Add Shot Recipe
Make Add Shot Recipe in just 7m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Equipment & Basic Supplies
Coffee & Water
Optional Additions
Method
Equipment & Basic Supplies
- 1
Prepare equipment
Ensure the espresso machine or moka pot is clean, warmed up, and has adequate water. Place a shot glass or demitasse under the group head or spout. If using an espresso machine, have your tamper ready.
Coffee & Water
- 2
Dose and grind
Weigh 18 g of fresh coffee beans. Grind to a fine, slightly gritty espresso grind. The grind should be finer than pour-over but not powdery—similar to table salt.
- 3
Prepare the portafilter (espresso) or moka basket
If using an espresso machine: distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter, level it, and tamp with consistent pressure to create a flat, even puck. If using a moka pot: fill the filter basket with ground coffee and level it without compressing.
- 4
- 5
Assess extraction
Check the shot's appearance and timing: a good espresso will have a golden-brown crema and a balanced taste—neither overly sour (under-extracted) nor overly bitter (over-extracted). Adjust grind or dose next time if necessary.
Optional Additions
- 6
Make a lungo (slightly longer shot)
If you prefer a lungo, allow an additional ~15 ml of water through the puck (total ~45 ml). This will produce a slightly milder flavor. Use the 'extra water' ingredient as needed.
- 7
Turn into an americano
For an americano, pour 60 ml of hot water into a cup and add the extracted shot on top to preserve crema as much as possible. Adjust hot water to taste.
- 8
- 9
Sweeten or flavor
Stir in sugar (1 tsp) or 10 ml of flavored syrup to taste. Add immediately after brewing so the sweetener dissolves evenly.
- 10
Serve
Serve the shot immediately while hot. If you prepared any additions (americano, milk, syrup), combine them right after extraction for best flavor and aroma.