There’s a special kind of magic in pulling an espresso shot at home. The hiss of the machine, the rich aroma rising from the cup, and that first sip of concentrated flavour. Espresso is intense, rewarding – and a little more technical than other brew methods. But with a bit of practice, you’ll be pouring café-quality shots in your own kitchen.

No two home machines are the same. Basket size, pressure, and temperature all vary, so treat this as a starting point and adjust until you find what works best for your setup.

You’ll Need

Freshly roasted coffee beans

Espresso machine

Grinder & tamper

Weighing Scales

Mug or Demitasse Cup

 

Brew Guide

Preheat your machine and flush the group head.

Start with around 18g of coffee (adjust dose to suit your basket size).

Grind fine – similar to flour.

Dose into portafilter, distribute evenly, and tamp firmly.

Lock in and brew. Aim for a ratio of about 1:2 (e.g. 18g in → 36g out) in 25–30 seconds.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Not quite right?

Watch the pour. A good shot begins with a slow, rich drip that builds into an even stream with golden crema, lasting 25–30 seconds. Pouring too fast? Looks thin, pale, and watery? Your grind is likely too coarse or your dose too low. Adjust to a finer grind first, then revisit dose if needed. Pouring too slow? Very drippy, choking, or taking much longer than 30s? Your grind is probably too fine. Go coarser.

Taste check:
Sour or thin = under-extraction → try a finer grind or slightly longer extraction.
Bitter or harsh = over-extraction → try a coarser grind or shorter extraction.

Remember: grind and dose need to work in harmony. Weighing your coffee keeps the dose consistent, so you can make clear adjustments when dialling in.

What coffee should I choose?

Espresso is concentrated, well-balanced or low acidity coffees work best. Blends are a great starting point, as they’re designed for consistency and body, but medium/dark single origins can also shine. Look for chocolate, nutty or caramel notes if you prefer classic espresso flavour – or experiment with fruitier coffees for a brighter shot.

Try our house single origin BRAZIL SAO LOURENCO, rich chocolate and nuts make a super smooth espresso without bitterness.