Espresso Basics
No. Espresso requires very finely ground coffee, almost powdery in texture. This allows full flavor extraction and a strong, concentrated brew.
Coffee for Espresso
What coffee should I use for espresso? Use specifically labeled espresso beans or finely ground espresso roast coffee. Espresso blends are usually dark roasted and specially blended for espresso’s intensity. Other beans may give subpar results.
Making Espresso
How much coffee and water should I use? Use about 15 grams finely ground coffee beans per 2 fluid ounces of hot water to make a double shot of espresso. Adjust amounts to taste.
Espresso Machines
Should I use an espresso machine? Yes. Espresso machines apply hot water pressure to properly extract flavors and crema oils from the fine grounds. Other makers cannot replicate this, resulting in weak, watery coffee.
Using Regular Coffee for Espresso
Can you make espresso with regular coffee? To make espresso with regular coffee, use a fine grind and brew at a higher pressure than usual. You may also want to experiment with different brewing methods.
While technically possible, using regular coffee grounds is not recommended for espresso. The result will likely be bitter and taste horrible. In addition, regular coffee grounds do not have the right grind for an espresso machine. For best results, use high-quality Arabica coffee beans and a burr grinder.
When using regular coffee to make espresso, heat the water to higher temperatures to extract more flavor. This will make the coffee taste more similar to real espresso. Adjust the amount of coffee and water to find the perfect balance for your taste.
Espresso vs. Coffee Grounds
Espresso is a concentrated type of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely grounded coffee beans using a coffee-making machine or espresso machine. The process extracts the flavor of the coffee beans to give you a strong, rich shot of coffee.
Espresso uses hot water forced through finely ground coffee at high pressure, whereas brewed coffee is made by pouring hot water over coarsely ground coffee. Espresso has a bold, intense, slightly sweet taste. Brewed coffee has a more delicate, nuanced flavor that has fruity & chocolatey notes to it.
Espresso and Coffee History
It is usually served hot, although chilled or iced coffee is common. Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways (e.g., espresso, French press, caffè latte, or already-brewed canned coffee). Sugar, sugar substitutes, milk, and cream are often added to mask the bitter taste or enhance the flavor. Though coffee is now a global commodity, it has a long history tied closely to food traditions around the Red Sea.