Making the Perfect Espresso

By Grace Chen

Most of us know espresso as that superbly strong cup of coffee we get to jump start our day. We need that extra jolt of caffeine to get our blood pumping, clear our minds, and prime our bodies for the work ahead of us. Just the aroma of freshly ground beans is enough to make us close our eyes, inhale deeply, and relish in its rich bliss.

Espresso is a thicker coffee drink than standard drip, and it is highly concentrated, providing roughly three times the amount of caffeine found in other types of coffee drinks. However, espresso is normally served in one ounce “shots,” where other coffees are served in cups that hold many ounces. In this respect, you likely take in more caffeine through one standard cup of coffee than you do in one shot of espresso.

Flavor Comes From the Brewing Process

Most people assume that a special roast of coffee needs to be used to make espresso. While some coffee shops prefer to use a dark roast for their espresso, it can be made using any blend of coffee.

The flavor of espresso comes from the specific brewing process used to produce it. In order for espresso to be rich and smooth, very hot water must be forced through very fine coffee, under a lot of pressure. The water should be hot, but not have reached the boiling point. If the water is too hot, the brew will taste bitter. If the water is not hot enough, the coffee will be sour.

It was not until this century that a machine was developed that could manage this unique set of brewing requirements, and only those that sufficiently meet these requirements will brew a smooth cup of espresso.

Variations on a Machine

There are two types of machines used to brew espresso – those with a hand lever and those that operate using an electric pump.

With a hand lever, the handle is attached to a piston. As the handle is pulled, the piston forces hot water through a filter basket containing tamped, ground coffee. The consistency of the ground coffee should range anywhere from very fine to powder-like. Water nearing 200 degrees Fahrenheit is forced through the filter basket to make the coffee.

A high-quality espresso machine forces the water through the coffee grounds at a controlled temperature, producing a cup of coffee that more closely resembles syrup.

The ideal shot of espresso should be “pulled” directly into a shot glass, and should take between 20 and 30 seconds to produce. It should be consumed within two minutes of brewing to enjoy the best quality and flavor, otherwise the espresso will begin to degrade.

Espresso’s Birth in the United States

Espresso has long been the preferred coffee drink of Europe, with its roots firmly planted in Milan, Italy. Popular in Spain, France, and Portugal, it also has long been enjoyed in many South American countries, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cuban immigrants brought espresso to the United States. Long confined to the communities in South Florida, the popularity of espresso in America blossomed with the growth of commercial coffee chains.
Coffee, creams, and flavored syrups are mixed with espresso to create an array of coffee drinks. The invention of home machines now makes it possible to enjoy espresso anytime, anywhere.

One word of advice, though. If you are interested in purchasing a home espresso machine of your own, invest in one that will provide you with the necessary water temperature and pressure, otherwise you will have a bitter, inferior cup of coffee.

Espresso Drinks

If you want to play barista at home and mix up some espresso creations of your own, try one of these on for taste.

• Alexandrino – A shot of espresso with a layer of condensed milk and a cinnamon stick.

• Flat White – One part espresso to two parts steamed milk.

• Kennedy – Three shots of espresso added to a cup of coffee.

• Latte – Espresso and steamed milk, with or without foam.

• Night Rider – A cup of coffee with cocoa mix and a shot of espresso.

• Hammerhead – A cup of coffee with two shots of espresso.

Deciding on a Home Machine

If you decide to purchase a home machine, there are essentially three different types to choose from. Each has positive and negative qualities, so make your choice according to the points most important to you.
• Pump Machine – This automated espresso maker has a motorized pump that creates pressure and forces the water through the coffee grounds. These machines are large, noisy, and expensive, but make an excellent shot of espresso.

• Piston or Lever Machine – These machines are smaller and quieter than a pump machine, but can be difficult to use if you do not have upper body strength. The quality of espresso produced by pump machines can vary.

• Steam Powered Machine – The water pressure is created by steam. These machines are small and easy to use, but many times the water pressure is not strong enough to produce a quality shot of espresso.

Prices vary among the different machines, so find ones that are within your budget and choose the one that will give you the best balance of ease of use with quality of taste.

 

For even more information on espresso, visit Espresso Xpert, the official espresso website.