Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee served in small, strong shots and is the base for many coffee drinks. It is made by forcing pressurized hot water through very finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine. The result is a liquid stronger than coffee topped with a “crema,” a brown foam that forms when air bubbles combine with the soluble oils of fine-ground coffee and sits on top of a properly pulled shot of espresso. Espresso is thicker than regular coffee and has a layer of “crema” on top, which results from air bubbles mixing with the coffee’s oils. Espresso has all of the same flavors of coffee but amplified—bitter, lightly sweet, acidic, toasty. The exact flavor profile will vary depending on the coffee roast. Espresso can be enjoyed as it is in small shots or used to make a long list of drinks including a cappuccino or Americano. Espresso is especially loved in its home country of Italy, where it is frequently enjoyed plain, fresh out of the machine. Espresso shots are served in specially made espresso cups, called demitasse cups. The one-ounce shots are a quick and intense pick-me-up.