If you’ve ever scanned a coffee menu and wondered, what is white espresso, you’re not alone. White espresso, or *caffè crema*, is a longer, lighter extraction popular in Switzerland and Northern Italy. It’s a distinct drink that stands apart from your standard espresso or a latte.
This guide explains everything about white espresso. You will learn its unique preparation, how it tastes, and where you can find it.
What Is White Espresso
White espresso is not espresso with milk. The “white” refers to the pale, creamy layer of foam that crowns the drink, not to any dairy product. It is a lungo, or long shot, meaning more water is passed through the same amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso.
This longer extraction pulls out different flavors. It creates a larger, milder coffee with a distinctive blond crema. The result is a smooth, approachable cup that highlights a coffee’s nuanced notes.
The Origins And History Of Caffè Crema
The term “caffè crema” originated in the 1980s. It was used to market the new espresso machines that could produce a longer, more voluminous drink. The name highlighted the drink’s signature creamy foam.
In Switzerland and Northern Italy, this style became a breakfast staple. It was a way to enjoy a larger espresso-style coffee without the intensity. The tradition continues in cafes across the region today.
White Espresso Vs. Traditional Espresso
Understanding the difference is key. A standard espresso uses about 18-20 grams of coffee to produce 25-35ml of liquid in 25-30 seconds. White espresso uses the same coffee dose but extracts 100-150ml of liquid over a longer time, often 40-60 seconds.
The extended contact time with water changes the profile. The initial intense, sweet flavors are diluted, and more of the later, bitter compounds are extracted. This is why a perfect grind and timing are so crucial to avoid astrigency.
Key Characteristics Of A White Espresso
A well-made white espresso has specific traits you can look for. First is the appearance. It should have a pale, tawny crema that is thick and persistent.
The body is lighter than espresso but more substantial than American filter coffee. It sits pleasantly in the middle. The flavor profile is balanced and nuanced, often revealing floral, nutty, or cereal notes that can be hidden in a shorter shot.
- Volume: 100-150ml (3-5 oz)
- Crema: Pale blond, thick foam
- Taste: Milder, smoother, with extended flavor notes
- Aftertaste: Clean, often with less lingering bitterness
How White Espresso Is Made
Making white espresso requires attention to detail. The process is similar to espresso but with critical adjustments. The goal is to extend the extraction without making the coffee taste hollow or over-extracted.
Equipment You Will Need
You can make white espresso with standard espresso equipment. You need a good espresso machine capable of a long, controlled extraction. A quality burr grinder is non-negotiable for consistency.
You also need a scale to measure your coffee and yield accurately. Finally, use the right portafilter basket, typically a single or double shot basket, not one designed for pods.
Step-By-Step Brewing Guide
Follow these steps to brew a white espresso at home. Precision is your friend here.
- Start with fresh, high-quality coffee beans. A medium roast often works well, offering balance.
- Weigh your dose. Use 16-18 grams of coffee, the same as for a double espresso.
- Grind your coffee slightly coarser than for a traditional espresso. This is vital to slow the extraction and prevent bitterness.
- Distribute the grounds evenly in the portafilter and tamp with consistent pressure.
- Start the extraction. Aim for a total yield of 100-120ml of liquid.
- Time your shot. The extraction should take between 40 and 60 seconds. If it’s too fast, use a finer grind; too slow, go coarser.
- Stop the shot when you reach your target weight or if the stream blondes and becomes visibly watery.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Several pitfalls can ruin a white espresso. Using the wrong grind size is the most common error. A grind that is too fine will cause over-extraction, leading to a bitter, harsh cup.
Using stale coffee beans will result in a flat, lifeless drink with little crema. Also, do not just let an espresso shot run too long without adjusting the grind; this is not a proper method.
Finally, neglecting to weigh your input and output makes consistency impossible. Guesswork rarely leads to a good white espresso.
Flavor Profile And Taste Experience
The taste of white espresso is a revelation for many coffee drinkers. It offers a completely different experience from its concentrated cousin. The longer pull highlights a coffee’s inherent sweetness and complexity.
You can expect a smoother, more tea-like body. The intense punch of espresso is replaced by a gentle, rounded flavor. Notes of honey, toasted grain, nuts, or stone fruit often come to the fore.
Best Coffee Beans For White Espresso
Bean selection can enhance your drink. Single-origin beans from Brazil or Colombia, known for their nutty, chocolatey profiles, work beautifully. They provide a solid, sweet base.
Some African coffees, like those from Ethiopia, can yield stunning floral and citrus notes in a white espresso. Experiment with medium roasts to find your preference; dark roasts may become too bitter over the long extraction.
Comparing It To Other Coffee Drinks
It’s easy to confuse white espresso with other large coffees. Here is how it stands apart.
- Americano: An Americano is espresso diluted with hot water after brewing. White espresso is extracted long from the start, giving it a more integrated flavor and creamy texture.
- Lungo: A lungo is the closest relative. White espresso is essentially a specific type of lungo, often with a focus on that signature “white” crema and a standardized preparation.
- Filter Coffee: Drip or pour-over coffee uses a different method entirely, with a coarser grind and no pressure. The taste and mouthfeel are much lighter and clearer than a white espresso.
Where To Find And Order White Espresso
White espresso is not yet a universal menu item. You are most likely to find it in specialty coffee shops with trained baristas. Look for cafes that offer pour-over or siphon coffee, as they often appreciate alternative extractions.
When ordering, you might need to ask for a “long extraction” or “caffè crema.” Explain you want a lungo-style drink with about 100ml yield from a double shot. A good barista will understand the request.
Popular Global Variations
Different cultures have their own takes on the long espresso. In Switzerland, it’s a standard way to drink coffee. In Australia, some cafes serve a “long black,” which is similar but not identical.
The key is the intent: a larger, softer espresso-based drink that you can sip and enjoy over a longer period, much like a filter coffee but with the essence of espresso.
Benefits Of Drinking White Espresso
Choosing white espresso has its advantages. For one, it contains slightly more caffeine than a standard espresso because the extended water contact pulls more caffeine from the grounds. However, it’s less concentrated per sip.
Its milder acidity and lower intensity make it gentler on the stomach for some people. It also serves as a fantastic gateway for those who find straight espresso too strong, introducing them to pure coffee flavors without milk or sugar.
Nutritional Considerations
Like black coffee, white espresso is very low in calories when consumed without additions. It provides antioxidants and a modest boost in alertness. The caffeine content is comparable to a strong cup of drip coffee, so be mindful of your total intake.
FAQs About White Espresso
Is White Espresso Stronger Than Regular Espresso?
No, it is not stronger in flavor or concentration. A white espresso is milder and smoother. However, the total caffeine content in the full cup is higher because the extraction process pulls more caffeine from the coffee grounds.
Can I Make White Espresso Without An Espresso Machine?
Authentic white espresso requires pressure, so an espresso machine is necessary. Methods like a Moka pot or AeroPress can produce a strong, concentrated coffee, but they cannot replicate the precise pressure and crema of a true white espresso.
Does White Espresso Have More Caffeine?
Yes, typically it does. A single shot of espresso has about 63 mg of caffeine. A white espresso, using the same amount of coffee but extracting more liquid, can contain between 80 and 120 mg of caffeine for the entire cup.
What Is The Difference Between A Lungo And A White Espresso?
They are very similar. “Lungo” is the general Italian term for a long espresso shot. “White espresso” or “caffè crema” specifically refers to a lungo that emphasizes a thick, pale crema and a balanced, non-bitter flavor profile. The terms are often used interchangeably.
Should I Add Milk To White Espresso?
Traditionally, it is consumed without milk to appreciate its unique flavor. However, you can certainly add milk if you prefer. It makes for a excellent base for a large, mild latte because of its higher volume and smooth taste.
Final Thoughts On White Espresso
White espresso is a fascinating and delicious corner of the coffee world. It challenges the notion that espresso must be a small, intense burst of flavor. Instead, it offers a session-able, nuanced alternative.
If you enjoy the taste of espresso but wish for a larger, sippable cup, seeking out or learning to make white espresso is worth your time. It provides a new perspective on what your coffee beans can do. Ask for it at your local specialty shop, or try pulling a long shot at home—you might find your new favorite way to drink coffee.