Ingredients and Tools:

• Freshly roasted coffee beans
• Burr grinder
• Espresso machine
• Scale
• Timer

Choose Quality Beans:
Starting with high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans will set you up for brewing success.

Grind Size:
Set your burr grinder to a fine espresso grind. The grind size is crucial for espresso; it should resemble powdered sugar.

Weigh the Coffee:
Measure your coffee dose. A standard single espresso shot is around 17-20 grams. Adjust the dose based on your taste preferences.

Tamp the Coffee:
Place the coffee grounds into the portafilter basket. Tamp the grounds down evenly and with consistent pressure using a tamper. The surface should be level and smooth.

Pre-infusion (Optional):
Some espresso machines have a pre-infusion feature. If yours does, use it. If not, you can skip this step.

Brew Time:
Start the shot and time the extraction. A standard single espresso shot should take around 25-30 seconds to extract. Adjust the grind size if your shot is too fast (under-extracted) or too slow (over-extracted).

• If the shot is too fast, watery and sour, your grind is likely too coarse. Adjust to a finer grind.
• If the shot is too slow, thick and bitter, your grind is likely too fine. Adjust to a coarser grind.

Adjust the Grind:
Make small adjustments to the grind size and repeat the process until you achieve a balanced shot within the 25-30 second range.

Taste and Refine:
Taste the espresso. Look for a balanced flavor with a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. Adjust the grind size and dose as needed to achieve the desired taste.

Get Creative:
Once you've nailed the basics, it's time to get creative! Add a splash of frothy milk for a homemade cappuccino or latte. Your kitchen is now your personal coffee laboratory – let your inner barista shine!

Pro Tips:

• Keep in mind that a good quality burr grinder is absolutely essential for espresso.
• Machines that have grinders built in (like this one) are great options for saving money and counter space.
• A simple and affordable machine (like this one) can produce the same quality espresso as a cafe.
  

Making espresso at home is not just a money-saving venture; it's a delightful journey of self-discovery and caffeinated joy. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off that espresso machine, and get ready to impress yourself and your guests with the perfect espresso. With a sprinkle of patience and a dollop of practice, you'll be well on your way to becoming the bad ass barista you were always meant to be.

Drop us a message at brewcoach@yesplz.coffee for personalized help with your brewing experience!