Lemon Meets Espresso: The Romano Twist
Some people add sugar to their espresso. Some people add milk. You, you magnificent rebel, want to add a lemon. We support this life choice.
Espresso Romano is a simple Italian coffee drink. It is one shot of espresso with a lemon garnish. The lemon’s citrus oils cut the coffee’s bitterness. The result is a bright and sharp drink. It might sound strange, but it works. Trust the process.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon
- 18-20 grams of finely ground espresso coffee
- Fresh, cold water
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Lemon zester or a clean grater
- A small knife
- A small plate or saucer
How To Make It
Prepare the Lemon
Wash the lemon thoroughly. Use your zester to remove a few strips of peel. Avoid the bitter white pith. Cut a thin, round slice from the lemon.
Brew the Espresso
Fill your espresso machine’s portafilter with ground coffee. Tamp the grounds evenly. Brew one shot of espresso directly into a warm demitasse cup.
Assemble the Drink
Rub the cut edge of the lemon slice around the rim of the cup. This oils the rim. Rest the lemon slice on the saucer next to the cup.
Drop one or two strips of lemon zest into the hot espresso. Stir it once. Serve your Espresso Romano immediately. Sip the coffee and enjoy the lemon aroma.
A Final Tip
You can serve the drink with the lemon slice on the rim. Some people even drop the whole slice in. The classic Italian method uses only the zest. Try it both ways. You decide your own adventure.
Serve this drink to a friend. Watch their confused face turn into a happy one.
Espresso Romano Recipe
Espresso Romano is a simple Italian coffee drink. It is one shot of espresso with a lemon garnish. The lemon's citrus oils cut the coffee's bitterness. The result is a bright and sharp drink.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon
- 18-20 grams of finely ground espresso coffee
- Fresh, cold water
Instructions
Prepare the Lemon: Cut a thin, round slice from the lemon.
Brew the Espresso: Brew one shot of espresso.
Assemble the Drink: Rub the cut edge of the lemon slice around the rim of the cup. Drop one or two strips of lemon zest into the hot espresso. Stir it once.
