How to brew Espresso coffee
Brewing espresso can be a delightful experience if you follow the right steps. In this simple recipe, we’ll walk you through the process of making a delicious espresso using an espresso machine. With a few key tools and some attention to detail, you’ll be sipping on a strong, flavorful coffee in no time.
What You’ll Need
- Espresso machine
- Espresso grinder
- Scales and tamper
- Timer
- Coffee (roasted for espresso)
- Water
- Portafilter (the part that holds the coffee)
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Portafilter
- Grind, Dose, and Tamp
- Place the portafilter on the scales and set the scale to zero.
- Position the portafilter under the grinder to catch the coffee.
- Grind enough coffee beans to fill the basket in the portafilter. Check the weight on the scales as you grind to ensure you have about 17-18g of coffee.
- Distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the basket by gently shaking it.
- Use a tamper to press down the coffee bed. It should be evenly compressed, and there should be about 3-4mm of space left at the top of the portafilter.
- Brew
- Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine.
- Place a cup on the scales below the portafilter and set the scales to zero.
- Start the brewing process immediately.
- The espresso should start with a few drips, gradually becoming a steady stream. This typically takes about 28-32 seconds.
- Serve
Tips
- Make sure the portafilter is hot when you start brewing. If it’s not, run some hot water through it to heat it up.
- The espresso shot should start as drips and gradually become a steady stream. It should be rich, oily, and flavorful.
- A well-brewed espresso should have a clean and sweet taste with balanced acidity, not too sour or overly bitter.
- While you’re brewing, use a timer to keep track of the shot’s duration. Aim for a shot that is double the weight of the ground coffee in about 30 seconds. Adjust grind size and dose as needed to achieve this.
