Gibraltar coffee is a typical drink associated with espresso. It dominates the heart of every coffee lover because of its strength and smooth taste at the same time. People often compare it to cortado coffee, but it’s far from it.
The drink derives its name from the Gibraltar glass, which is in the shape of a short and wide glass. In the US, This is more popular in some speciality coffee shops as compared to well-known cappuccinos or lattes.
By reading this article, you will learn everything there is to know about Gibraltar history, it’s preparation, peculiarity and form of taste that has made it so popular among coffee fanatics.
The Origins of Gibraltar Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee, a well-known coffee roaster located in San Francisco, California, is credited with first serving Gibraltar coffee in the mid-2000s. Unlike most espresso drinks, which stem from a long coffee culture heritage in Europe, the Gibraltar coffee is the product of the modern barista who sought to create a well-blended coffee drink that would provide the drinker with the strength of an espresso and the steamed milk froth.
Initially intended for baristas and coffee experts, the drink was created as an off-menu specialty because of its unique and powerful taste. Over time, its finely crafted taste attracted customers, leading to its increasing popularity.
Why is it called Gibraltar coffee?
The drink is named after the Gibraltar glass, which has a 4.5 oz capacity and is manufactured by Libbey. This glass served as the standard drink frosting for the beverage, which helped in its identity. Unlike cappuccinos or lattes that are served in variable-sized cups, Gibraltar coffee’s unique silhouette and proportions are retained because of the specific glass it is served in.
How Gibraltar Coffee is Made
This coffee is easy to make, provided the ingredients used are of top quality. Steamed milk with light microfoam makes for the frothy milk, and a double shot of espresso makes for the drink. Together these elements make for the perfect Gibraltar coffee.
Moderation is the key, as the fine coffee flavor needs to be bold by itself while being mellowed down by the soft, silky milk. We serve it in a Gibraltar glass to enhance the experience by showcasing the layers of milk and espresso.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Pull a double shot of espresso. The espresso should be rich, smooth, and well-extracted to ensure the best flavor.
- Steam the milk. The milk should be heated to around 130–140°F, creating a light microfoam that blends well with the espresso.
- Pour the milk over the espresso. Once complete, pour the milk over the espresso. Therefore, creating a perfect blend between the coffee and milk.
- Serve in a Gibraltar glass. The transparency of the glass allows coffee lovers to appreciate the layers of espresso and milk.
How is Gibraltar Coffee Different from Other Espresso Drinks?
This is often confused with other drinks like cortados, flat whites, and macchiatos. However, this blended drink is unique in its own way.
This coffee is between a macchiato and flat white in volume. It is smoother than a macchiato since it contains more milk but less milk than a flat white or latte, allowing the espresso to remain rich and bold. Although a cortado is the same, it does not come in a Gibraltar glass, so it is less complete in presentation.
One notable feature of Gibraltar coffee is its presentation in a 4.5-ounce glass. This aspect ensures that every customer enjoys the same exquisite experience regardless of the cafe they choose to visit. This is served in a glass, unlike lattes and cappuccinos that vary from cafe to cafe.
Why Gibraltar Coffee is Gaining Popularity
Although Gibraltar coffee started as a drink mainly enjoyed by baristas, it has become a favorite among coffee lovers who appreciate strong but balanced espresso drinks.
Reasons for its growing popularity:
- This perfectly balances the flavors of espresso and milk. Unlike lattes, which contain more milk, This preserves the boldness of espresso while softening its acidity.
- It is an ideal choice for showcasing specialty coffee. Many coffee enthusiasts prefer Gibraltar coffee because it allows the natural flavors of high-quality beans to shine through.
- It is both quick and satisfying. The small serving size makes it an excellent choice for those who want a flavorful coffee experience without committing to a larger drink.
- Aesthetic appeal. The transparency of the Gibraltar glass highlights the beautiful layers of coffee and milk, making it visually appealing.
Where to Find
Not all coffee shops serve Gibraltar coffee by name, but many specialty cafés offer a cortado, which is very similar. If you want authentic Gibraltar coffee, visiting a third-wave coffee shop is the best option. Cities known for their specialty coffee culture, such as San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Melbourne, are more likely to have cafés that serve it.
Making Gibraltar Coffee at Home
For those who want to enjoy Gibraltar coffee at home, it is relatively easy to make with the right tools.
What You Need:
- An espresso machine (or a strong alternative like an AeroPress)
- Fresh, high-quality coffee beans
- A milk frother or steam wand
- A Gibraltar glass
Tips for the Best Home-Brewed Gibraltar Coffee:
- Use fresh roasted beans. The quality of the beans will significantly impact the taste of the coffee you prepare.
- Grind your coffee just before brewing. Doing so will ensure that your coffee is fresh and full of flavor.
- Make sure to steam the milk at the correct temperature. Overheating milk will result in a burnt taste while underheating will make the texture too thin.
- You can use different beans. Lighter roasts will provide a more fruity and floral flavor, while darker roasts will provide a rich, chocolatey taste.
Conclusion
To some, Gibraltar coffee might look like just an espresso drink. In fact, it is much more than that. Gibraltar coffee embodies balance, simplicity, and quality. It provides a rich yet smooth coffee experience that highlights the best qualities of espresso and milk.
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