Espresso is more than just a coffee—it’s an art form. Known for its bold flavor, velvety crema, and rich aroma, espresso forms the base of many popular coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or new to brewing, this guide will teach you how to pull the perfect shot of espresso using fresh beans from Daily Grind Coffee Roastery.
What You’ll Need:
To brew a great espresso at home, you need the right equipment and the best quality coffee beans.
- Espresso machine: A reliable espresso machine with consistent temperature control.
- Freshly roasted coffee beans: Use high-quality beans, ideally roasted within the last two weeks for optimal freshness.
- Grinder: A burr grinder ensures a consistent grind size.
- Tamper: A tamper for evenly compressing the coffee grounds.
- Digital scale: For accurate coffee-to-water ratio measurement.
- Filtered water: The quality of water can significantly affect the flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Espresso
Step 1: Grind Your Coffee
The grind size is crucial to getting the right flavor extraction. For espresso, you’ll want a fine grind, similar to table salt. Measure 18-20 grams of coffee beans (for a double shot) and grind them using a burr grinder. Freshly ground beans are essential for a full-bodied shot.
Tip: Always grind your beans just before brewing to preserve the freshness and aroma.
Step 2: Preheat Your Machine
Turn on your espresso machine and let it heat up for at least 15-20 minutes. Preheating ensures the water temperature remains consistent, leading to better extraction. Don’t forget to run a shot of water through the group head to preheat the portafilter and cup.
Step 3: Dose and Tamp
Place your freshly ground coffee into the portafilter. Use a digital scale to ensure you have the right amount—18-20 grams for a double shot. Distribute the coffee evenly and use a tamper to press down with around 30 lbs of pressure. Ensure the tamp is level for uniform extraction.
Tip: An uneven tamp can result in over-extracted or under-extracted coffee, leading to a bitter or weak espresso shot.
Step 4: Pull the Shot
Lock the portafilter into place and start the extraction. You’re aiming for a shot that takes 25-30 seconds to pull, producing about 30ml for a single shot or 60ml for a double shot. The espresso should have a golden crema on top—this is a sign of a well-extracted shot.
Tip: If your shot is pulling too fast, your grind might be too coarse. If it’s pulling too slow, your grind might be too fine.
Step 5: Enjoy the Espresso
Once your shot is complete, sip and enjoy! A great espresso should be full-bodied with a smooth crema and a rich, complex flavor.
Espresso Brewing Tips for the Perfect Shot:
- Freshness is key: Always use freshly roasted beans for the best flavor. We recommend beans that have been roasted within 2 weeks.
- Water quality matters: Use filtered water to prevent unwanted flavors from affecting your espresso.
- Clean your machine regularly: Residue from old coffee can alter the taste of your shot.
Choosing the Right Beans for Espresso
Espresso requires specific beans to bring out the richness and complexity of the brew. For the best results, we recommend using beans roasted for espresso, like those from Daily Grind Coffee Roastery. Our espresso blends are carefully selected and roasted to bring out bold flavors with a smooth, creamy finish.
Tip: Explore our wide selection of freshly roasted beans to find the perfect match for your espresso machine.
Elevate Your Espresso Game with Daily Grind Coffee Roastery
Ready to brew better espresso at home? Daily Grind Coffee Roastery offers a variety of freshly roasted beans perfect for your espresso shots.
Ready to explore the world of single-origin coffee? Schedule a cupping session at our roastery to taste the difference fresh beans make, or visit us to browse our selection of pour-over perfect coffee beans.