Coffee 101 · 3 min read
Espresso vs. Drip Coffee: What's the Difference?
Espresso and drip are two different ways to pull flavor out of the same bean. Neither is stronger in the way people think; they're just built for different moments.
How they're brewed
Espresso forces hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure in about thirty seconds, producing a small, concentrated shot with a layer of crema on top. Drip coffee lets hot water pass slowly through a medium grind, making a larger, lighter cup.
Strength is about serving size
An espresso shot has more caffeine per ounce, but a big cup of drip often has more caffeine overall because you're drinking far more of it. So 'stronger' depends on whether you mean per sip or per cup.
When to order which
Reach for espresso, or an espresso drink, when you want something quick and intense or a base for a latte or cortado. Choose drip when you want a larger cup to sip slowly while you work or catch up with someone.
Come try one in person, we're on Main Street in downtown McAllen, Mon–Sat 10a–6p.