What is the difference of Espresso & Drip Coffee?

What is the difference of Espresso & drip coffee? For most people who are lovers of caffeine, the line between drip style coffee and espresso can be a bit fuzzy. What makes them different?

The main difference between espresso and drip coffee is the preparation method used. In general, espresso is prepared using a much finer grind than what would be used to prepare drip coffee.

Espresso requires an espresso machine which supports the espresso preparation process. The grinds are tamped so they are very compact. Nearly boiling water runs through the grinds for around 15–20 seconds to pull an espresso shot. Espresso is generally thicker than coffee brewed by other methods, has a higher concentration of suspended and dissolved solids, and has crema on top, the lovely creamy foam on top of every good espresso.

Drip coffee, on the other hand, is a bit easier and more common to understand. Drip brewing, filtered coffee, or pour-over is a method which involves pouring water over roasted, medium ground coffee beans contained in a filter to get the coffee. Whether using a simple pour-over set, a French press or an electrical coffeemaker, the essence of drip coffee process remains the same.

Regards to caffeine, Espresso has more caffeine per unit volume than drip coffee, but because the usual serving size is much smaller, the total caffeine content is less than a mug of standard brewed coffee, contrary to a common belief. Both the drip coffee and espresso can be consumed on their own, but they are also the base for various other coffee beverages. Specifically the espresso is used for many modern favorites like caffe latte, cappuccino or caffe Americano.

So which one you prefer to drink? Espresso (top) or Drip coffee (below)?

Whatever it is, enjoy your drink!