Espresso is a type of coffee that is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. The result is a concentrated, rich and strong-tasting drink with a high level of caffeine. Espresso is typically served in small amounts, usually no more than 1 or 2 oz., and it's often used as the base for other coffee drinks such as lattes, macchiatos, and Americanos. The word "espresso" comes from the Italian language and means "pressed out," referring to the process of forcing the hot water through the ground coffee beans.