Espresso Recipe

Warm up machine

Turn on the espresso machine and allow it to fully heat (portafilter, group head, and boiler). This typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on the machine. Run a short blank shot (run water through the group head with no coffee) to stabilize temperature.

Prepare portafilter and cup

While the machine warms, flush the portafilter and wipe it dry. Place the empty, warmed espresso cup under the spout. Ensure the machine reservoir has fresh water.

Weigh and grind beans

Weigh 18 g of fresh whole beans on a scale. Grind the beans to a fine, consistent setting appropriate for your espresso machine (similar to table salt; adjust as needed). Grind directly into the portafilter basket or dosing cup to avoid loss.

Distribute

Evenly distribute the ground coffee in the portafilter using a distribution tool or by gently tapping/leveling the basket so the surface is flat and uniform.

Tamp evenly

Using a tamper, apply firm, even pressure (approximately 30 pounds / 13.6 kg of force) to compress the grounds into a smooth puck. Aim for a level tamp; polish with a slight twist if desired. Wipe any stray grounds from the rim of the portafilter.

Lock in and start shot

Insert and lock the portafilter into the group head. Start the shot immediately after tamping to avoid channeling. Begin timing as water first contacts the coffee.

Target yield and time

Aim for a 1:2 brew ratio: 18 g dose to 36 ml yield. The extraction should take about 25–30 seconds from the first drip to stop. If the shot pours too quickly (<20 s), make the grind finer; if it pours too slowly (>35 s), make the grind coarser.

Observe shot

Look for a steady, honey-like stream that changes from dark brown to golden crema. Stop the shot when the cup reaches ~36 ml total volume (including crema).

Serve

Wipe the spouts and place the espresso cup on a saucer. Serve immediately to preserve crema and aroma. Optionally add sugar to taste.

Clean up

Knock out the used puck into the knock box, rinse the portafilter, and wipe the group head. Backflush the machine with detergent according to manufacturer instructions on a regular schedule.