Not Simply Black: The Espresso Glossary of Terms
Black, short and strong; the basic espresso is maybe the most commonly known cup of coffee in the world. But espresso can be served in many different ways and experts are very carefull when they ask for a cup of coffee.

Espresso can be served in differente shots. Espresso Solo: One shot of espresso. Espresso Doppio: A double shot of espresso. Espresso Ristretto: A very strong espresso drink made with half the water normally used for a shot. Espresso Lungo: A shot that has been pulled extra-long.
Those who prefer a mild flavour usually ask for Espresso Au Lait, or Latte or, in Italian, Caffè Macchiato. The original black espresso is added with some frothed milk on the top. Sometimes, it can be added with a little of chocolate powder.

Though "Espresso Macchiato" is the most common alternative to the basic espresso, there are several different way serve the coffee.
An Espresso Con Panna is a delicious Espresso topped with whipped cream. Espresso Breve: Espresso mixed with half and half. Americano: Water down the espresso with however much hot water it takes you to fill a large American coffee cup. Espresso Romano: Espresso with fresh lemon peel. This is an American creation, so don't look for it in Italy. Tastes bitter, but it has more caffiene. Or, this can also be another name for an Americano.

Espresso is used as a basic ingredient for others hot beverages such as Cappuccino, made with one part espresso, one part frothed milk, and Mocha, instead, is just a latte with chocolate milk.
Espresso and all the others recipes made with espresso can be served cold. Iced Espresso One or two shots of fresh brewed espresso poured over ice. Iced Espresso Drinks The most common are iced Lattes, Mochas, and Cappuccinos which can also be varied by the addition of flavorings and other toppings.

"Caffè Corretto": An espresso with a hint of spirit
Espresso Con PannaEspresso can be served with a small quantity of alcohol. Many Italian bars and cafes serve espresso "spiked" with a few drops of local xliqueur such as Grappa, Sambuca or Amaro.
Espresso can be also used to make cocktails: Irish Coffee, Espresso Alexander are the most well known, but there are several recipes that can be made with espresso.


Cafe Brulot
Ingredients
2 cups 2 cl of Cognac
2 cloves
1 stick of cinnamon grated orange peel
2 spoonfuls of sugar
25 cl of strong coffee (2 cups full for 2/3)
whipped cream for decoration

Mix cognac, cloves, cinnamon, grated orange and lemon peels, sugar. Heat it on the stove. Flambe and stir. Meanwhile, make the two cups of very strong and hot coffee. Filter the cognac, pour it on the coffee and decorate all with whipped cream, or, if preferred, the cream can be served separately.

Zadec
2 cups of espresso coffee
2/3 Vodka
1/3 Cointreau cream
Nutmeg
Orange peel

Luisita
1/3 espresso coffee
1/3 Cocoa Cream
1/3 Irish Whisky
1/3 cream

Borgia Coffee
1 cup of espresso coffee
1 cup of hot cocoa
whipped cream
orange peel

Ciau Turin
1/3 espresso coffee
1/3 Cognac
1/3 Rum lemon peel one clove