How to Use an AeroPress for Specialty Coffee

If you’ve ever wondered how to get a rich, espresso-like shot without an actual espresso machine, the AeroPress might be your answer. This compact, versatile coffee maker is beloved by specialty coffee fans for its simplicity and adaptability. But there’s a specific way to use it that gets results close to a double espresso—here’s exactly how.

To brew a concentrated coffee similar to a double espresso with an AeroPress, use two fine scoops of ground coffee, 80°C water up to the number 2 mark, stir for 10 seconds, then press for about 20 seconds. That’s your base shot—then customize it as you like.

What Is an AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a manually operated coffee brewing device invented in 2005. It’s a cylindrical plastic tube with a plunger and a filter cap. Unlike espresso machines, it uses air pressure created by manual pressing to extract coffee, resulting in a concentrated brew that resembles espresso in strength—but with a different flavor profile and method.

Why Use an AeroPress for Espresso-Style Coffee?

An AeroPress won’t make true espresso—the high-pressure kind made with 9 bars of force—but it can produce a small, concentrated coffee shot that works well for Americanos or lattes. It’s valued for being fast, clean, and adjustable, especially when you don’t have access to an espresso machine.

How to Make an Espresso-Style Shot with AeroPress

Follow these steps to brew a strong, concentrated coffee similar to a double espresso:

• Step 1: Place an AeroPress-specific paper filter into the filter cap. Wet the filter with hot water to help it stick to the cap and preheat the brewer.
• Step 2: Attach the wet filter cap to the main chamber, then place the AeroPress atop a sturdy mug or cup.
• Step 3: Add two AeroPress scoops of fine-ground coffee into the chamber. This is equivalent to about 14–18 grams depending on your scoop.
• Step 4: Slowly pour 80°C hot water into the chamber up to the number 2 marking on the side—that’s roughly 140–160ml depending on your specific model.
• Step 5: Stir the coffee and water mixture gently for about 10 seconds to ensure even saturation.
• Step 6: Moisten the rubber seal (plunger gasket) to create a better seal, then insert the plunger into the chamber. Press down steadily for approximately 20 seconds until you hear a hiss.

The result is a concentrated coffee extraction, similar in volume and strength to a double espresso—around 20–30ml depending on your grind and pressure.

Customizing Your AeroPress Brew

Once you’ve made your concentrated shot, you can tailor it to your taste:

• Americano: Add hot water to taste. A common ratio is 1 part concentrated shot to 3–4 parts hot water.
• Latte or Milk Drink: Add steamed milk. For a traditional latte, use about 200ml of milk with your shot.

You control strength, volume, and temperature—making the AeroPress a flexible tool even if it doesn't reach true espresso pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grind size should I use for an AeroPress espresso-style shot?

Use a fine grind size, similar to what you’d use for espresso or a pour-over with a very fine setting. This helps achieve the necessary extraction in a short brew time.

Why use 80°C water instead of boiling water?

80°C (about 176°F) is hot enough to extract flavors effectively without over-extracting or burning the coffee, which can happen at higher temperatures. It’s a common sweet spot for specialty brewing.

How long should I stir the coffee before pressing?

Stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10 seconds after pouring. This ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds for balanced extraction.

How long should I press the AeroPress for?

Press down the plunger steadily for about 20 seconds. This timing helps produce a concentrated shot similar in strength to espresso.

Can I use any coffee beans with the AeroPress?

Yes, you can use any fresh, high-quality coffee beans. For best results with the espresso-style method, choose beans with bold, rich profiles such as dark or medium-dark roasts. Single origins with chocolatey or nutty notes also work well.

Is the AeroPress shot the same as espresso?

No, it’s not true espresso, which is brewed under 9 bars of pressure. The AeroPress uses manual pressure and produces a similar strength concentrated coffee, but with different mouthfeel and extraction dynamics.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for AeroPress Brewing

For brewing strong, flavorful shots with the AeroPress, try FrontStreet Coffee’s BrazilBourbon for a smooth, nutty base with a touch of sweetness; or their ColombiaSidra, which offers juicy complexity thanks to its dual anaerobic fermentation. Both beans respond well to fine grinding and deliver rich cups that shine in espresso-style AeroPress recipes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.