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 the portafilter and run water through the machine
- Grind coffee beans to a fine texture
- Dose 18g coffee into a portafilter basket
- Distribute grounds evenly and tamp firmly
- Lock the portafilter into the group head
- Place scale under portafilter spouts
- Start timer as you engage the 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 the grind finer or coarser to hit a 1:2 ratio in 25-30 secs
- Use fresh, quality coffee beans for the best flavour
Want to make your espresso drinks even more impressive? Learn how to create latte art at home,
With some practice, you can pull perfect shots and make café-style drinks at home! In the meantime checkout our Christmas Coffee Gifts!