Do you find it mind-numbing to go to a coffee shop for the sake of espresso? Don’t worry. If you don’t like to go outside, you can enjoy espresso at home, which is relatively easy to make yourself. All you need to know is how to make espresso at home with the help of a machine or without a machine.
Every sip of the espresso is as good as what you would get at a cafe with heavy bucks. You can make a great espresso with a machine, some ground coffee, and a little practice. Follow these simple steps, and you will enjoy homemade espresso quickly.
What is Espresso?
Espresso is an Italian method of extracting flavor and aroma compounds from ground coffee under pressure. It is a strong coffee you can enjoy on its own or as the base for other popular coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. So, how do you make a delicious espresso at home?
There are two common ways to make espresso. Let’s find out.
Ways to Make Espresso At Home
Making espresso at home is achieved easily—with and without a machine. You must require initial commitment, time, and practice to pour your first great-tasting shot into your coffee mug. Here are a few simple methods that help to understand how to make espresso at home.
How to Make Espresso at Home with a Machine
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor is all we need from espresso. The first and easiest method to get your espresso at home is to use an espresso machine. With the help of a machine, you can have a steaming hot cup in minutes. But it requires skill, practice, and the right equipment.
Equipment
- Espresso Machine
- Burr Grinder
- Coffee Scale
- Mug
Ingredients
- Coffee
- Filtered Water
Method
- Turn your espresso machine for a few minutes before brewing, as it gives it time to warm up.
- Once the machine is heated, take your portafilter, put it on the scale, and measure the weight.
- Now grind your coffee to desired weight in a portafilter.
- Evenly distribute the coffee using a distribution tool or index finger and even out the bed of coffee.
- With a fair amount of pressure, use the tamper to compress your coffee down.
- Be careful while using the tamper, as slight deviation can compromise the coffee extraction.
- It’s time to pull your shot and enjoy.
You can also change variables according to the taste, but it requires a huge amount of practice. If your espresso feels sour or under-extracted, you need a finer grind. You can also use coarse grind if your espresso is over-extracted.
Note: If you want milk-based coffee, latte, or macchiato, move towards milk steaming.
How to Make Espresso at Home Without a Machine
Do you not have an espresso machine? Don’t worry; there are many other ways to make espresso at home without a machine. These are simple ways to use the normal brew method. You can use Aeropress, a moka pot, or a french press. Let’s find them individually.
How to Make Espresso at Home With Aeropress
If we talk about Aeropress, it is such a device that forces hot water through coffee grounds. It works simply like an espresso machine but without the use of electricity. This method has become very popular recently because of its high portability and low cost. You can easily take an Aeropress when you are on the go.
Equipment
- Aeropress+Filter
- Burr Grinder
- Coffee Scale
- Water Kettle
- Mug
- Timer
Ingredients
- Coffee
- Filtered Water
Method
- Place an Aeropress filter in the filter cup and a brewing chamber, and insert a plunger about halfway.
- Boil water at approximately 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grind the coffee with the help of a coffee grinder and pour them into Aeropress.
- Now put the Aeropress at scale and set the timer at zero.
- Start the timer and slowly add 55g of water.
- Now shake the Aeropress in a circular motion.
- After 25 seconds, attach a filter cap and flip the brewer into a coffee mug.
- Plunge the grounds forcefully for 5 seconds.
- After pulling your shot, it’s time to enjoy it.
How to Make Espresso at Home With Moka Pot
The third way to make espresso at home is by using a traditional Italian coffee maker and a stovetop moka pot. The device forces hot water and steam through coffee grounds, producing intense and concentrated coffee.
Equipment
- Coffee Grinder
- Coffee Scale
- Water Kettle
- Mug
- Heat source
Ingredients
- Fresh Coffee beans
- Filtered Water
Method
- Boil water in a kettle at 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add water in a moka pot, filling the line inside the craft.
- Place the metal filter basket in the brewer and put it on the scale. Tare the scale and add 3 tablespoons of ground coffee.
- With the help of your index finger, level up the ground.
- Now gently shake it.
- Use a heat-resistant towel and put the top and bottom together.
- Turn on the medium-low heat and put a moka pot on it.
- Tight close the lid until you hear a hissing sound.
- It’s time to pull your shot and enjoy.
Note: Like Espresso, never tamp the moka pot, which leads to a coffee explosion.
How to Make Espresso at Home With French Press
Have you ever heard about coffee plungers? It is an espresso maker that uses gravity and a plunger in hot water to extract flavor and aroma from coarsely ground coffee. Today it is also known as the French press that comes out smooth and dark as compared to espresso machines.
Equipment
- Fresh press
- Water Kettle
- Mug
- Heat source
Ingredients
- Medium-ground Coffee beans
- Filtered Water
Method
- Open the lid and take out the french press.
- Boil some water and let it cool to 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour the warm water into a pre-heat glass and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Grind espresso beans to medium consistency.
- Pour warm water into the beans and move them in a circular motion for a few seconds.
- After that, add some more warm water but don’t stir this time.
- Rest the filter above the ground and water, and leave the espresso to brew for a few minutes.
- It’s time to pull your shot and enjoy.
Conclusion
If you love a bitter, rich espresso shot with a layer of foamy cream, make a delicious espresso at home with or without a machine. Whether you want to invest in an espresso machine, use an Aeropress, or try the traditional Italian way with a moka pot you have your favorite mug at your table. With the help of a bit of practice, and the right equipment, you can achieve delicious results.