How do you make espresso with regular coffee?

Quick answer: To make espresso with regular coffee, you need finely ground coffee beans, hot water, and a method to pressurize the water through the coffee. A Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press can achieve results close to traditional espresso without an espresso machine.

1) The big benefits

• Cost-effective: Using regular coffee and alternative brewing methods is more affordable than espresso machines.
• Versatility: Allows for experimentation with different roasts and grinds to tailor your espresso experience.
• Accessibility: You can make espresso-like coffee at home without needing specialized equipment.
• Convenience: Simplifies the coffee-making process, making it quick and easy to enjoy a rich brew.

2) Practical guide

• Moka Pot: Fill the bottom with water, add ground coffee to the filter, assemble, and heat until coffee brews.
• AeroPress: Use a fine grind, add hot water, stir, and press firmly for a concentrated shot.
• French Press: Use a coarse grind, add hot water, steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly for a strong brew.

3) Selection guide

• Bean Choice:
  • Darker roasts for a bold, rich flavor.
  • Medium roasts for a balanced flavor profile.
• Grind Size:
  • Fine grind for Moka pot and AeroPress.
  • Coarse grind for French Press.

4) Best practices

• Storage: Keep coffee beans in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
• Maintenance: Clean your coffee maker after each use to ensure the best flavor.
• Tips: Preheat your cup and brewing equipment with hot water for an optimal extraction temperature.

5) Level up your coffee experience

• Grinder: Invest in a quality burr grinder for consistent grind size.
• Water: Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Measurements: Experiment with coffee-to-water ratios to find your perfect strength.

6) Scandalous Coffee picks to

• Black Market Roast – Dark roast with chocolate & caramel notes
• Contraband Blend – Balanced, everyday coffee with almond, chocolate, and orange zest flavors
• Encrypted Citrus – Light roast, bright & fruity with lemon and black tea notes
• Velvet Outlaw – Rich in dark chocolate and hazelnut flavors

Bottom line: Making espresso with regular coffee is a practical and enjoyable way to achieve a rich, concentrated brew at home. Experimenting with grind size, brewing pressure, and water temperature can help you get close to a traditional espresso shot. Scandalous Coffee offers a range of roasts that can your homemade espresso experience, combining quality beans with the convenience of at-home brewing.