Espresso Recipe

Espresso

1. 1

   Prepare machine and equipment

   Fill the espresso machine reservoir with fresh water (about 1 L) and switch the machine on. Allow the group head, portafilter, and cup to heat for at least 15–30 minutes so temperatures stabilize. Backflush the group head if required by your machine's maintenance schedule to ensure clean brew water.

2. 2

   Dose and grind

   Weigh 18 g of whole coffee beans. Set your grinder to produce a fine grind suitable for espresso (should feel like table salt, but adjust to your machine). Grind directly into the clean, dry double basket of the portafilter so you have the full 18 g in the basket.

3. 3

   Distribute and tamp

   Level the grounds in the basket using your finger or a distribution tool to remove large voids. Apply a consistent tamp with about 15–20 kg (30–45 lb) of pressure to create a flat, even puck. Polish the tamp slightly by twisting the tamper to smooth the surface. Wipe any loose grounds from the portafilter rim.

4. 4

   Purge and lock in

   Run water through the group head for 1–2 seconds to purge old water and stabilize temperature. Immediately lock the loaded portafilter into the group head and place the preheated espresso cup under the spouts.

5. 5

   Brew the shot

   Start the shot and start your timer simultaneously. Target a 1:2 ratio (18 g in to ~36 g out) — stop the shot at about 36 ml (weighed as 36 g) or when the extraction time reaches 25–30 seconds. The first few seconds should show a steady syrupy stream that turns honey-like, then blonding toward the end. If extraction is much faster, grind finer; if much slower, grind coarser.

6. 6

   Serve

   Remove the cup and serve the espresso immediately to preserve crema and aroma. If making milk drinks, steam milk after pulling the shot or pull the shot while steaming depending on workflow and machine capability.

7. 7

   Clean

   Knock out the spent puck, rinse the portafilter, and wipe the group gasket and shower screen. Periodically backflush and descale the machine according to manufacturer recommendations.