What is the main difference between espresso and drip coffee?

The main difference between espresso and drip coffee lies in the brewing method. Espresso is brewed under pressure, which involves forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at a high pressure. This process extracts the flavors, oils, and aromas quickly, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee that is rich and flavorful.

In contrast, drip coffee is brewed by gravity. Water seeps through coarsely-ground coffee and drips down into a vessel below, allowing for a slower extraction process. This results in a cup that typically has a lighter body and different flavor profile compared to espresso.

Understanding this distinction is crucial because it impacts not only the taste and body of the coffee but also the way each type of coffee can be used in various beverages and how they are often enjoyed. Drip coffee’s slower brewing method and larger volumes mean it usually has a different caffeine concentration per ounce compared to espresso, which often leads to misconceptions about caffeine levels between the two.