Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee made by forcing very hot water through finely ground coffee beans at high pressure. The result is a small, intense shot of coffee with a rich flavor and a layer of golden-brown foam on top called crema.

The word comes from Italian, and the brewing method was invented in Italy in the early 1900s. An espresso machine uses pressure to extract the coffee quickly. A typical espresso is only about an ounce of liquid, served in a small cup, but it packs much more flavor than a regular cup of coffee.

Espresso forms the base for many popular coffee drinks. Add steamed milk and you get a latte. Add just a bit of foamed milk and you have a cappuccino. Pour espresso over ice cream and you've made an affogato.

When people order an espresso, they're usually looking for a quick, powerful dose of caffeine and flavor rather than a large mug to sip slowly. Coffee shops that specialize in espresso drinks are often called espresso bars or cafés. Making good espresso requires skill: the grind must be just right, the water temperature perfect, and the pressure precise. Baristas (coffee experts) train for months to master the craft of pulling the perfect espresso shot.