How to Make Barista-Quality Espresso at Home:

Going to a café and watching an expert make us a perfect cup of java is great and all but sometimes we just don’t have time to go out and get coffee. However, seeing as how this beverage has a slew of benefits, we simply can’t not drink it. So, how about we make it ourselves? Below is a guide on how you can try your hand at some barista-quality espresso at home.

What is espresso?

What sets espresso apart from other kinds of coffee is the way it is prepared. While you have to wait for a few minutes until you can get a cup of some other type of coffee, espresso is made in under 30 seconds. It is brewed by pressurizing and shooting almost-boiling water through finely ground coffee beans. This results in a cup of joe that is caffeine-packed and aromatic. And, of course, we cannot forget about the crema on top, which is the best way to see whether the espresso was successfully brewed.

Select the right type of coffee

To make excellent espresso, you have to understand the importance of the coffee beans you choose. The most basic thing you should know is the difference between Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is a higher quality variety with a sweeter and softer taste, while Robusta (as the name might imply) has a somewhat harsher taste and higher caffeine content. For starters, try to get high-quality Arabica beans from a reputable shop. Later, you can experiment with specialty coffee as much as you want. You will find that there is a great variety of interesting flavors to choose from, ranging from hazelnut all the way to raspberry & chocolate. It’s important that you buy whole coffee beans as opposed to the pre-ground variety to get the most out of the flavor, as the coffee will taste best if you grind the beans just before you prepare the beverage. Once you’ve got your beans, make sure you store them appropriately to preserve the aroma: in an airtight container and at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat.

The importance of a good grind

Since you’re going to buy your coffee as whole beans, you’ll need a handy grinder to grind your own coffee at home. You would be surprised at the importance of your coffee beans being well ground in the process of making your barista-quality espresso. Not only do the particles need to be finely ground but they also need to be uniform enough for the best possible taste. While your old blade grinder might do the job, you cannot really control either the size of the particles or the homogeneity of the result, which can become frustrating. There is also such a wide selection of coffee grinders on the market, and depending on your budget, you will have to do a bit of research to choose the perfect grinder for you. Once you have it, though, you are almost ready for making your delicious cup of joe.

An espresso machine

When it comes to espresso machines, you might be shocked at their price at first. But you have lots of options here so no need to panic yet! Espresso machines range from the more mechanically simpler to entirely automatic varieties, some of which even grind your beans for you. For home use, perhaps a semi-automatic appliance would be an ideal choice. These will boil the water for you and do the actual brewing, but it’s still you who has to grind and place the coffee in the machine. Once you have mastered using your machine, you can one day consider getting a more substantial model, as it might just be a worthwhile investment, in the long run. 

Time to make your espresso!

While the most difficult part is over, there are still a few things that you need to keep in mind. Firstly, unsurprisingly, the water you use can also have an impact on the taste of your coffee. Filtered or bottled water can prove to be a better option than tap water, so if your coffee tastes funny, try to switch up the water you use. Another thing to pay attention to during preparation is making sure that you place your coffee evenly in the portafilter before pressing it down with the tamp. It’s also recommended to weigh your coffee in order to use the same amount every time, reaching a uniform quality. Before you get down to making your cup of joe, you should run some water through your machine to clean it from any leftover residue. Once that’s done, you’re good to go.

The road to the perfect barista-quality homemade espresso is not as easy as you might have imagined. Perhaps now you will appreciate the work of the skilled men and women at your favorite café even more! If you’re determined enough, though, you will be able to make delicious espresso right at home, even if it takes a bit of experimentation and adjustment before everything falls into place. Once you’ve perfected this skill, your home will become the favorite hangout place of all your coffee-loving friends!