What Is Blonde Espresso? [ Taste And Recipe Demystified ]
Have you seen a lot of people around you enjoying espresso like it is the greatest thing in the world, but you can’t stand its bitter taste?
We believe you!
Espresso is prepared with dark roast beans full of strength and rich flavor. Its taste can be too strong and bitter for some people, so they substitute it with other ways to get their caffeine kick.
The blonde espresso might be your savior if you relate to this description.
Starbucks came up with the genius idea of introducing blond espresso to the coffee world. Its trendy name increased people’s curiosity to try out the drink.
Since the coffee beans used in this espresso are roasted at lower temperatures and for shorter periods, they have a lighter color and taste than other espressos.
We will dive deeper into all there is to know about Blonde espresso, and you can make it yourself. Let’s find out.
What is Blonde Espresso?
A blonde espresso is creamy coffee with slightly sweeter, smoother, and mellower and is lighter in color because it is made from lightly roasted coffee beans.
- Blonde espresso roast is Starbucks’ delicious addition to the coffee menu for people who prefer a milder coffee taste.
- Blonde espresso is made with light roast coffee beans; on the other hand, regular espresso is made with dark roast coffee beans.
- Starbucks blonde espresso roast is perfect for home-making sweet lattes and cappuccinos.
- Blonde espresso can be your savior if you have stomach sensitivity but can’t give up on your daily caffeine dose.
What does Blonde mean in espresso?
The first characteristic that differentiates various coffees at a glance is their color. The term “blonde” is used by Starbucks for its light-colored espresso.
This term is more like a marketing strategy to attract customers. The blonde roast was first known as cinnamon roast, but people expected the coffee to have a cinnamon taste.
However, Starbucks’ blonde roast signifies that the espresso is far lighter in color than the regular espressos.
Blonde in espresso also signifies that the coffee is prepared from coffee beans roasted just slightly to prepare a blonde drink. While other espressos have dark and full-bodied, blonde espresso is a light-bodied and lighter color.
What Is Blonde Roast Espresso At Starbucks?
Starbucks is known for its coffees prepared with dark roasted coffee beans, but in 2012, it introduced its signature Blonde roast espresso.
It is a delicious drink that substitutes regular espresso for coffee lovers who prefer espresso shots with a light roast for a subtle taste. Starbucks blonde espresso is made from lightly roasted Latin American and East African coffee beans.
The blonde roast coffee beans make a sweet and creamy coffee with a lighter body than other espressos. This coffee goes well with milk and can prepare delicious Vanilla latte blonde or flat whites.
Blonde Espresso and Regular Espresso: What is the Difference?
Blonde espresso and regular espresso are different in more ways than just the colour.
The following table shows the characteristics of both drinks so you can differentiate between them.
Considerations | Blonde Espresso | Regular Espresso |
Origin | East Africa and Latin America | Asian-Pacific and Latin America |
Roast | Coffee beans lightly roasted for a shorter period | Coffee beans dark roasted for a longer period |
Taste & Texture | Mild tasteLight-bodied and creamy Citrusy and floral notesMore on the sweet side | Strong and bitterFull-bodied and rich in textureEarthy and smoky cocoa notesCaramelized sweetness |
Go well with | Works well for cold brews and almond milk | Compliments chocolate and milk-based drinks |
Calories | 5 calories per shot | 5 calories in one espresso shot |
Caffeine Content | 85 mg per shot | 75 mg per espresso shot |
Price | $1.75 | $1.75 |
Coffee Beans | Lighter colourMatte beans | Darker colourOily beans |
Acidity (PH Level) | 4.5 | 5.5 to 6 |
How to Make Blonde Espresso at Home?
Starbucks introduced blond espresso roast, but you don’t have to rush to the coffee shop to enjoy it because you can easily make a copycat at home.
Several brands have introduced their blonde espresso coffee beans, so you can easily utilize them to make one yourself.
We will give you a straightforward recipe to make it a home with minimal effort.
Equipment you will need
- A coffee maker
- A coffee grinder
- A filter
- A recipe cup
Ingredients
- Starbucks ground coffee (15 to 18 grams)
- Filtered water
Method
- Grind coffee beans in the grinder. Prepare fine grind if you use an espresso machine, medium grind for a drip coffee machine, and coarser grind for a french press.
- Fit in the filter in your coffee maker.
- For the drip machine, add coffee to the filter basket. If you are using a french press, add coffee to the carafe.
- Add coffee grounds and tamper gently.
- Watch this video for further steps of making coffee in a french press. On the other hand, follow these steps for a drip coffee maker.
- Your Starbucks blonde roast brewed coffee is ready!
How to Make Blonde Vanilla Latte at Home
If you are a fan of milk-based sweet coffees, we have come up with this easy recipe for you to enjoy at home. Let’s create a delicious drink by combining blondes espresso with a few ingredients.
Equipment
- A coffee maker
- A coffee grinder
- A filter
- A recipe cup
- A milk frother
Ingredients
- Blonde roast coffee (15 to 18 grams)
- Vanilla Syrup (8 tablespoons)
- Milk (as required)
Method
- Grind blonde roast coffee grounds in a coffee grinder, keeping the grind size according to the requirements of your coffee maker.
- Pour the ground coffee into your coffee maker’s filter or filter basket. Tamper it gently.
- Brew 4 ounces of blonde espresso.
- Pour 6 to 8 tablespoons of vanilla syrup into your recipe cup.
- Pour blonde espresso over it.
- Heat milk at 140 degrees, pour milk into a container, and use a hand whisk, immersion blender, or electric milk foam to create a creamy foam.
- Add frothed milk to the prepared coffee.
- Your blonde vanilla latte is ready!
What are the benefits of Blonde Espresso?
Blonde espresso is said to have a sweeter taste than regular espresso because it has a milder flavor and a different taste. Therefore, this is the drink for you.
Since it’s made from lightly roasted beans, this doesn’t just contribute to its lighter color, but it also provides some additional benefits. A benefit of light roasting is that it has a lower acidity level than coffee, which has been roasted for longer.
Since it is easier on the stomach and doesn’t cause jittery feelings like coffee, it is perfect for sensitive stomachs.
What is the Calorie Content of a Blonde Espresso?
A blonde espresso has the same calories as a regular espresso. Starbucks’ one blonde espresso shot has 5 calories. The total calorie count of a blonde espresso-based drink is subjective if there is any added sugar, sweetening syrup, milk, or cream.
Similarly, a blonde espresso latte or flat white will have higher calorie content than just espresso shots.
The Bottom Line
Starbucks Blonde Espresso has taken the internet by storm thanks to its delicious, creamy taste.
Making blonde espresso begins during roasting when light or “blonde” beans are roasted at lower temperatures and for shorter times, resulting in lighter-colored, lighter-bodied, and lighter-acidic coffee drinks.
It is a convenient option for those who want to experiment with light roast beans without switching to something different.
Please try our recipe for preparing a blonde roast espresso drink at home. It may take some experimenting to find your sweet spot, but if you try, you might find your new favorite espresso blend.
FAQs
Is Blonde espresso better for your stomach?
Blonde espresso has low acidity compared to dark roast coffee because it is lightly roasted and roasted for a shorter period so that it can be taken well by people with stomach issues. However, you must avoid caffeinated drinks if you have severe stomach complications.
Does blonde espresso taste less like coffee?
Yes, it does. However, it’s sweeter and not intense or bold. It’s perfect for people who like lighter roast coffee but not the bitterness that comes with it.
Is Blonde espresso just a Starbucks thing?
Although Starbucks came up with its blond espresso first, many coffee shops and brands have now introduced their light coffee on the menu, and there are several options for blonde roast coffee beans in the market.
Where do the blond espresso beans come from?
Starbucks blonde espresso beans originate from east Africa
and Latin America. The origin of the beans you use to make your coffee influences its overall taste and texture, so you can try different beans from different sources to find your favorite one.
Is blonde espresso sweeter?
Blonde espresso is not overly sweet but has a mild and subtle sweetness compared to regular espresso. You can enhance its flavor by adding additional condiments like sugar, vanilla syrup, or milk if you want it to be on the sweeter side.
