Within the vast spectrum of espresso-based drinks, there is one particular variation that stands out: the Espresso Romano (aka espresso with lemon).
In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into its history (that is as rich as its flavor), explore some funky variations, and even find out if it can cure your pesky headaches.
What Exactly Is Espresso Romano?
Espresso Romano is a special coffee drink that mixes a shot of espresso with a twist of lemon peel. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even get a small slice of lemon on the side!
When the lemon peel is rubbed around the rim of the cup, it releases its citrusy oils and gives the espresso a deliciously fragrant smell.
Then, when you take a sip, the strong and dark espresso blends with the bright and tangy lemon, creating a refreshing and invigorating taste that’s sure to wake you up and get your senses buzzing.
Brief History of Espresso Romano
The history of Espresso Romano is a bit of a mystery, with no concrete evidence as to its true origins.
While some believe that it was first created in Rome, others claim that it originated in Naples or Sicily, where lemons are abundant.
Interestingly, some even suggest that Espresso Romano may have been an American invention that was given a fake Italian heritage to attract tourists!
It wasn’t until after the Second World War that the international coffee trade resumed, and Italy was hit hard by a major economic crisis.
As a result, most Italians only had access to very poor-quality coffee, which was often bitter and unpleasant.
It’s likely that the addition of lemon to espresso was a way to conceal the more undesirable flavors and make the coffee more palatable.
One theory is that the lemon twist was added to help cleanse the palate, allowing the drinker to fully appreciate the complex flavors of the espresso. This would make sense, as the bright and tangy citrus would cut through the rich and strong coffee flavors, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience.
So while the true origins of Espresso Romano may remain a mystery, one thing is for sure – this delightful coffee drink has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of coffee lovers all over the world!
That’s why we should learn how to do it!
If you are in a hurry, here’s a brief summary:
Espresso Romano’s true origin is unknown, and people have different ideas about where it came from. Some people say that lemon was added to the coffee to make it taste better, and some believe it helped to highlight the coffee’s flavor.
Despite its unclear origins, Espresso Romano is a well-liked coffee drink worldwide.
Crafting the Perfect Espresso Romano: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s get ready for the ultimate Espresso Romano experience! I’ll provide you with the ingredients required and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients Required
- Freshly roasted coffee beans (preferably Arabica, medium to dark roast)
- Filtered water
- A strip of lemon zest
- An espresso machine
- A coffee grinder
- A tamper
- A demitasse cup
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose your coffee beans.
The first step to a perfect Espresso Romano is choosing the right beans. A medium to dark roast is recommended, as it pairs perfectly with the bright and tangy lemon zest.
Step 2: Measure your coffee
For a standard single espresso shot, measure out 7-10 grams of coffee beans (you can find more detailed information in this guide).
Step 3: Grind your coffee beans
Grind the coffee beans to a fine consistency, similar to granulated sugar. Ensure that the grinder is set to the espresso setting.
Step 4: Prepare your portafilter
Wipe the portafilter clean and dry, then fill it with freshly ground coffee. Tamp the coffee grounds firmly and evenly, applying approximately 30 pounds of pressure.
Step 5: Pull your espresso shot
Attach the portafilter to the espresso machine, position your demitasse cup underneath, and start the shot. A well-pulled espresso shot should take around 25 seconds and yield about 1 ounce (30 ml) of liquid.
Step 6: Prepare the lemon
It’s time to get zesty! Wash and dry the lemon, then use a knife or vegetable peeler to carefully remove a thin strip of lemon zest. But be careful not to include the bitter white pith, or else you’ll be pith-ed off! 🙂
Step 7: Serve your Espresso Romano
And voila, the moment you’ve been waiting for – it’s time to serve your Espresso Romano!
Place the lemon zest strip on the rim of the demitasse cup, letting the espresso mingle with the citrus oils.
Or, if you want to really bring out the zing, twist the lemon zest over the espresso to release its oils and then drop it in the cup.
Related article: How does espresso taste like?
If you are in a hurry, here’s a brief summary:
To make a perfect Espresso Romano, choose medium to dark roast coffee beans, measure out 7-10 grams for a standard single shot, grind them finely, fill the portafilter, pull the espresso shot for 25 seconds, and prepare a strip of lemon zest.
Then, serve the Espresso Romano in a demitasse cup with the lemon zest strip on the rim or twist the lemon zest over the espresso before dropping it in the cup.
If you want a summer variation of Espresso romano check how to make an iced version:
Exploring Espresso Romano Variations
Espresso Romano, with its zesty twist, has inspired coffee enthusiasts to explore different variations. Let’s have look at some alternative citrus options and modern twists on the Espresso Romano recipe.
Orange zest
who said lemons have to have all the fun? Swap out the lemon for some orange zest, and you’ve got yourself a sweeter and more delicate flavor profile.
Tangerine and clementine zest
Tangerine and clementine zest are also great options for those who want a milder flavor. These smaller citrus fruits offer a subtle, fragrant touch to your espresso. It’s like the espresso is taking a relaxing Italian vacation, and the citrus is its trusty travel buddy.
Regional Variations in Italy
We’re about to take a little trip around Italy and explore some Espresso Romano variations. I did some research and guess what I’ve found? That’s right, the classic espresso romano has gotten a makeover in different regions, with each area putting its own unique spin on the zesty drink.
Sicilian Espresso
no, it’s not made with actual Sicilians! Instead, this variation includes adding a few drops of blood orange juice to the espresso, giving it a vibrant color and a slightly sweet, tangy taste. And if you’re feeling extra hot, try it iced for a refreshing summer treat!
Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast is where the lemons are as famous as the stunning views. Here, they use the local sfusato lemon zest to add a unique touch to the Espresso Romano. This lemon variety is sweeter and more fragrant, like a perfume for your coffee. And let’s be real, everything tastes better when it’s infused with a little bit of Amalfi magic.
If you are in a hurry, here’s a brief summary:
Some variations of Espresso Romano include alternative citrus options and regional variations in Italy. These variations include swapping lemon for orange zest, adding blood orange juice for a sweet and tangy taste, and using local lemon zest from the Amalfi Coast for a sweeter and more fragrant flavor.
Can Espresso Romano help with headaches?
No, espresso romano (or coffee with lemon in general) does not help with headaches.
While Espresso Romano has gained some popularity as a potential remedy for headaches (source), it is essential to address the misconceptions surrounding this belief. The combination of coffee and lemon might provide relief for certain types of headaches, but it is not a universally applicable remedy.
Let’s give voice to experts. Ariane Lang from Healthline says that “Therefore, drinking coffee with lemon may relieve or worsen a headache, depending on the person. And if it does help reduce pain, it would be again due to the caffeine in coffee, not the coffee and lemon drink itself.”
Further Reading
- How to Drink Espresso: Enhance your Espresso Romano experience by learning the art of savoring espresso. Discover the best practices for enjoying the unique flavors and aroma of your espresso, whether it’s the classic version or the Espresso Romano twist. Learn more about how to drink espresso here.
- Why Espresso is Served with Sparkling Water: Curious about different espresso-serving traditions? Find out why some people serve espresso with sparkling water and how it complements the coffee experience. Understand the connections between these traditions and the lemon twist in Espresso Romano. Explore the reasons behind espresso-serving customs here.
My Final Thoughts
This article spills the beans on Espresso Romano, a special coffee drink that mixes espresso with lemon peel.
Apparently, no one knows exactly where it came from, but the best guess is that it was invented to hide the terrible taste of low-quality coffee after World War II.
Lucky for us, the article also gives a step-by-step guide on how to make Espresso Romano and even spills the tea on fun variations like orange zest and Sicilian Espresso.
