The Quintessential Cup
As the name indicates, an espresso is a cup of coffee prepared on the spot for immediate consumption. When brewed properly, it is an enormously complex drink with concentrated flavors and aromas that distinguish it from coffee prepared by any other method. A cup of espresso should not exceed 30 ml (about 1 ounce) and is produced by forcing high-pressure hot water at 9 or more atmospheres through seven grams of finely ground and expertly tamped coffee. To coffee connoisseurs, espresso is the quintessential form of coffee; the purest way to enjoy its aroma and flavor at their maximum intensity; a tiny miracle of chemistry and physics that is as much art as it is science. Here’s how to prepare it like a pro
Preparing home espresso with either ground or whole bean:
- Fill your machine’s water reservoir with cold clear water. Bottled water is recommended if your tap water is very hard.
- For each cup of espresso, measure one heaping tablespoon (7 grams) of ground coffee. If you're grinding your own beans, use a high-quality burr grinder on the fine-grind setting. It may take some experimentation to find the optimal setting for your grinder.
- Place the coffee in the filter holder (use the correct filter for 1 cup or 2 cups) and tamp the ground coffee firmly, making sure it is evenly distributed and compact. Brush off any loose grounds before placing the filter holder in the machine.
- Brew for 25-30 seconds. A properly prepared espresso will fill half the espresso cup, with a lovely caramel-colored crema forming perfectly on top.
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