Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Timothy Byron Smith
The first thing that might pop up in your mind when you hear ‘Espresso Romano’ is Rome. You’ll probably think the caffeinated drink has something to do with Rome. But on the contrary, Espresso Romano has nothing to do with Rome. It’s in fact a citrusy, tad sweet version of espresso and we’ll be elaborating the Espresso Romano recipe in detail.
What is Espresso Romano?
The Espresso Romano is espresso served with the zest or juice of lemons. However, these aren’t just any kind of lemons. Meyer lemons are the ideal choice for making Espresso Romano. Meyer lemons originated in China, and are not only citrusy but also sweet. It is considered to be a hybrid of oranges and lemons.
The Meyer lemons offer a subtle sourness coupled with floral and herbal notes. This juicy fruit is a perfect addition to the regular espresso. The Espresso Romano has added sugar in it. The lemon can be added in many ways. If served in a demitasse, the top rim can be rubbed with a slice of lemon or a whole slice of lemon can be dipped into the espresso.
Espresso Romano carries an extensive heritage but isn’t one of the most common types of espresso in the modern world.
How to Make Espresso Romano at Home
We’ll walk you through how to make Espresso Romano in an easy step-by-step guide.
Ingredients
- Fresh lemons
- Espresso powder
- Sugar
Equipment Needed
This simple recipe requires no complex equipment but just an espresso machine or a Moka pot to brew espresso.
Substitutions
Here are the key points extracted from the provided information:
- Espresso Choice: Use regular espresso or dark roast drip coffee; avoid cheap instant coffee.
- Citrus Variation: Experiment with fresh citrus juices and zests (lime, grapefruit, or orange) for unique flavors.
- Sweetening Options: Opt for liquid sweeteners like agave nectar instead of granulated sugar.
- Liqueur Substitutes: Consider amaretto, Irish cream, or hazelnut liqueur as alternatives to coffee liqueur.
- Lemon Substitution: Meyer lemons are traditional, but regular lemons or limes can be used as citrus substitutes.
Make Espresso Romano with Lemon slices
- Brew double shot of light roasted espresso using an espresso machine or Moka pot.
- In a small cup, add a slice of peeled lemon.
- Add half a teaspoon of sugar.
- Pour over the espresso.
Your Espresso Romano with Lemon slices is ready!
Make Espresso Romano with Lemon Zest
- Brew double shot of dark roasted espresso.
- Using a grater, grate the lemon rind into a small cup.
- Add half a teaspoon of sugar.
- Pour over the espresso.
Your Espresso Romano with Lemon Zest is ready!
What to Serve with Coffee Romano
With Coffee Romano, you can enjoy lemon cookies, chocolate chip cookies, muffins (blueberry or chocolate), Italian desserts like tiramisu or panna cotta, and savory options like sandwiches, pastries, or avocado toast.
Nutrition Information of Espresso Romano
Here is the comprehensive nutritional information of Espresso Romano in tabular form:
Nutrition | Amount |
Calories | 31 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Protein | 1g |
Fat | 0.3g |
Saturated Fat | 0.04g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g |
Sodium | 2mg |
Potassium | 150mg |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 3g |
Vitamin A | 24 IU |
Vitamin C | 57 mg |
Calcium | 28 mg |
Iron | 1 mg |
Caffeine | Approx. 63 mg |
How Does Espresso Romano Taste?
Espresso Romano boasts a bold and robust coffee flavor, typical of espresso, with its rich, concentrated taste and a creamy layer on top known as crema. The addition of lemon zest or juice provides a zesty and citrusy twist that brightens the overall profile.
The result is a harmonious blend of strong coffee notes complemented by the refreshing and aromatic essence of lemon, making it a unique and refreshing coffee experience.
Easy Flavor Variations
Elevate your Coffee Romano with these variations:
- Meyer Lemon Twist: Add Meyer lemon for a sweeter, floral flavor.
- Iced Delight: Brew espresso, chill, and top with lemonade for Iced Coffee Romano.
- Citrus Coffee Romano: Substitute lime, grapefruit, or other citrus fruits for the lemon.
Health Insights of Espresso Romano
Espresso Romano, like regular espresso, contains antioxidants and caffeine that can offer a temporary metabolism boost, potentially aiding weight management.
However, moderation is key to avoid caffeine-related side effects like insomnia and jitteriness. It’s most beneficial when part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Questions People Ask
Q1: How much Caffeine is in Espresso Romano?
A standard serving of Espresso Romano contains 95 milligrams of caffeine.
Q2: How many Calories are in Espresso Romano?
The Espresso Romano contains approximately 18 calories making it a healthy drink to consume.
Q3: How long does Espresso Romano Last?
The Espresso Romano is a drink meant for immediate consumption. To enjoy the acidic flavor and aroma of the espresso, it is best advised to drink it piping hot.
Q4: Can I order Espresso Romano at Starbucks?
Although Starbucks hasn’t included the Espresso Romano in its menu, you can still order the drink. You can ask the barista to give you a double shot of medium-light roasted espresso with sugar and a slice of lemon.
Espresso Romano: Conclusion
Espresso Romano is a strange yet unique caffeinated drink. Although not widely available at coffee shops, we hope this Espresso Romano recipe would have helped you make one at home.
This fusion of espresso and lemon gives its drinkers something new, citrusy, and fruity to try. Some even say this is a perfect solution to get rid of a hangover. But to enjoy this drink at its best, we recommend you use good quality espresso and lemons.
Espresso Romano
Equipment
- Espresso Machine
- Double Espresso Cup
Ingredients
- Fresh lemons
- Espresso powder
- Sugar
Instructions
- Brew double shot of light roasted espresso using an espresso machine or Moka pot.
- In a small cup, add a slice of peeled lemon.
- Add half a teaspoon of sugar.
- Pour over the espresso.
Notes
- You can also pull an espresso shot with a Nespresso or a French Press.
- Try to use Meyer lemons for better taste.