Espresso – which is also a type of roast – requires a unique, rapid brewing method that utilizes pressure, not gravity, to brew, and is always prepared fresh to be savored on the spot.

“Espresso roasts are typically a dark roast that is dense and full-bodied,” says Ann-Marie Kurtz of Starbucks Coffee Company. “Our Starbucks Espresso Roast is made using a special blend of beans from Latin America and the Asia/Pacific region that are roasted to produce a rich and caramel sweetness.”

Making a perfect espresso shot at home requires an espresso brewing machine and is simple when keeping four basic fundamentals in mind: proportion, grind, freshness and water. The proportion of coffee to the appropriate amount of water ensures espresso is not watered-down or bitter. Additionally, espresso requires a very fine grind to properly extract the full flavor of the coffee beans. Coffee beans should always be stored in an airtight container and ground fresh before each use. Brewing espresso with fresh, filtered water will further enhance the coffee’s flavor.

“Once brewed, the flavors of a good espresso blend can be enjoyed by the shot, but also blended with milk or water to create a variety of beverages,” says Kurtz. “For example, Cocoa Cappuccino is Starbucks newest espresso-based beverage that combines fresh espresso with bittersweet mocha sauce, steamed milk and foam and topped with Starbucks signature mocha drizzle.”

Espresso-based beverages can also be made at home after mastering the art of brewing the perfect espresso shot. Commonly enjoyed beverages that can easily be crafted with the help of an espresso brewing machine include:

* Caffe latte: Extract one shot of espresso, combine with steamed milk in a 6- to 8-ounce cup and top with 1/4 inch of foamed milk.

* Cappuccino: Extract one shot of espresso and add to a 6- to 8-ounce cup. Top with half steamed milk and half foamed milk.

* Americano: Extract a shot of espresso and combine with hot water in a 6- to 8-ounce cup.

* Macchiato: Extract a shot of espresso and “mark” it with a small amount of foamed milk on the top.

To maintain the coffee flavor, it is best to use a single shot of espresso for a 6- to 8-ounce beverage and a double shot for a larger 12- to 16-ounce beverage.

For more information about Starbucks coffee and brewing, visit www.starbucks.com.

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So you’ve decided to start making your own espresso at home? Considering the prices of some gourmet espresso drinks at a coffeeshop, it’s a smart idea to look into doing it yourself. And thankfully, it’s easy to make espresso. Providing you have the right coffee and machine to work with.

Step 1: The Coffee

The Coffee

Make sure you start with fresh coffee beans; it is best to use beans that have been roasted within the past week.  You bean ask your coffee vendor for a good blend for maximum taste quality.

Once you have your beans, grind them immediately before brewing.  It is recommended that you use a good burr coffee grinder, and a conical burr grinder is optimum.  

Step 2: The Machine

The most common home espresso machine is referred to as a “pump” machine, because it uses electricity and a pump to create its internal pressure.

Steam machines are very inexpensive but since they produce weaker espresso, they are not as popular. Either way, the basic use is the same.

Step 3: Add Water to the Machine

To make espresso with a machine, you first need to fill up the water tank with cold water (filtered water is best). Make sure it’s securely closed, or the pressure could blow it open. Turn on the machine and let it get warmed up.

One shot of espresso requires approximately one ounce of water, and a doubleshot uses two ounces.

Tamping the grounds

Step 4: Add and Tamp the Coffee Grounds

First you have to unlock the portafilter, which looks like a handle with a little cup at the end of it. The handle part sticks out, and the cup fits into the machine.

Remove the portafilter and fill it with coffee grounds. Tamp well, but not too hard. That can take a bit of practice to get it just right.  Be sure to wipe off any grounds that may have gotten on the sides.

Lock the portafilter back in place, and you’re ready to brew. Depending on your machine, you may just have to hit one button or there may be other settings to adjust for temperature, pressure or length of pull time. You’d have to check your manual for that. Even with all those options, most machines will have a standard default setting for people just getting used to their machines.

Espresso a Brewin'

Step 5: Place a Carafe or Cup in Place and Brew

Once a cup or carafe has been set in place, let it start brewing and in a few moments a pressurized stream of water will flow through the portafilter and into a small carafe or right into your demitasse cup.

For best results, use a pre-heated espresso cup or carafe. 

An espresso cup with thick walls is best for retaining the heat of the coffee.

Step 6: To Add or Not to Add to Freshly Brewed Espresso

Enjoy!

Now you can either enjoy your espresso straight, or use the milk frother to jazz it up into a latte or cappuccino.

Your machine may have it’s own milk cannister, or you might have to set a small jug beside the machine. Either way, a shot of hot foamed milk can be the crowning touch to your espresso. Worthy of any coffeeshop, and at a fraction of the price.

Step 7: Enjoy!

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