To make a delicious Cordusio, named after the famous Pizza Cordusio square in Milan, you will need a few key ingredients and a touch of craftsmanship. This delightful beverage consists of an extra shot of espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top. Let's break down the process of creating this exquisite drink step by step.
1. Gather your ingredients:
– Espresso: Start with a high-quality espresso blend that suits your taste preferences. The richness and intensity of the espresso will greatly impact the overall flavor of the Cordusio.
– Milk: Choose the type of milk that best complements your palate. Whole milk is commonly used, but feel free to substitute it with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if you prefer.
– Mocha Sauce: You will need a generous amount of mocha sauce to add a luscious chocolatey element to the drink. You can either make your own mocha sauce or purchase it from a trusted source.
– Cocoa Powder: This is the final touch that adds a hint of bitterness and enhances the visual appeal of the Cordusio. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for the best results.
2. Prepare the espresso:
– Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency suitable for espresso.
– Load the ground coffee into your espresso machine's portafilter and tamp it down firmly.
– Extract a double shot of espresso for a more robust flavor. Adjust the extraction time to your liking, aiming for a balanced and full-bodied espresso.
3. Steam the milk:
– Pour the desired amount of milk into a pitcher suitable for steaming.
– Position the steam wand of your espresso machine just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam.
– Gently swirl the pitcher to distribute the heat evenly and create a velvety texture.
– Continue steaming until the milk reaches a temperature of around 150°F (65°C) for a traditional Cordusio. Adjust the temperature according to your personal preference.
4. Assemble the Cordusio:
– Pour the double shot of espresso into a mug or cup of your choice.
– Add a generous amount of mocha sauce to the espresso. The sweetness can be adjusted to your liking, but aim for a harmonious balance between the chocolate and coffee flavors.
– Gently swirl the cup to incorporate the mocha sauce with the espresso.
– Slowly pour the steamed milk into the cup, allowing it to mix with the espresso and mocha sauce. Start with a small stream of milk and gradually increase the flow as you desire.
– Stop pouring when you have reached your desired milk-to-espresso ratio. The Cordusio typically features equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
– Sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder on top of the drink for an elegant finishing touch.
Now, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful layers of flavors in your handcrafted Cordusio. The espresso provides a strong and bold foundation, while the steamed milk brings a creamy and silky texture. The mocha sauce infuses a delightful chocolate essence, and the cocoa powder adds a touch of bitterness and a visually pleasing element.
Enjoy the Cordusio slowly, savoring each sip and allowing the flavors to dance on your palate. It's a perfect beverage to indulge in during a quiet moment of reflection or to accompany a delicious pastry.