Welcome to the Espresso Edition!

We're excited to share with you the rich tapestry of Italian coffee culture, a story woven through every cup we serve at Aroma Thyme Bistro. From the robust morning ritual of cappuccino to the post-noon embrace of espresso, each variety of coffee offers a unique experience. Join us on a journey through the art of coffee making, where you'll learn about the distinct types of espresso, the ideal times to savor them, and the intricate differences between regular and espresso beans. This exploration is not just about tasting coffee; it's about immersing in a tradition that celebrates the sophistication, history, and passion encapsulated in every sip. Let's awaken our senses together and delve into the aromatic world of Italian coffee.

Ristretto: The Concentrated Gem

Originating in Italy, the ristretto is an espresso shot made with half the amount of water. It's highly concentrated, offering a bolder, richer flavor than a regular espresso. Picture a small, intense sip of coffee heaven

Single Shot Espresso: The Classic

The heart of all espresso drinks, a single shot, uses about 7 grams of coffee and yields about 30ml of drink. It's the foundation of Italian coffee culture, offering a strong and pure coffee taste

Double Shot Espresso: Double the Pleasure

Simply put, it's two single shots in one cup. Ideal for coffee enthusiasts who crave a more robust flavor and a higher caffeine kick. It's like an intensified embrace of coffee's essence

Long Pour (Lungo): The Stretched Experience

A lungo uses the same amount of coffee but double the water of a regular espresso. It's less intense but offers a unique flavor profile, stretching the coffee experience a bit longer.​

Americano: The Welcoming Blend

This is a single shot of espresso diluted with hot water, resembling the strength and flavor of American-style drip coffee. It's a friendly nod to espresso newcomers

Macchiato: The Delicate Touch

Literally meaning 'stained' in Italian, a macchiato is an espresso with just a dollop of frothed milk on top. It's perfect for those who enjoy the espresso's strength with a hint of creaminess

 Cappuccino: The Morning Ritual

A harmonious blend of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. Cappuccinos are beloved for their creamy texture and are often enjoyed in the morning in Italy.

Pour Sizes: Measuring the Coffee Experience

Ristretto

A concentrated flavor in a 15ml pour, approximately 0.5 ounces.

Single Shot Espresso

Robust and pure, served in about 30ml, roughly 1 ounce.

Double Shot Espresso

Offers double the pleasure with a 60ml pour, which is about 2 ounces.

Long Pour (Lungo)

A lighter intensity in about 60ml, also close to 2 ounces.

Americano

A single shot of espresso (30ml or 1 ounce) diluted with 90-120ml (3-4 ounces) of hot water.

Macchiato

A single espresso shot (30ml or 1 ounce) with a touch of milk.

Cappuccino

A harmonious mix of 30ml espresso (1 ounce), 60ml steamed milk (2 ounces), and 60ml frothed milk (2 ounces).

The Tale of Beans: Regular vs Espresso

Origin & Roasting:

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• Regular Coffee Beans: They can come from any coffee-producing region, with a variety of roasting profiles from light to dark. The roasting level often reflects the characteristic flavors of the bean's origin.
• Espresso Beans: Typically, they are a blend from different regions, aiming for a balanced flavor profile. The roasting is usually darker, contributing to espresso's bold and rich taste.

Grind Size:

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• Espresso beans are ground much finer than regular coffee beans. This fine grind is crucial for creating the signature crema and intensity of an espresso shot.

Flavor Profile:

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• Regular coffee tends to preserve more of the original flavors of the bean, which can range from fruity to nutty, depending on the origin and roast.
• Espresso beans, due to their dark roast, often have a stronger, more caramelized flavor profile, ideal for cutting through milk in lattes and cappuccinos.

When to drink Espresso vs Cappucino

In Italy, the coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition, which shapes how and when different types of coffee are enjoyed. Cappuccino, a delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk, is typically consumed in the morning. Italians prefer it during breakfast time, as the milk content is considered too heavy for the Italian stomach later in the day. After 12 noon, the preference shifts to espresso, a strong and concentrated coffee that provides a post-meal energy boost and aids in digestion. Additionally, it's a customary practice in Italy to enjoy dessert first, followed by an espresso. This sequence allows the sweetness of the dessert to complement and contrast the boldness of the espresso, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Why Sparkling Water with Espresso?

Sparkling water with espresso is a popular pairing for several reasons. Firstly, the crisp, refreshing nature of sparkling water cleanses the palate, enhancing the rich and complex flavors of the espresso. Secondly, the effervescence of the water contrasts pleasantly with the smooth texture of the espresso, creating a multi-sensory drinking experience. Additionally, for those who find espresso slightly acidic or intense, sparkling water can provide a balancing effect. Lastly, this combination is a staple in coffee culture, particularly in Europe, offering a touch of sophistication and tradition to the coffee-drinking ritual.