The cafe culture in India took off in the late 1990s with Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) playing a pivotal role. Photo Courtesy: iStock
Espresso:
The preparation of espresso at home is relatively simple. Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency. Measure out the correct amount of coffee grounds, usually about nine grams per shot of espresso. Pack into an espresso machine's portafilter, tapping down firmly and evenly. Insert the portafilter in the machine, and start extraction. Hot water passes through under pressure into coffee grounds. This should give you a concentrated shot of espresso.
Americano:
To make an Americano, start by brewing a shot of espresso using the same technique mentioned above. Once the espresso is ready, dilute it with hot water to your desired strength, typically in a ratio of 1: 1 or 1:2 (espresso to water). This will make for a slightly mellower coffee with the flavour profile of drip coffee.
Cappuccino:
Brew a shot of espresso. Then heat and froth the milk using a hand frother, French press, or simply shaking it in a bottle. Pour the espresso into a cup, and top it with milk and a lot of foam
Mocha:
Brew a shot of espresso and mix a spoonful of chocolate ganache/ sauce with it. Heat and froth milk. Pour the chocolate espresso into a cup, and add the milk. Optionally, top it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Classic Cold Coffee:
Brew a shot of espresso. Blend it with ice, ice cream and milk. Pour into a glass, and enjoy. Optionally, mix in flavours and sauces according to your taste preferences.
Inputs from Vikram Khurana, CEO, KAAPI Solutions and Mishthi Aggarwal, coffee roaster, and founder of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters.
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