Can we get a perfect shot of espresso for today’s Geo Quiz?

photo credit: Scott Beale / Laughing Squidphoto credit: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid

For the uninitiated, espresso is more than a cup of coffee. It’s an aromatic burst of caffeine. The dictionary defines it as “a strong coffee brewed by forcing steam through darkly roasted, powdered coffee beans.”

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But there’s a lot more to it than that.

The steam has to go through the coffee at just the right temperature and pressure. And the drink itself has to have the right consistency. You don’t have to know all of that.

Your “barista” can take care of the details. All you’ve got to do is name is the Italian city where espresso originated. It’s major city in the north.

The answer’s just around the corner.

The espresso was first developed in Milan — Italy’s bustling business and fashion capital.

Barista, Paszkowski Caffe, Florence, Italy: photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciordiaBarista, Paszkowski Caffe, Florence, Italy: photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ciordia

As The World’s David Leveille explains, Italian baristas set the standard when it comes to espresso-making.