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Home » Beverage » Espresso

Published: Jan 6, 2016 · Modified: Feb 9, 2021 by Lisa Johnson

Espresso

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small white cup of perfect espresso next to a colorful striped napkin

Creating delicious Espresso at home may seem complicated, but it is really easy!! I am going to show you how I make my own Espresso drinks everyday at home with this step-by-step tutorial - aka the art of Espresso according to Lisa.

Be your own barista at home and make delicious Espresso in minutes | cookingwithcurls.com

I make my own Espresso drinks everyday at home using a De'Longhi Espresso Machine. I have had mine for 2 years and it was less than $100! {It is currently $129}

Espresso Machine cookingwithcurls.com

Sorry about the blury photos, but you get the idea. Turn your Espresso Machine on and let it preheat!! You need the steam to build up, so don't skip this step.

I also have some espresso tools to show you. I will explain what they are for as we go along....

Espresso Tools cookingwithcurls.com

How to make Espresso:

First, you need some good quality coffee beans. You can use any coffee beans to make Espresso. I prefer Colombian, but if you're a die hard Starbucks fan go for Dark Espresso Roast. For true Italian Espresso use Lavazza Super Crema.

Espresso beans cookingwithcurls.com

Place two scoops of coffee beans into a coffee grinder {this is for one serving}. Grind the beans on the FINE setting. You want them pulverized, and about the consistency of sugar.....

Espresso ground cookingwithcurls.com

Now place two scoops {14 grams/ 1 tablespoon} of grinds into the portafilter.....

Espresso portafilter cookingwithcurls.com

With this particular machine, you get two "baskets". One is for a single shot and the larger one is for a double shot.

Using the Tamper side of the Tamper/Spoon if you have one, tamp down the grounds so they are compressed. {or you can use the Tamper on the side of the machine}.

Espresso tamp cookingwithcurls.com

Smooth the top of the grinds with your finger and place into the Espresso Machine.

Turn the portafilter so the handle is on your left, slide it up into the slot and turn to the right to lock into place. If it does not turn, you have the portafilter too full. 🙂

Place an espresso cup under the portafilter and turn the knob to the POUR position {far right}.

Espresso cup cookingwithcurls.com

To make espresso drinks {like mochas and lattes} use a 3 0z Bell Pitcher.....

Espresso pour cookingwithcurls.com

You know a perfect shot of Espresso by the gorgeous "crema" on top of dark, rich coffee!

In Italy, a cup of Espresso is served with little tubes or packets of raw sugar.

small white cup on a saucer filled with espresso

I prefer mine mixed with hot cacao. 😉

What is espresso?

The word Espresso means "to press out", you are pressing the water through the coffee grinds under high pressure. These home machines do not have the same amount of pressure behind them as the professional machines do, so you need to go a little easier on your tamping. If you turn the knob and no espresso pours out, your grinds are too tight. Give it a minute and it will eventually start to pour. If it pours out too quickly, it isn't tamped down enough...or your grinds are too course. After a couple of tries you will get the hang of it. 🙂

Recipe Notes:

  • A single shot of Espresso is 1 to 2 ounces and takes 15 to 20 seconds.
  • A double shot of Espresso is 2 to 3 ounces and takes 25 to 30 seconds.
  • I use bottled water so I don't have to deal with lime and calcium deposits building up in the machine.
  • Fresh ground beans do make a difference, they give you the best flavor.
  • Do not store coffee beans in the freezer. A dry, dark spot is perfect.
  • To remove the used grinds, flip the little lever up onto the edge of the filter {it has an arrow on it} and hold it down with your finger as you pound it against the side of a garbage can.

Tools used to create this espresso recipe:

  • De'Longhi Espresso Machine - I still recommend this machine because it is a great home machine, BUT they have a history of burning out boilers every two years, and they do not sell replacement parts.
  • They no longer sell the HamiltonBeach grinder shown above.
  • 3 ounce Bell Pitcher
  • The Krups Spoon/Tamper is currently unavailable, but there is a Stainless Steel Spoon/Tamper available.

Update: These are the products that I am now using to make my daily Caffè Mocha

  • When my De'Longhi machine died last year I replaced it with a Lelit commercial machine that is no longer available. This Espresso Machine is the closest model to the one that I bought.
  • My new favorite beans are Black Rifle Dark Roast, but they have a lot of different roasts and a club you can join for discounts.
  • Capresso Grinder - I love it, it grinds the beans down perfectly!!
  • Glass Espresso Measuring Cup
  • Milk Steaming Pitcher

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can continue creating more delicious recipes!

More delicious espresso recipes:

  • Caffè Mocha - recipe for a Peppermint Mocha is at the bottom of the post
  • Affogato
  • Espresso Martini
  • Classic Tiramisu

So, how do you like your Espresso?

Enjoy!!

small white cup of perfect espresso next to a colorful striped napkin

Espresso

Be your own barista at home and make delicious Espresso in minutes!
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: perfect espresso shot at home using a machine
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Serving
Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground espresso beans 14 to 15 grams
  • bottled water
  • raw sugar optional

Instructions

  • Turn on espresso machine to preheat.

For a Double Shot:

  • Place two scoops of coffee beans into a coffee grinder. Grind using the FINE setting.
  • Scoop 14 grams {1 Tablespoon} of ground beans and place in the basket of your portafilter.
  • Smooth coffee grounds with your finger to make them even across the top.
  • Place portafilter into the espresso machine and twist to lock into place. Place espresso cup or bell pitcher under the portafilter.
  • When espresso machine is ready, turn the to POUR position.
  • A double pour is 2 to 3 ounces, or 25 to 30 seconds.
  • Serve with raw sugar if desired.

For a Single Shot:

  • Place 7 grams {1/2 Tablespoon} into the portafilter using the smaller basket/filter.
  • A single shot is 1 to 2 ounces, or 15 to 20 seconds.

Notes

  • A single shot of Espresso is 1 to 2 ounces and takes 15 to 20 seconds.
  • A double shot of Espresso is 2 to 3 ounces and takes 25 to 30 seconds.
  • I use bottled water so I don’t have to deal with lime and calcium deposits building up in the machine.
  • Fresh ground beans do make a difference, they give you the best flavor.
  • Do not store coffee beans in the freezer.  A dry, dark spot is perfect.
  • To remove the used grinds, flip the little lever up onto the edge of the filter {it has an arrow on it} and hold it down with your finger as you pound it against the side of a garbage can.
Previous Post: « Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix
Next Post: Peppermint Syrup »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    January 08, 2016 at 10:37 am

    I didn't think you liked coffee for some reason!! Great tips here, Lisa! pinned and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  2. Theresa @DearCreatives says

    January 12, 2016 at 8:10 pm

    I love coffee and espresso. I worked in a coffee shop for years. Thanks for sharing your post at the Inspiration Spotlight party.... See you again soon. Pinned & shared. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  3. Joybee says

    January 14, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    I love espresso. I can't drink much caffeine but one shot of espresso is just the right amount. My husband recently bought us an espresso machine the delonghi EC680. It's slim and a great fit for our tiny kitchen. It's more than paid for it's self because we (my husband mostly) never want to buy coffee from a coffee shop. Since we live in Hawaii we also use mostly all local coffee...how cool is that 🙂

    Reply
    • Lisa Johnson says

      January 15, 2016 at 5:45 pm

      I'll let you in on a little secret Joybee, I use decaf. 😉 I am soooo jealous, the coffee in HI is amazing!!

      Reply
  4. Carlyn Bullock says

    January 15, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Oh My Gosh! Thank you so much for this post! I have always been curious HOW to do this and a little put off that it looked too complicated. I have friends with machines and try to watch as they work their magic, but they are so fast, it always escaped me. I am saving this post! you are the best! Thanks you Thank you Thank you

    From OffTheSidewalk in Tampa, With a smile, Carlyn 🙂

    Reply
    • Lisa Johnson says

      January 15, 2016 at 5:52 pm

      You are so welcome Carlyn!! It seems way more confusing than it actually is, but you can do it. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mike Smith says

    February 29, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Thanks for excellent writeup Lisa, I've had mine (De’Longhi) for a little over 1 year now, and it still works well. Dark espresso roast is the place where we converge – delight of every coffee lover. Planning to switch back to keurig's office version, since that handles pretty much everything and is more durable.
    I know how to make espresso, but like a true coffee lover, just can't stop the instrict of overlooking a espresso article 😀

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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