Recommended preparation
Espresso
1. Turn on your espresso machine and let it fully heat up. This can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the machine.
2. For espresso, use a fine grind, but not so fine that it becomes powdery like flour. The texture should be similar to table salt.
3. The typical dose for a single shot of espresso is about 7–9 grams, and for a double shot it's 14–18 grams. Use a scale for accuracy.
4. Transfer the ground coffee to the portafilter. Level the grounds with your finger or a distribution tool, then tamp firmly and evenly. The surface should be smooth and level.
5. Lock the portafilter into the group head and start the extraction. A general guideline is 20–30 seconds. The coffee should begin dripping after a few seconds, then form a steady, mouse-tail-like stream.
6. Once the espresso is extracted, serve it immediately in a preheated cup. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Pro tips:
- Fresh beans are essential. Espresso tastes best when made with beans roasted within the past two weeks.
- Water quality matters. If your tap water doesn’t taste good on its own, use filtered or bottled water.
- Adjust the grind size to achieve ideal extraction. If the espresso runs too fast and tastes sour, the grind is too coarse. If it runs too slow and tastes bitter, the grind is too fine.