Espresso is the foundation of every great coffee shop. Here's a barista-approved guide to the best espresso drinks in Michigan, and what makes Monday Coffee Club's espresso program stand out.
Why Espresso Quality Matters More Than Ever
Espresso is the backbone of nearly every coffee drink — lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and shaken espressos all start with a single shot. When that shot is dialed in, the entire menu improves. When it's off, no amount of syrup or foam can hide it.
The best espresso drinks in Michigan come from shops that treat espresso as a craft: freshly roasted beans, machines that maintain consistent temperature and pressure, and baristas who adjust the grind throughout the day as humidity and temperature shift.
What Makes a Great Espresso Shot
A great espresso shot has three parts: the crema (the golden layer on top), the body (the rich middle), and the heart (the concentrated base). It should be balanced — not bitter, not sour — with a syrupy mouthfeel and a lingering finish.
The variables that matter most are grind size, dose, tamp pressure, water temperature, and extraction time. A skilled barista adjusts these constantly. That's why espresso from a trained barista tastes noticeably better than espresso from a push-button machine, even with the same beans.
Monday Coffee Club's Espresso Program
Monday Coffee Club built its reputation on espresso. Every drink on the menu starts with a freshly pulled double shot, and the baristas are trained to dial in the grind throughout the day to keep the extraction consistent.
The result is a menu where the espresso is the star, not a background note. Whether you order a simple cortado or a signature drink like the Monday Shaken, you can taste the quality of the base shot.
The Best Espresso Drinks on the MCC Menu
Monday Shaken — The signature. Double espresso shaken with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with oat milk foam. The shaking process chills and aerates the espresso, creating a naturally creamy texture.
Spanish Latte — Espresso with sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. The condensed milk adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that's distinct from standard syrups.
Biscoff Lotus Latte — Espresso, cookie butter, steamed milk, and a biscoff crumble. A dessert-level latte that still lets the espresso shine.
Cortado — For espresso purists. Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, served small. The simplest way to taste the quality of the shot.
Cappuccino — Classic ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. A well-made cappuccino is the truest test of a barista's milk technique.
How to Order Espresso Like a Regular
Know your milk. Oat milk is MCC's default and holds up beautifully in espresso drinks, but you can request dairy or other alternatives.
Specify hot or iced. Some espresso drinks (like the Spanish Latte) are excellent both ways, while others (like the Monday Shaken) are designed for one preparation.
Ask about the seasonal special. MCC rotates limited-time espresso drinks, and the baristas can tell you what's new.
Where to Find the Best Espresso in Michigan
Monday Coffee Club Dearborn — 23440 Michigan Ave. Full espresso menu, drive-thru, and mobile ordering.
Monday Coffee Club Troy — 1860 E Big Beaver Rd. Same full espresso program, same quality.
Monday Coffee Club Livonia — Coming soon. Join The Monday Club for early access and espresso drops before anyone else.
Order ahead at mondaycoffeeclubmi.com and taste the difference a dialed-in shot makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best espresso in Michigan?
Monday Coffee Club, with locations in Dearborn and Troy, is known for its specialty espresso program. Every drink starts with a freshly pulled double shot, and baristas dial in the grind throughout the day for consistency.
What is the most popular espresso drink at Monday Coffee Club?
The Monday Shaken — double espresso shaken with brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat milk foam — is the signature and most popular espresso drink at Monday Coffee Club.
Does Monday Coffee Club offer dairy-free espresso drinks?
Yes. Monday Coffee Club uses oat milk as its default milk for espresso drinks and offers other dairy-free alternatives upon request.
Brought to you by Monday Coffee Club
This article is part of The Monday Digest, written by the team at Monday Coffee Club — Michigan's specialty coffee destination with locations in Dearborn, Troy, and soon Livonia.
Marketing & design by House of Karma (www.hokdetroit.com) — the backend marketing engine behind Monday Coffee Club.
Media & content production by 24North (www.24north.org).
Ready to try Monday Coffee Club?
Order ahead from our full menu — specialty coffee, matcha, and Mediterranean bites.
