what is the right way to drink an espresso ?

[jhao]

Do you have to smell it first?, take little sips and then a big gulp?, do you shake it so the flavors mix? do you drink water before of after??. Just explain your procedure at drinking espresso, I want to learn the right way.

Thanks.

 

[redgrail]

Originally Posted by jhao

Do you have to smell it first?, take little sips and then a big gulp?, do you shake it so the flavors mix? do you drink water before of after??. Just explain your procedure at drinking espresso, I want to learn the right way.

Thanks.

Shake it??? WHAT?

Of course you smell it, most of your taste sensation is actually smell. You can drink water if you want to, but there's no requirement. Just sip it. It's easy. You're looking for medium color on the crema, not too light, not too dark, doesn't dissipate quickly. Not overly sour or bitter on the tongue, not salty or moldy. A good espresso should be sweet, but not cloying; should be on the thicker side, not thin.
Easy peasy.

 

[Girardian]

Look (appreciate), smell (anticipate), sip (enjoy).

Take your time but drink while it is still warm+ (do not drink while too hot or else the flavors are muted, but do not let it cool too much).

I disfavor the "gulp," lest the espresso itself be unsuited for sipping.

 

[Girardian]

I also like to roll the espresso in the mouth to appreciate flavors on the tongue and mouthfeel.

This presumes, of course, you're drinking a well pulled shot of freshly and properly roasted and ground beans. Pointers by redgrail suggest as much.

 

[Tarmac]

at the same time, you drink it relatively quickly. It is a small amount of coffee and it will cool very fast. Unless you like cool espresso.

 

[redgrail]

Originally Posted by Tarmac

at the same time, you drink it relatively quickly. It is a small amount of coffee and it will cool very fast. Unless you like cool espresso.

Yes. 3-4 sips is adequate. I get mine done in about a minute to two.

 

[scarphe]

usually in two sips or one depending on the espresso, normal two sips un ristretto 1 sip. usually if ones takes longer to drink it than it takes two prepare s they are at the bar longer than they should be..
really there is nto prper way to drink it, so anyway you like.

 

[Britalian]

The small glass of water sometimes served is to be taken before the cafe, to cleanse the pallet.
I usually smell first to check if it's burnt through over-extraction. If no sugar is needed (and I find really well made coffee doesn't require it), I usually down in 2 or 3 gulps.

 

[freespirit]

With an amaretti.

 

[Baron]

I like to drink it from a champagne flute through a bendy straw. Once you go bendy straw, you never go back.

 

[why]

Chase it with grappa

 

[whodini]

Originally Posted by Baron

I like to drink it from a champagne flute through a bendy straw. Once you go bendy straw, you never go back.
And all this time I'd been sipping it on the stomach of a hooker while using her **** as a funnel.

 

[Augusto86]

With your ******* mouth.

 

[Edward Appleby]

Originally Posted by Augusto86

With your ******* mouth.

+1 It's a fuckin cup of coffee.

 

[romafan]

No lemon peel! 2 - 3 sips. Don't dawdle....