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Gibraltar

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description Gibraltar Overview

The Gibraltar is a small espresso drink originating from San Francisco’s coffee culture. It features a double shot of espresso balanced with steamed milk, traditionally served in a distinctive 4.5 ounce Libbey glass. This short format is popular among espresso enthusiasts seeking a concentrated flavor profile and a refined drinking experience. It's particularly favored by those appreciating the classic cortado style and Blue Bottle Coffee’s approach to espresso preparation.

help Gibraltar FAQ

Why is the coffee drink called a Gibraltar?

The name comes from the Libbey Gibraltar glass in which the drink was served at Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco. The glass holds about 4.5 ounces, creating a short espresso-and-milk drink with less milk than a typical latte.

How does a Gibraltar differ from a cortado?

Both usually combine espresso with a relatively small amount of steamed milk, so the recipes often overlap. Gibraltar originally referred specifically to the San Francisco drink served in the Libbey glass, while cortado is a broader Spanish-language coffee term.

Does a Gibraltar contain one or two shots of espresso?

The San Francisco version is generally built around a double shot of espresso. Steamed milk fills the small glass, keeping the coffee flavor more concentrated than it would be in a cappuccino or latte.

Can a Gibraltar be ordered outside San Francisco?

Some specialty coffee shops use the name, particularly when they serve the drink in the recognizable faceted glass. Elsewhere, ordering a cortado is more likely to produce a similar espresso-to-milk proportion.

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