Caffè Crema

Caffè Crema is a coffee preparation style that sits between a traditional espresso and a long black or Americano. While it is brewed using an espresso machine, it differs significantly from the standard espresso shot in terms of grind size, dose, and extraction volume. The result is a larger, more approachable cup that retains a rich, creamy layer of crema on top.

What is Caffè Crema? It is essentially a "long" espresso. To make it, a barista uses a coarser grind than they would for a standard espresso and pulls a much larger volume of water through the coffee bed—typically 120ml to 180ml. Because the grind is coarser, the water flows through the coffee more quickly, preventing the over-extraction and bitterness that would occur if you tried to pull a standard espresso shot for that long.

This style of coffee is particularly popular in Switzerland, Austria, and Northern Italy, where it is often served as a standard morning coffee. It offers a different sensory experience than a concentrated espresso; the flavors are more diluted, making it easier to drink for those who find the intensity of a standard espresso shot overwhelming. Despite the larger volume, the presence of the crema—the emulsified oils and gases from the coffee—gives it a distinct mouthfeel and texture.

In practice, making a good Caffè Crema requires dialing in the grind size specifically for this method. If the grind is too fine, the shot will be bitter and astringent; if it is too coarse, it will be watery and sour. Baristas must find the "sweet spot" where the extraction is balanced, highlighting the sweetness and body of the coffee without the harshness of over-extraction.

For the home brewer, Caffè Crema is a great way to use an espresso machine to make a larger cup of coffee without needing to add hot water (as in an Americano). It allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of your coffee in a format that is perfect for sipping over a longer period. It is a versatile preparation that showcases the flexibility of espresso equipment.