National Espresso Day: History, Facts & Brewing Guide

National Espresso Day falls on November 23 each year, and this year, it lands on a Sunday. People mark the day by enjoying shots of this strong coffee, sharing recipes, and learning about its roots.

For coffee drinkers, it serves as a reminder of how espresso shapes daily routines and cafe culture. At our shop, we see it as a chance to highlight Costa Rican beans, which bring balanced flavors to any brew. These high-mountain Arabica varieties add notes of caramel and citrus that pair well with espresso's intensity.

The History of Espresso

Espresso started in Italy during the late 1800s. Angelo Moriondo, from Turin, patented the first steam-driven coffee machine in 1884. His design aimed to make coffee faster for busy customers. Luigi Bezzera improved it in 1901 with a machine that brewed single servings quickly. By 1903, Desiderio Pavoni bought the patent and began selling these machines widely, spreading espresso across cafes.

In the 1940s, Achille Gaggia added a piston system, which created the thick foam layer called crema. This change removed bitter tastes and made espresso smoother. From there, it grew into a global staple, influencing drinks like lattes and Americanos. In places like Costa Rica, where coffee farming thrives in volcanic soil, growers produce beans that work well in these machines. Farms in regions like Tarrazu yield coffee with clean acidity, making it a solid choice for pulling shots.

Essential Espresso Facts

Espresso contains more caffeine per ounce than regular coffee, but a full cup of drip often has more overall due to volume. In Italy, the government sets standards for true espresso, including brew time and pressure. Any coffee bean type can make it, not just specific roasts—dark blends are common, but lighter ones from Costa Rica offer fruity hints like orange or chocolate.

The crema forms from oils and gases released during brewing, and it should last a few minutes on top. Espresso machines force water at 9 bars of pressure, far higher than drip methods. On average, baristas pull shots in 25 to 30 seconds for the best taste. People consume billions of espressos yearly, with Italy leading in per-person intake.

How to Brew the Perfect Shot at Home

If you lack a full machine, a moka pot works on the stove: fill the bottom with water, add grounds to the filter basket without packing too tight, and heat until it bubbles up. Costa Rican beans shine here, as their medium body holds up to the pressure without turning bitter. Serve in a small cup for that authentic feel. This method keeps it simple and lets the coffee's natural sweetness come through.

Pro Tips for Consistent Results

• Use fresh beans: Beans roasted within two weeks offer peak flavor—stale ones lead to weak shots
• Measure grind size precisely: Too coarse causes under-extraction and sour notes, while too fine chokes the machine
• Mind water quality: Filtered or soft water prevents mineral buildup
• Heat your cup first: This keeps the espresso warm longer
• Time each pull: Under 20 seconds means weak coffee, over 35 suggests adjustments needed
• Clean daily: Residue affects taste and machine performance
• Invest in a burr grinder: Gives even particles over blade types
• Track your ratios: Aim for 1 part coffee to 2 parts liquid and tweak based on taste

Espresso in Everyday Life

Espresso fits into many routines, from quick morning starts to after-dinner sips. This year, with more people brewing at home, tools like our coffee brewers make it accessible.

In Italy, people drink it standing at bars for speed, a habit from its fast-brew origins. Costa Rica exports much of its crop, supporting small farms that prioritize sustainable methods. Their beans often score high in cupping tests for clarity and sweetness, ideal for espresso blends.

Whether you stick to straight shots or mix in milk, National Espresso Day encourages trying new approaches. Pull a shot, note the aroma, and sip slowly. It beats chain store versions when done right. With Costa Rican options, you get ethical sourcing too—many farms use shade-grown techniques to protect wildlife.

Celebrate Today

National Espresso Day spotlights a drink with deep history and endless variations. From Italian inventions to global farms like those in Costa Rica, it ties people together. Use quality beans, follow basic steps, and enjoy the results. Ready to elevate your espresso game?