intense brew created a creamy foam on top called the crema. The richer flavors and aromas of an espresso create delicious lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and many café creations.
Beyond the range of beverages, the intense flavor of espresso lends itself to baking. Where coffee may become lost when blended with other flavors, espresso remains vibrant. Blend it with cream cheese, sugar and flour for a cheesecake. Add it to ladyfingers and make tiramisu. Many desserts call for espressos such as ice cream and crème brûlée.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEspressoDay
This holiday calls for the perfect cup. Whether you brew it at home or visit a local cafe, you know how you like it. Will you enjoy your espresso one of these ways?
- Order through the local drive-through and pay it forward (backward?) by also paying for the customer behind you in line.
- Pick up extra espressos for everyone in the office.
- Have espressos delivered to front-line workers at the hospital, fire station, police station, or ambulance bay near you.
- Send a gift card to your favorite teachers for National Espresso Day, letting them know just how much you appreciate them.
- Step out of your comfort zone and try your espresso in a new flavorful latte or cappuccino.
- Realize you’ve never tried baking with espresso and break out the mixer you got for your birthday.
- You’re a traditionalist when it comes to espresso. You only drink espresso. You don’t add flavors. It’s espresso. Don’t mess with the espresso.
Enjoy a cup of espresso and use #NationalEspressoDay to post on social media.
Be sure to order our Celebrate Every Day® coffee beans to help you celebrate every coffee holiday. We offer 4 roasts, including decaf.
NATIONAL ESPRESSO DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this caffeinated holiday.
Espresso FAQ
Q. How do you say “espresso”?
A. The word “espresso” is pronounced like this: ess-press-oh.
Q. Can I make espresso at home?
A. Yes. There are a few ways to make espresso at home, including using an espresso machine. If you do not have an espresso machine, you can use a French press. There are a few things to keep in mind when making espresso with a French press:
1. Pre-warm your press with hot water.
2. Coarsely grind your beans, about 2 tablespoons.
3. Use hot, not boiling water to your coffee grounds. Heat the water to just below 212F.
4. Add a small amount of hot water to the grounds to allow them to bloom before adding about a full cup of water. You will see a few bubbles.
5. Allow the coffee to steep. Four minutes should be sufficient.
6. Be a patient plunger. Press it down slowly with equal pressure.
