If you’ve ever stood at a café counter debating between a drip coffee and a shot of espresso, you’re not alone. While both start with the same beans, the differences in preparation, flavor, and strength can make them feel like entirely different drinks. Let’s break it down.
1. The Beans
Espresso and coffee often use the same beans, but how they're roasted and ground makes a big difference.
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Espresso: Typically roasted darker and ground much finer.
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Coffee (drip or pour-over): Roasted lighter to medium and ground coarser for longer brewing time.
2. The Brew Method
This is where things really change.
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Espresso: Brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground beans at high pressure for 25-30 seconds.
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Coffee: Made by slowly dripping hot water over coarser grounds (like in a pour-over or drip machine), extracting flavor over several minutes.
3. Flavor & Strength
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Espresso: Small, bold, intense. Think concentrated flavor with a syrupy texture.
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Coffee: Milder, more aromatic, and nuanced, especially when brewed well. You get more volume, but less punch per ounce.
4. Caffeine Content
Here’s a common myth: espresso has more caffeine than coffee.
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Fact check: Per ounce, espresso does have more caffeine (~64mg), but a full cup of drip coffee usually contains more overall (~95–120mg in 8oz).
So, if you’re looking for a gentle wake-up, coffee wins. If you need a quick hit, espresso is your friend.
5. Which Should You Choose?
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Prefer something rich and quick? Go espresso.
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Want to sip, savor, and enjoy the subtleties? Brew a cup of coffee.
No matter what you choose, it’s all about how you love your beans, and we’ve got the roast for every taste.