Espresso
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Four Key Elements of Great Italian Espresso
Learn the four essential factors—grind, blend, machine, and skill—that make a perfect Italian-style espresso shot every time.
Espresso Extraction Troubleshooting Checklist
Fix slow, fast, sour, bitter, or thin espresso shots with this structured guide to common extraction issues and their causes.
How to Pull a Proper Espresso: Step-by-Step Guide
Master the fundamentals of espresso extraction: grind, dose, tamp, and brew time. Learn the 18–25 second, 20–30ml standard with clear steps.
How to Use a Seagull Hand Press Coffee Maker for Espresso
Learn how to pull espresso with the Seagull hand press machine using 12g fine-ground coffee and 80ml hot water for best results.
How to Make Barley Coffee with Espresso and Cream
A step-by-step guide to making Barley Coffee, blending Italian espresso, barley tea, cream, and honey for a unique warm drink.
Making Espresso with Defective Coffee Beans
Using rejected beans and a bit of Robusta, this espresso isn’t perfect—but it’s not as bad as you’d expect. Just a bit bitter.
How to Make Espresso-Style Coffee with an AeroPress in 30 Seconds
Learn how to brew a rich, smooth espresso-like coffee using just an AeroPress in 30 seconds with fine grind, 80°C water, and 20-second press.
What’s the Right Espresso Extraction Time?
The widely accepted espresso extraction time is 25–30 seconds for optimal balance and flavor. Shorter shots may taste sour, longer ones bitter.
The Science Behind Traditional Espresso
Discover the precise formula and key variables that define a well-balanced traditional espresso, backed by SCAA standards and sensory science.
Espresso Brewing by the Numbers on the Scale
Learn how a 19.2g coffee dose to 27.4g yield produces a 1.42 brew ratio, and why ratios between 1.25–1.5 are ideal for espresso.
How to Make Affogato: Italian Espresso Over Gelato
Learn how to make a classic Italian affogato with 30cc espresso and a scoop of vanilla gelato, plus tips on coffee and flavor pairings.
How to Make Con Panna (Espresso with Whipped Cream)
Learn how to make a classic Con Panna coffee—just espresso and whipped cream—with exact temps, ratios, and tips for a perfect finish.
Four Key Factors for Brewing Great Espresso
Learn the four essential elements—machine, beans, skill, and environment—that determine the quality of your espresso shot.
How to Pull a Great Espresso: Extraction Essentials
Learn the key factors behind a balanced espresso shot—from grind size to water temperature—with exact numbers and practical steps.
How to Make Espresso: Technical Guide for Perfect Shots
Learn the essential steps and techniques for crafting ideal espresso, from grind size to water temperature and crema formation.
How to Make Great Espresso at Home with an Italian Coffee Machine
Learn how to pull consistent espresso shots at home using your Italian machine with correct grind, tamp, and preheat steps for better crema and flavor.
How Al’s Rule Helps Dial In Your Espresso Extraction
Al’s Rule offers a simple way to find espresso’s sweet spot: for every 5cc change in shot volume, adjust time by 1 second. Start at 30cc/30sec.
How to Make Authentic Italian-Style Espresso at Home
Learn to brew proper Italian espresso and cappuccino using a home machine, with exact timing, doses, and milk-texturing steps.
How Espresso Pre-Infusion Works and Why It Matters
Learn how espresso pre-infusion started, how different machines implement it, and what really happens during those crucial first seconds.
What Affects Espresso Quality? 6 Key Factors
From pre-infusion to water hardness, learn the six major factors that influence your espresso's taste, texture, and success rate.