Espresso—a drink synonymous with coffee culture around the world—has a rich history steeped in innovation, passion, and, of course, the love for coffee.

While many of us enjoy a shot of espresso or an espresso-based drink (like lattes and cappuccinos) as part of our daily routine, few realize the fascinating journey this beloved beverage has taken to become what it is today.

Let’s dive into the history of espresso and explore how this small, intense shot of coffee has become a staple in coffee shops worldwide.

The Early Days: Italy in the Late 1800s 

The history of espresso can be traced back to Italy in the late 19th century, during a time when coffee was evolving into the modern beverage we know and love today. While coffee itself has been consumed for centuries, the need for a quicker and more efficient brewing method was becoming more apparent.

The word espresso is Italian, and translates to "pressed out." Hot water, under high pressure, is forced through ground coffee beans. 

Before espresso machines, coffee was brewed slowly using traditional methods like drip brewing or percolation, but these methods took time—something that busy workers and coffee lovers didn't always have. As a result, the quest for a faster coffee brewing method began, leading to the invention of the espresso machine.

In 1884, Angelo Moriondo, an inventor from Turin, Italy, filed a patent for a steam-powered coffee machine designed to brew coffee more quickly than ever before. His creation was the first true precursor to the espresso machine, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that espresso as we know it today truly came to life.

The Birth of the Modern Espresso Machine: Early 1900s 

In 1901, another Italian inventor, Luigi Bezzera, took Moriondo’s invention a step further by improving the design. He made the espresso machine more efficient, adding a steam pressure system that used pressurized water to force hot water through the coffee grounds. This method created a faster brewing process and resulted in a more concentrated, flavorful shot of coffee.

Bezzera's machine was later refined by Desiderio Pavoni, who bought the patent from him in 1903 and introduced it to a wider audience. He made improvements, turning the machine into a commercial product and opening the doors for espresso to be enjoyed in coffeehouses across Italy.

Espresso Spreads Across the Globe 

While espresso originated in Italy, its influence soon spread far and wide. By the mid-20th century, espresso had made its way to America and other parts of the world. In the U.S., espresso-based drinks like the latte and cappuccino began to take off, especially in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of specialty coffee shops.

Over time, espresso-based drinks have evolved and now come in countless variations, from iced lattes to mochas, and even affogatos (a scoop of ice cream drowned in espresso).

The Modern-Day Espresso: Crafting the Perfect Shot 

Today, espresso has reached new heights in both its popularity and its craftsmanship. The modern espresso machine has evolved with technology, allowing baristas to make the perfect shot of espresso with precise control over factors like temperature, pressure, and grind size. 

Espresso has become the foundation of much of the coffee we enjoy today, from classic drinks like the Americano and mocha to more recent innovations like the nitro cold brew and espresso tonics.

At Bon Bon’s Coffee, we take pride in serving you some of the best espresso-based drinks around.

We’re here to help you find the perfect shot that suits your taste. So, the next time you’re looking for a pick-me-up, remember the rich history of espresso in every sip!