Espresso Brewing Guide
Concentrated, complex, and intense. The foundation for countless coffee drinks and a craft unto itself.
What is Espresso?
Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewing method that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure (typically 9 bars). The result is a small, intense shot with a layer of crema on top.
Unlike other brewing methods, espresso extracts coffee in 25-35 seconds, producing a thick, syrupy beverage with concentrated flavors. It's the base for lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and many other drinks.
Making great espresso requires precision in grind size, dose, temperature, and pressure - but the reward is unmatched intensity and complexity.
Quick Reference
Grind Size: Very fine
Dose: 18-20g for double shot
Yield: 36-40g liquid
Time: 25-35 seconds
Pressure: 9 bars
Best Roasts: Med-Dark Dark
Dialing In Your Shot
The process of adjusting variables to achieve the perfect extraction
1. Start with a Recipe
Begin with a standard recipe: 18g coffee in, 36g espresso out, in 28-32 seconds. This 1:2 ratio is a solid starting point.
2. Adjust Grind Size
Grind is your primary variable. If the shot runs too fast (under 25 seconds), grind finer. Too slow (over 35 seconds), grind coarser. Make small adjustments.
3. Taste and Adjust
Sour/thin? Under-extracted - try a finer grind or longer shot time.
Bitter/harsh? Over-extracted - try a coarser grind or shorter shot time.
4. Perfect Your Puck Prep
Distribute grounds evenly before tamping. WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) with a needle tool helps prevent channeling.
5. Keep Variables Consistent
Change one thing at a time. Keep dose, tamp pressure, and temperature consistent while adjusting grind.
Roast Recommendations
Traditional espresso favors darker roasts, but any roast can work
Medium-Dark
The sweet spot for espresso. Balanced bitterness, rich crema, and complex flavors. Perfect for milk drinks or straight shots.
Learn MoreDark Roast
Traditional Italian espresso. Bold, smoky, and intensely bitter. Cuts through milk in lattes and cappuccinos.
Learn MoreMedium Roast
Modern specialty approach. Brighter, fruitier shots that showcase origin. Requires more precise dialing in.
Learn MoreRecommended Equipment
Entry-level to enthusiast espresso gear
Breville Bambino Plus
Excellent entry-level machine with automatic milk steaming. Quick heat-up and consistent extraction.
View on AmazonGaggia Classic Pro
Reliable semi-automatic with commercial-style components. A proven platform for learning espresso.
View on AmazonBreville Smart Grinder Pro
Versatile grinder with espresso-capable fineness. Digital dosing timer for consistent doses.
View on AmazonNormcore WDT Tool
Essential for even distribution. Eliminates clumps and prevents channeling for better extraction.
View on AmazonCommon Espresso Drinks
Espresso
1 shot straight. The purest expression of coffee.
Americano
Espresso + hot water. Similar strength to drip coffee.
Cappuccino
Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
Latte
Espresso + lots of steamed milk, thin foam layer.
Cortado
Equal parts espresso and steamed milk. No foam.
Flat White
Double shot with velvety microfoam milk.