When one orders espresso in a coffee bar in Italy, it is simply called “caffè” since it is the base for their coffee drinks. Hence, they are called espresso-based drinks.  Espresso means “expressed” in Italian.  It’s not a particular type of bean, roast, or blend.  Espresso is just a way that coffee is prepared:  shooting pressurized , hot water through finely ground coffee.

Un caffè per favore!

Image Credit: Io Amo Firenze (I Love Florence)