Espresso Brewing Guide

2 ½ - minutes

Start with the right beans. Espresso beans have very specific traits that will create the right taste and richness for this unique brew.

Using an espresso grinder, grind the beans down to the size of a grain of salt, and fill the filter cup loosely.

Use the tamper to press the coffee down into the filter cup. This is where the grind is important – if it’s too fine and you tamp it too hard, the water won’t properly penetrate and extract the coffee.

Use a proper “demitasse” cup to serve your espresso - a conically shaped, thick, porcelain, heated cup is best. The conical shape helps to ease the espresso into the cup forming a better “crema.”

Brew the espresso. The proper espresso is poured “short” – at about 1 ½ ounces. This is ideal for texture, taste, and mouth feel.

If brewed properly, the crema will be thick enough to support a teaspoon of sugar for seconds – and the thick, heated cup will keep the temperature of the shot just right.

Enjoy the perfect espresso!

The most common range used for regular espresso is usually 1:2. This means that for every gram of coffee in your basket, you will yield 2 grams of liquid espresso. Depending on if you choose single-origin or a blend, you may find you are adjusting the ratios to brew your perfect cup.

The answer to this question is in the brew time. If the coffee is over-extracted, the coffee releases unwanted flavors and can taste harsh, bitter, and burnt. When coffee is under-extracted, it doesn’t bring out the best of the bean, leaving the brew weak and sour.

Medium-dark or dark roast coffee beans are best for espresso due to the rich, smooth brew that results. Dark roast beans are preferred because they brew a smoother, less acidic flavor profile. The roast type of the bean will be amplified in the brewing process, so the acidic, floral notes of a light roast will be magnified with the espresso brewing method.

You can use your favorite coffee blend for making espresso if the beans are finely ground. Freshly roasted beans create the best espresso experience, and dark roast profiles are recommended.

All types of coffee can be used for espresso
as long as it has been finely ground. Dark roast coffees are often preferredfor espresso due to their stronger flavor. The brewing method of forcing water through the grounds amplifies the flavor profile of the bean, so other roasts may not provide flavors as smooth and robust as a dark roast.

Ristretto
– ¾ oz of an espresso shot

Single-shot
– 1 oz standard serving size

Lungo
– 1.5 oz of espresso

Double
shot (Doppio) – 2 oz of espresso