This thick dark coffee-shot comes in quaint little 'toy' cups. It may bring to your mind the mixture your grandmother brewed in the traditional coffee filter. Can you smell the strong freshly ground and brewed filter coffee from just the memory?

Well, it turns out that the Espresso has quite a fond history as well, rooted across borders and in Italy… 

The Beginning of the Espresso 

The origins of espresso are a hotly debated topic, but we have the answers. Coffee was already popular in Italy during the Renaissance, and the invention of espresso took place in Venice in the early 20th century. 

Making of Fast Coffee Machine 

Luigi Bezzera, a businessman, frustrated by the time-consuming nature of making coffee, so he experimented with ways to speed up the process. He discovered that applying steam pressure to the machine not only reduced brewing time but also resulted in a stronger beverage. 

This innovative technique brought out the best flavours in the coffee beans, and Bezzera named his machine the 'Fast Coffee Machine'. The term "espresso" comes from the Italian word "fast", and is used to describe this new method of brewing coffee. 

Espresso Goes Viral 

Unfortunately, Bezzera's marketing skills were not as strong as his engineering skills. In 1905, Desidero Pavoni acquired the rights to Bezzera's machine and patented it. Pavoni was a brilliant marketer, and he soon made espresso synonymous with high-quality coffee. 

As a result of Pavoni's marketing efforts, the way we consume coffee was revolutionised. Although Bezzera was the original inventor of espresso, it was Pavoni who made it a global phenomenon. 

And then in 1938 Achille Gaggia, an inventor, used his engineering prowess to make the direct predecessor of today's Espresso Machine. 

The Basics to Brewing an Espresso at Home 

At the outset it sounds simple enough. All you need is ground coffee beans, hot water, and sugar. Mix them all together and your Espresso is ready! However, for the Espresso enthusiast, making the perfect shot is an art. It involves picking the right blend, grinding it to perfection and mixing it with sugar and water in the right way.  

Furthermore, we have our very own follow this link for more information!

If you are looking for more coffee brewing methods, take a look at this fun article-Exploring the Art of Coffee Brewing at Home!

The 5 Ms of the perfect Italian Espresso 

To make an exceptional Italian espresso, you need to follow the five M's, a set of fundamental principles. These guidelines will help you produce a top-notch cup of coffee. Let us take a closer look at each step: 

1. Miscela (Blend):  

Creating the perfect espresso blend requires carefully selecting and combining different types of coffee beans. The blend should offer a balanced flavour, aroma, and body. 

2. Macinazione (Grind):  

Start by choosing the right coffee beans and grinding them to the right fineness. The grind size has a significant impact on the extraction process and the overall flavour of the espresso. Furthermore, grinding the beans just before brewing the espresso, gives the best aroma and flavour. 

3. Macchina (Machine):

The espresso machine plays a critical role in the brewing process. This could be a fully automatic machine, a semi-automatic one or a manual machine. Whatever you choose, perfecting the espresso of your choice may take a few trials. This depends on your machine and your choice of blend. 

4. Mano (Hand):  

Skilled baristas use their expertise to control various aspects of the brewing process. This includes evenly tamping the ground coffee in the portafilter and properly handling the espresso machine. 

While brewing it at home, you are the barista, and the customer! Your skill will improve with practice. Once you have nailed the right brew, you can attempt to fancify your espresso with other ingredients.    
 

5. Manutenzione (Maintenance):  

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the espresso machine are essential to ensure its longevity and consistent performance. This includes cleaning the group heads, back flushing, and descaling.
 

Additionally, a poorly maintained espresso machine will give you poor results. Cleaning and inspecting your equipment regularly is tedious. However, it is a necessary routine to enjoy really good espresso, every time.

Tips To Improving Your Home-brewed Espresso 

#1 Opt for medium to dark roast beans  

Traditionally, dark roast beans are used to make espresso. While lighter roast beans can also produce good espresso, it is important to note that the best practices for espresso-making assume the use of darker roast beans. Following these practices may not yield the same results when using lighter roasts. Therefore, those new to making espresso have been advised to stick with darker roasts initially. Once they have mastered the skill of producing excellent espresso using dark roast beans, they can experiment with lighter roasts.   
 

#2 Precise weighing  

To achieve the desired 2:1 ratio of ground coffee to liquid coffee in espresso, accurate weighing is important. Measuring by weight ensures accuracy, as measuring by volume can be misleading due to the aerated crema atop the espresso, which adds volume without adding significant liquid mass. Therefore, it is necessary to weigh both the initial dose of ground coffee and the final drink. Water trapped in the portafilter can distort the measurement if only the water weight is considered. Using a scale that fits under the cup in the espresso machine can be important for achieving the correct brew ratio.  

 

#3 Grinding size  

The grind size of coffee greatly influences the taste of espresso. Finer coffee grounds expose more surface area to water, extracting a higher concentration of flavour-containing compounds. However, not all of these compounds should be extracted. The ideal grind size for espresso is slightly coarser than flour consistency. Adjustments can be made based on taste preferences—grinding slightly coarser for less bitterness or slightly finer for more sharpness. Maintaining a constant brew ratio while experimenting with grind size helps achieve the desired espresso flavour and texture. 
 

#4 Preheat the espresso machine  

Maintaining the ideal brewing temperature is crucial for espresso extraction. Espresso machines, with their large size and metal parts, tend to lose heat easily. Therefore, preheating the machine before brewing helps ensure the ideal temperature. Running a "blank shot" without coffee grounds allows hot water to flow through the machine's pipes, reducing the impact on brewing temperature. This simple step optimizes the espresso brewing process.
 

#5 Temperature considerations  

Changes in ambient temperature, especially in the kitchen, can affect espresso brewing. Coffee beans are sensitive to temperature variations, increasing and contracting in size. Consequently, grind settings may need adjustment. In colder environments, slightly loosening the grind can compensate, while in warmer conditions, a slight tightening may be necessary to maintain consistency.  

 

#6 Investing in a quality espresso machine  

A high-quality grinder is vital for espresso preparation, especially for those who enjoy complex, light-roasted coffees. When it comes to home espresso machines, having a similar budget for a grinder is highly recommended. The grinder's quality significantly contributes to the overall espresso experience, particularly for lighter roasts with intricate flavours.

Oh! So Many Ways to Enjoy Your Espresso!

You can stay an Espresso puritan and stick with the single shot or double shot. Or you can pick from any one of these great Espresso-based brews.

Americano  

An Americano is a coffee drink made by diluting the espresso shot with hot water. The resulting drink has a similar flavour to regular brewed coffee, but with a more concentrated flavour and a thicker texture.

To make an Americano, simply combine a shot of espresso with hot water in a 1:2 ratio. You can adjust the ratio to taste, depending on whether you prefer your Americano strong or weak.

Americanos can be enjoyed on their own or as the base for other coffee drinks, such as lattés and cappuccinos. They are also a good option for people who are sensitive to caffeine, as the hot water dilutes the caffeine content of the espresso.   
 

Macchiato  

A macchiato is made from a shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk. The word "macchiato" comes from the Italian word "macchiare," which means "to mark" or "to stain".

To make a macchiato, first, pull a shot of espresso. Then, steam a small amount of milk until it is frothy. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, being careful not to mix the two liquids together.

Macchiatos are a popular coffee drink in Italy, and they are also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. They are a good option for people who enjoy the strong flavour of espresso, but also want a little bit of sweetness.   
 

Breve  

A breve coffee is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed half-and-half. The word "breve" comes from the Italian word "breve", which means "short". This is because half-and-half has a lower fat content compared to whole milk, which is commonly utilised in lattés and cappuccinos.  

To make a breve, first pull a shot of espresso. Then, steam half-and-half until it is frothy. Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso, being careful not to mix the two liquids together. 

Breve coffees are a good option for people who enjoy the strong flavour of espresso, but also want a creamy texture. They are also a good option for people who are lactose intolerant, as half-and-half has a lower lactose content than whole milk.   
 

Espresso con panna  

Espresso con panna is an Italian coffee drink made from a shot of espresso and a dollop of whipped cream. The word "panna" means "cream" in Italian, so espresso con panna literally means "espresso with cream".

To make espresso con panna, first pull a shot of espresso. Then, whip some cream until it is light and fluffy. Top the espresso with the whipped cream.

Espresso con panna is a rich and flavourful coffee drink that is perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of sweetness in their espresso.  
 

Iced Latté  

An iced latté is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and ice. The word "latté" comes from the Italian word "latté", which means "milk".

To make an iced latté, first pull a shot of espresso. Then, steam some milk until it is frothy. Pour the espresso and steamed milk over ice.  

Iced lattés are a refreshing and flavourful coffee drink that is perfect for a hot day. You can enjoy them plain or with flavored syrups, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. 

Dirty Chai Latté  

The barista makes a dirty chai latte by adding a shot of espresso to brewed chai tea, giving the drink a slightly cloudy appearance. The term "dirty" indicates the addition of espresso to the chai tea.

To make a dirty chai latté, first brew some chai tea. Then, pull a shot of espresso. Pour the espresso into the chai tea.  

Dirty chai lattés are a flavourful and caffeine-rich coffee drink that is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of chai tea.  

These are our top picks of espresso-based coffees. There are plenty more to choose from and you can create your own too. It all comes down to your own taste.   
 

Sit Back And Sip

The espresso's versatility lends itself to so many types. You do not have to settle for just one. Explore and identify your favourites and brew an espresso to suit your mood!