Segafredo Coffee Recipe

Preheat and dose

Warm your portafilter and espresso cup by running a blank shot or rinsing with hot water. Dose 18 g of finely ground espresso (Segafredo blend or similar) into the portafilter basket.

Distribute and tamp

Evenly distribute the grounds in the basket, level them, and tamp with steady 20–30 lb (9–13 kg) pressure to create a flat, compact puck. Wipe any stray grounds from the rim.

Brew

Lock the portafilter into a preheated espresso machine and start the shot. Aim for 36 ml of espresso (approx. 1.5 oz) extracted in 25–30 seconds. Watch for a rich, caramel-colored crema. If using a Moka pot: use a fine grind, fill the bottom with hot water, pack the basket lightly, assemble and heat over medium until you hear a gentle hissing; yield will be stronger than drip coffee but not true espresso.

Steam/froth milk (cappuccino/latte)

If making a milk-based drink, pour 150 ml whole milk into a chilled pitcher. Purge the steam wand, then submerge tip just below the surface and introduce air for 2–3 seconds to create microfoam. Lower the wand to heat to about 60–65°C (140–150°F). Aim for silky, glossy microfoam (cappuccino: more foam; latte: less foam).

Prepare a macchiato

For a macchiato, prepare the espresso and then spoon or pour a small dollop (about 15–30 ml) of steamed milk or foam onto the center of the shot to 'mark' it.

Assemble cappuccino/latte

For a cappuccino, pour the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back foam, then spoon a thick layer of foam on top (approx. 1–2 cm). For a latte, pour steamed milk into the espresso with a thin layer of foam (approx. 0.5–1 cm). Use the additional 30 ml milk only if you want extra for latte art or a larger cup.

Taste the espresso and add up to 1 tsp sugar if desired; stir gently to dissolve. For cappuccino or latte, you can sweeten the milk before pouring if preferred.

Optionally dust a pinch of cocoa powder over the foam for a traditional finish.

Serve the Segafredo-style espresso immediately in a warmed cup. For milk drinks, serve in the appropriately sized cup (cappuccino cup 150–180 ml, latte glass 240–350 ml). Enjoy while hot.