Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. A single shot of espresso has about 60–80 mg of caffeine, while a regular cup of drip coffee often has 90–150 mg. Espresso just tastes stronger because it’s concentrated. Espresso requires a very fine grind—almost like powdered sugar. Too coarse or too fine, and the shot will taste either weak or bitter.

Modern cappuccinos only became possible after espresso machines were invented in the early 1900s. Before that, the drink didn’t exist in its current form. In Italy, ordering a cappuccino after about 11 a.m. is considered unusual. Locals typically switch to straight espresso later in the day. “Cappuccino” is inspired by the robes of Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (Capuchin monks). The drink’s color—a mix of espresso and milk—resembled their brown robes with lighter hoods.