Are you a coffee lover? Have you heard of the latest trend in coffee brewing – piccolo coffee? If not, you’re in for a treat! I’ll discuss everything you need to know about piccolo java- from its origins to how to make it. So, what is Piccolo coffee?
Contents
What Is Piccolo Coffee?
Piccolo coffee is a traditional Italian espresso drink smaller than the typical latte. It’s brewed using a smaller cup size, around 3-4 ounces, and a finer grind of coffee. The resulting drink has a strong, intense flavor and a creamy texture.
Piccolo is also known for its unique serving method. It’s served in a low, cylindrical cup. This cup fits the exact volume of a single shot of espresso and is topped with a small amount of warm steaming milk.
History of Piccolos
The piccolo latte has been a popular drink worldwide for the past decade. Piccolo lattes, despite their Italian name, actually originated in Australia. Both Melbourne and Sydney claim it as their own.
This small-sized coffee option was created by baristas tasting the coffee roasts throughout the day. Afterward, the popularity of piccolos spread fast. Now you can find piccolo lattes on coffee shop menus in cities like London and New York.
How to Make Your Piccolo Latte at Home
According to projections, the US espresso market will reach US$95.58bn in 2023. This is a CAGR of 3.51% during 2023-2025. Thus, piccolo lattes will continue to be one of the most popular coffee drink methods.
Yet, making them at home can be tricky. Here’s how to make a perfect piccolo latte every time.
Ingredients
You will need the following:
- An espresso
- Milk
- Coffee ground for espresso
- A bit of sugar
- A frother or steamer (optional) – if you need your coffee frothy
Instructions
- Pull one ristretto shot of espresso.
- Fill a 6-ounce cup halfway with steaming milk.
- Pour the espresso over the milk.
- Top with a thin layer of frothed milk. This will add texture and thickness to your latte.
- Garnish your coffee with a cinnamon or cocoa powder sprinkle.
- Enjoy your Piccolo latte!
Tips on How to Make the Best Piccolo Coffee at Home
Making a perfect piccolo at home is easy. The secret is to use the right equipment. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the best Australian coffee experience.
- Use the right grind size: Aim for a grind size of about 2-4 on a burr grinder.
- Use the right coffee amount: Piccolo has a ratio of 1 part coffee to 2 parts water.
- Use the proper water temperature: Use water between 195 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit when making this coffee. This is the ideal temperature range to extract the most flavor from the coffee grounds.
- Use the right brewing vessel: Use a small, single-serve espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
- Refrain from over-extracting the coffee: Stop brewing when it reaches its desired strength. Over-extracting the coffee can result in a bitter, unpleasant taste.
How Is a Piccolo Coffee Different From Other Coffees
Many people mix up Piccolo with other coffee-based beverages. These beverages include:
- Macchiatos
- Regular lattes
- Cortados
Yet, each of these coffees has a unique taste and consistency.
Piccolo vs Regular Latte
A piccolo latte has one ristretto shot and has less steam milk than a regular latte. It comes in a smaller glass or cup, producing a more robust taste than a regular latte.
A regular latte uses a regular shot and comes in a larger glass or cup. The result is a less intense taste than a piccolo latte.
Piccolo vs Macchiato
The macchiato and piccolo are both espresso-based drinks that differ in the type of milk used.
In a macchiato, they add milk with more air, giving it a dry and frothy texture. Piccolo blends steaming milk and espresso, making it smoother and creamier.
Piccolo vs Cortado
The main difference between Piccolo and cortado is the amount of espresso used in each drink. Piccolo is a smaller drink than a cortado. It contains roughly 0.8 ounces of espresso and 2.9 ounces of steamed milk.
In contrast, the cortado contains around 1.4 ounces of espresso and 2 ounces of steamed milk. Thus, piccolo has a stronger taste, while cortado has a more balanced espresso-milk flavor.
Related Questions
Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Piccolo Coffee?
There are potential health benefits associated with drinking piccolo coffee. Drinking this coffee can help you reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancer forms. Furthermore, research shows coffee may help improve your mental alertness, focus, and performance.
Can You Make a Piccolo Latte Without Steamed Milk?
You must make a Piccolo latte with steamed milk. A Piccolo latte requires steamed milk instead of water to make the drink. The steamed milk adds the creaminess, texture, and foam that make a latte so delicious.
Conclusion
Piccolo is an espresso drink smaller than regular espresso. It comes in a cylindrical cup with a more intense flavor than an espresso. It’s made with one shot of ristretto and steamed milk and is popular in cities worldwide. A piccolo also has around 75mg of caffeine, like a cappuccino.
