If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve likely seen or heard the term “blonde espresso” thrown around at your local coffee shop or on the menu at Starbucks. But what exactly is blonde espresso? In this article, we’ll break down the basics of blonde espresso, how it differs from other roasts, and why you might want to give it a try.
What is Blonde Espresso?
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with many different types and variations. Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink that is enjoyed by many coffee lovers around the world. One type of espresso that has gained popularity in recent years is Blonde Espresso. In this article, we will explore what Blonde Espresso is, how it differs from regular espresso, its characteristics, and more.
When asking what is Blonde Espresso, we have to look at the type of coffee bean it is made from. Blonde espresso is made with lightly roasted coffee beans made from Latin American and East African coffee beans. The beans used for Blonde Espresso are roasted for a shorter period than regular espresso beans, resulting in a lighter color and milder taste. The roasting process for Blonde Espresso is typically between 4 to 6 minutes, while regular espresso beans are roasted for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Blonde Espresso has a milder taste than regular espresso and is less bitter. It also has a lighter color and a smooth texture. The flavor profile of Blonde Espresso is often described as nutty, sweet, and slightly fruity. Blonde Espresso is also less acidic than regular espresso, which can make it easier to digest for some people. It used to be called “cinnamon roast” back in the day for its sweetness. However, cinnamon roast is seldom used, especially when it comes to marketing.
Blonde Espresso is made famous by Starbucks’ Blonde Roast coffee drink, which is a lighter roast of their signature coffee blend. Starbucks introduced Blonde Espresso in 2018 as a new addition to their espresso lineup. Since then, it has become a popular choice for people who prefer milder and less bitter espresso.
Why Coffee Drinkers Who Prefer Mellow Coffee Taste Should Choose Blonde Espressos
Coffee drinkers who prefer a less bitter taste often opt for blonde roast coffee due to its delicate and light flavor profile. Unlike darker roasts, the beans retain more of their natural flavors and acidity. As a result, the coffee drink tends to have a milder and sweeter taste, with notes of fruit and nuts. This makes it an excellent choice for those who find the bitter taste of dark roast coffee overpowering or unappetizing.
Blonde Roast Coffee Beans
The coffee beans used to make Blonde Espresso are typically sourced from East African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. These countries are known for producing high-quality coffee beans with unique flavor profiles. The lighter roast of Blonde Espresso allows the flavor of the beans to shine through, resulting in a coffee that is flavorful and complex.
To understand what is blonde espresso, it’s important to understand the roasting process. Coffee beans start green and must be roasted to develop the flavors and aromas we associate with coffee. Roasting the beans involves applying heat to the beans until they reach a specific temperature and level of darkness.
Dark roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period, resulting in a darker bean and a more pronounced, bitter flavor. Lighter roasts, including blonde roast beans, are roasted for a shorter amount of time, resulting in a lighter-colored bean and a milder taste.
Blonde Espresso Roast coffee beans
Blonde espresso roast is the specific roast of coffee beans used to create blonde espresso. The roast is lighter than traditional espresso roast and is designed to create a milder, sweeter flavor profile.
Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast
Starbucks was the first major coffee chain to introduce blonde espresso, which they call “Starbucks Blonde Espresso Roast.” According to Starbucks, their Blonde Roast is “lighter-bodied and mellow, with a subtle sweetness and a clean finish.”
Blonde Espresso vs. Dark Roasted Coffee: Which Has More Caffeine?
What Does a Blonde Espresso Taste like?
Many people assume that blonde espresso, with its lighter roast, has less caffeine than dark roasted coffee. However, this is not necessarily the case. While the roasting process does impact the flavor of coffee, it doesn’t actually affect the amount of caffeine in the beans.
Light Roast Espresso Has More Caffeine!
In fact, blonde roast espresso and dark roasted espresso can have similar caffeine content, with blonde roast espresso containing slightly more caffeine by volume due to its denser concentration. That being said, the brewing method and serving size can also impact the amount of caffeine in your cup. Verdict: Higher caffeine levels make blonde espresso stronger than regular espresso.
How Much Caffeine Does a Blonde Roast Have?
A shot of blonde espresso typically contains around 75mg of caffeine, while a 12-ounce cup of drip coffee can contain anywhere from 95 to 200mg of caffeine depending on the roast and brewing method. Ultimately, the amount of caffeine you consume will depend on your individual coffee preferences and brewing methods.
Where to Find Blonde Espresso Beans
If you’re interested in trying blonde espresso, you may be wondering where to find it. Starbucks is the most well-known brand that offers a blonde espresso roast. You can visit any local Starbucks location and order any of their signature espresso-based drink with the blonde roast.
Additionally, some coffee shops and cafes offer blonde espresso as an option, so you may want to check with your local coffee shop to see if they offer it.
You can also purchase blonde espresso beans online from various coffee retailers. Some popular options include Blue Bottle Coffee, Intelligentsia Coffee, and Counter Culture Coffee.
What You’ll Need to Make a Blonde Espresso At home
Now that you know what a blonde espresso is. Now let’s go into what you need to make a blonde espresso.
Espresso Machine / French press /drip coffee machine
An espresso machine is essential for making espresso at home. There are many different types of espresso machines available. A less expensive option is to use a french press or a coffee machine, however it will not give you the same intensity.
Grinder
A grinder is used to grind the coffee beans for your espresso. It’s important to use a high-quality grinder that can grind the beans consistently and finely enough for espresso. Optionally you can also buy loose ground coffee bean.
Tamper
A tamper is used to compress the ground coffee into the portafilter. This ensures that the water passes through the grounds evenly, resulting in a better-tasting espresso.
Scale
A scale is used to measure the amount of coffee and water you use for your espresso. This is important for consistency and ensuring that your espresso tastes the same every time.
Milk Frother
If you want to make a latte or cappuccino with your blonde espresso, you’ll need a milk frother to froth and steam the milk.
Espresso Beans(The actual beans!)
The most important ingredient for making a blonde espresso is, of course, the espresso beans. Look for high-quality, fresh-roasted beans that are specifically labeled as “blonde espresso roast”. For example, Starbucks blonde roast
The Espresso Way
The preparation process for Blonde Espresso is similar to a regular espresso. The coffee beans are ground finely and then packed tightly into a portafilter. The portafilter is then attached to an espresso machine, and hot water is forced through the grounded coffee at high pressure, resulting in a concentrated shot of coffee.
The French Press Way
To make blonde espresso in a French press, grind the coffee beans finely and add about 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4 ounces of water. Heat water to around 200°F (93°C), pour it over the coffee, and let it steep for 4 minutes. Gently press the plunger down to separate the brewed coffee from the grounds, then pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy.
Drip Coffee Way
To make blonde roast espresso in a drip coffee machine, grind the beans finely and use a smaller amount of water than you would for regular drip coffee. A good starting point is to use about 1 tablespoon of ground coffee for every 4 ounces of water. The resulting coffee will likely be weaker and less concentrated. However, this method can be a quick and easy way to make blonde espresso at home. Experiment with different brewing methods and ratios to find the perfect blend for your taste buds.
Blonde Espresso can be used to make a variety of espresso-based drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a shot of espresso. Many coffee shops and cafes now offer Blonde Espresso as an alternative to regular espresso, allowing customers to enjoy a milder and smoother espresso experience.
Try making your own blonde roast coffee beans if you want to get fancy. Sticking to the store-bought ones will be my preference since manufacturers will have the machinery to get the perfect roast that you might not be able to get at home.
Delicious Toppings to Add to Your Blonde Espresso
Blonde roast espresso is a versatile coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or with added toppings to enhance its flavor. One popular option is to add a splash of almond milk, which not only adds a nutty flavor but also helps to reduce the acidity of the coffee. Another tasty addition is vanilla syrup, which gives the coffee a sweet and creamy flavor.
These toppings can be added directly to the coffee or used to make a latte by steaming the milk and adding the vanilla syrup to the espresso shot. Other toppings that go well with blonde espresso include cinnamon, caramel, and honey. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect blend for your taste buds.
Conclusion
Blonde roast espresso is a relatively new addition to the coffee world, and it’s a great option for those who want a milder, smoother coffee taste. Made from lightly roasted coffee beans, blonde espresso has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from darker roasts. Whether you prefer a classic espresso shot or a more complex espresso drink, blonde espresso is worth a try.
If you’re interested in trying blonde espresso, you can visit a Starbucks coffee location or check with your local coffee shop to see if they offer it. You can also purchase blonde espresso beans online and brew them at home using the steps in this article above.
Overall, blonde espresso is a great option for coffee lovers who want to try something new and different. With its mellow taste and unique flavor profile, it’s sure to become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
