Pull Perfect Espresso Shots at Home
With the right gear and technique, you can make café-quality espresso drinks at home. Follow these steps for balanced extraction when using a semi-automatic espresso machine.
Equipment Needed:
- Espresso machine (Sage Barista Pro or similar)
- Digital espresso scale (Acaia Pearl or similar)
- Burr coffee grinder
- Tamper and portafilter
Espresso Recipe:
- 18g freshly ground coffee
- 36g extracted espresso (1:2 ratio)
- 25-30 second extraction time
Step-by-Step Espresso Instructions:
- Clean portafilter and run water through machine
- Grind coffee beans to fine texture
- Dose 18g coffee into portafilter basket
- Distribute grounds evenly and tamp firmly
- Lock portafilter into group head
- Place scale under portafilter spouts
- Start timer as you engage pump
- Aim for 36g espresso in 25-30 seconds
- Taste and adjust grind size if needed
- Enjoy properly extracted espresso!
Tips for Espresso Excellence:
- Keep machine clean for quality and longevity
- Adjust grind finer or coarser to hit 1:2 ratio in 25-30 secs
- Use fresh, quality coffee beans for best flavour
With some practice, you can pull perfect shots and make café-style drinks at home!