How does drip coffee differ from espresso?

Drip coffee is brewed by dripping hot water through coffee grounds, which is a defining characteristic of the method. This process involves water being heated in a reservoir and then gradually passed over coffee grounds placed in a filter. The water extracts flavors and compounds from the coffee as it drips through, resulting in a brew that is generally milder and larger in volume compared to espresso.

This method contrasts with espresso, which involves forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. The brewing time for espresso is also much shorter, typically around 25-30 seconds, while drip coffee takes several minutes.

The other options address incorrect or misleading points about drip coffee. For example, drip coffee is not brewed under pressure, and generally, espresso has a higher concentration of caffeine per ounce, even though a typical serving of drip coffee may contain more total caffeine due to its larger serving size. Additionally, while milk can certainly be added to either drink, it is not a primary component of drip coffee compared to various espresso-based drinks that often feature milk prominently.