Espresso

Abstract

Coffee was once viewed as a masculine beverage. When coffee crossed the threshold of the home and entered the kitchen, it lost its male exclusivity. The espresso shot has not made this journey from the public to the private domain. History has shown that the home is the female center of control. Men must journey outside of that domain for control. The “third place” provides this, the classic example being the tavern. The drinks that accompany this third place are inherently masculine. Also, if modern culture maintains that strong drinks are for strong bodies, the association between espresso and men applies. As a shot of liquor is concentrated alcohol, espresso is concentrated coffee and provides an accelerated caffeine “intoxication.” While coffee evolved beyond its masculine origins, the espresso shot has retained its masculinity by virtually avoiding entrance into the home and by the nature of the drink itself.