Espresso Coffee Recipe
This recipe guides you through creating the perfect shot of espresso coffee at home, highlighting its rich flavors and creamy crema. It’s ideal for coffee lovers who want to recreate a café-quality espresso using their own equipment. Whether you're enjoying it straight or using it as a base for other drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, this recipe will deliver bold, aromatic, and satisfying results.
Servings 1 shot
Calories 3kcal
Cost $0.50 - $1.50
Equipment
- Espresso machine (or a Moka pot/Aeropress for alternatives)
- Burr grinder (for freshly grinding coffee beans)
- Tamper (for compressing the coffee grounds)
- Portafilter (for holding the coffee grounds)
- Espresso cup (pre-warmed)
- Digital scale (optional, for precise measurements)
Ingredients
- 8-10 grams Freshly roasted coffee beans Use high-quality beans for the best flavor.
- 30-35 milliliters Filtered water Ensures clean, balanced extraction.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
- Preheat your espresso machine and espresso cup to ensure the coffee stays hot during brewing.
- If using a Moka pot or Aeropress, assemble and preheat them according to their respective instructions.
Step 2: Grind Your Coffee Beans
- Use a burr grinder to grind 8-10 grams of coffee beans to a fine consistency, similar to table salt. A precise grind size is crucial for even extraction.
Step 3: Load and Tamp the Portafilter
- Add the ground coffee into the portafilter, leveling it off with your finger.
- Use a tamper to compress the coffee grounds evenly. Apply firm, consistent pressure until you feel resistance. This creates a compact "puck" for proper extraction.
Step 4: Start the Brew
- Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine’s group head and start the brewing process.
- Aim for a brew time of 25-30 seconds to extract 30-35 milliliters of espresso. Watch for the rich, golden crema to form on top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Pour the espresso into your pre-warmed cup.
- Savor the espresso straight or use it as a base for other drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, or an Americano.
Notes
- Bean Selection: Single-origin beans tend to have unique flavor profiles, while blends offer a more balanced taste. Experiment to find your favorite!
- Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for espresso extraction is around 195–205°F (90–96°C). Most espresso machines handle this automatically, but it’s worth checking.
- Crema: A good shot of espresso will have a thick, golden crema on top. If your espresso lacks crema, check the freshness of your beans or the grind size.
- Alternatives to an Espresso Machine: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a Moka pot or an Aeropress with the espresso brewing method. While it won’t produce true espresso with crema, it will still yield a strong and concentrated coffee.