How To Make Espresso at Home Without an Espresso Machine

You don't need the fanciest machine to have a shot of espresso.

Going to the nearest coffee shop and asking for their favorite espresso drink, whether it’s a cappuccino, latte or anything else, is many people’s most awaited part of the day. But what happens when you go home and start craving that sweet and warm flavor? Nothing can compare to the espresso’s aromas and flavors. We have to give that to the Italians. So wouldn’t it be great if you could have one in the comfort of your living room?

Sure, you could always buy an espresso machine, but that might be a little too much for you, as they can be a bit expensive and therefore not immediately available to satisfy your cravings. Don’t worry! Not all is lost. There are ways to brew an espresso, one that can almost perfectly imitate the one from your favorite cafe, right in your kitchen!

First, we have to understand how espresso is made. Both coffee and the process used to brew an espresso are unique on their own. To give your drink that strong and potent flavor, you’ll need a dark-roasted coffee. A finely ground coffee helps to increase the pressure required to push the water through the filter and create a good shot of espresso.

And that’s exactly the key to a good espresso drink. Espresso machines use boiling water and push it through the coffee with a lot of pressure. That’s what you’ll be hoping to imitate when you’re working on your homemade cup. Depending on what kind of coffee machine you own, an Aeropress, a Moka pot, or a french press, you’ll find the right method to do it just fine.

French press

As it’s more likely that you own a French press instead of any of the other two machines, we’ll beginning with a recipe for it. If you do it right, it’ll definitely give you a high-concentrated coffee. You’ll need:

• French press
• Ground coffee
• Tablespoon or scale
• Kettle

Grind the beans finely, measuring out about 2 tablespoons (preferably more). You’ll want a hefty mound of coffee in your French press to add some richness to the brew since it won’t come out as frothy as with a Moka pot or an Aeropress. Boil water and remove it from the stove for 30 seconds. Add the coffee to your French press and then add a few splashes of hot water to it. This will allow the coffee to bloom and release its oils. Let it sit for 30 seconds. Pour the rest of the water in and stir the coffee to make sure all coffee grounds absorbed it right. Close the lid and let it steep for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The stronger you want it, the longer you should leave it. Afterwards, simply press the plunger on your machine, slowly but steadily. Plunge it halfway and then raise the plunger before plunging all the way down. Enjoy!

Moka pot
However, due to to the water pressure it generates, the best way to prepare an espresso without a machine is to do it with a Moka pot. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Moka pot
• Ground coffee
• Tablespoon or scale

Measure out 1 ½ tablespoons of coffee, or measure out on a scale to about 21 or 22 grams. Grind your coffee beans as finely as possible. Moka pots work best with a fine ground coffee. Pour 3 ½ fluid ounces of water into the bottom of the pot. Inside it will also be a built-in filter, where you’ll place coffee. Heat to about 200 degrees. When water begins to heat to a point where coffee would naturally sinks, and sugar would dissolve, stir and lower the heat. You’ll want this mixture to simmer without ever coming to a boil slowly.

The rest of this process is a lot like listening and waiting for a tea kettle to whistle. Wait until coffee begins to expand and foam to the upper level of the pot. The hot water will create the pressure needed here to produce a strong coffee, as well as a bit of foam. When the top is filled with coffee, stir and pour it into a cup. And that’s it! You’ve made your own espresso!

Aeropress
Finally, if you happen to have it, an Aeropress could also do the job and create a good espresso imitation. It's easy to make single and double shots using it, and one of the best things is that it can make other types of coffee just as well as it brews espresso. It's also a portable device, making it an ideal solution if you want to make espresso while traveling or camping. This time, you’ll need:

• Aeropress
• Coffee grounds
• Tablespoon or scale
• Grinder

Stack your Aeropress. Place one or more filters inside the drain cap, lightly rinse, and then put it inside the press' compartment that will rest atop your coffee cup. Prepare about 2 tablespoons of coffee by grinding coffee beans the most finely you can. Drop them into the filter. Add approximately 3 ½ fluid ounces of water, heated to about 200 degrees. Stir along with the coffee. Then, press down the plunger – hard. Remember, pressure creates espressos! Pour your espresso into your favorite coffee mug, and enjoy!

There you have it! It’s not an impossible task so you can start experimenting making espressos at home. At That Coffee Roasters, we know that creativity and passion fuel the best of the art of coffee making, so never stop trying and having fun while you’re at it! Let us know in the comments how did it go for you and follow us on our social media for more.

Source: Atlas Coffee Club

Mix and experiment with different coffee recipes.

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That Coffee Roasters

Phone Number: (305) 821-8811

2697 W. 76 Street, Hialeah, Florida 33016

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