So we've known for a while now that coffee drinkers live longer. Yes, please, and thank you very much. It was the largest and most comprehensive research conducted on coffee consumption. And gives me real relief as a coffee addict. So I feel no guilt in sharing with you an easy (and less expensive) method on how to make espresso drinks at home.
Enter the French press
You don't need an espresso machine (CHA-CHING!). What you do need is a French press, press pot, or my personal favorite name - the plunger pot. Small versions sell for around $15.
As for the method, the grinds go in, hot water follows, then you seal and steep for about a minute. Pump the plunger a few times to create the crema, or a thin layer of froth on top. And finally press gently to trap the grinds at the bottom, and pour.
The steps are simple, but the keys to brewing espresso with a French press (as opposed to regular coffee) are the size of the grind and the ratio of grinds to water.
Think flour meets sand when you grind your coffee beans. If a spice grinder or food processor is not in your tool kit, espresso grind coffee is available at most grocery stores. Or grab whole bean coffee and grind it with the in-store machine on the espresso (or finest grind) setting.
Then measure accordingly for the number of shots you are seeking, pour, wait and press. And say bonjour to a nice hot espresso or latte or cappuccino, along with newfound longevity. And goodbye to that $4 wait in line.
How to make espresso at home
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minute
- Category: coffee
Description
Quick, easy and a great way to win yourself a small coffee moment! This recipe makes two double shots, but it's the method that's important. If you like your espresso lighter or stronger, adjust the amount of grinds accordingly.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (18 g) high-quality, dark roast coffee, finely ground
- ½ cup, @ 200° F (almost boiling)
- ½ cup low-fat milk, optional for latte or cappuccino
Instructions
For Espresso
- Add coffee to press pot.
- Bring water to just below the boiling point. Watch for small bubbles coming to the top.
- Seal pot and let sit for one minute.
- Pump plunger several times until thin layer of foam forms on top of espresso. Then press and enjoy!
For Cappuccino/Latte
- Heat milk in microwave safe measuring glass or the carafe of a home frother.
- Attach lid to manual frother and pump until milk foams and doubles in volume. If you don’t have a frother, an immersion blender or a strong, sustained shake can create a little foam in milk.
Notes
I received a Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother as a gift a couple years ago (thanks, Mom!), and now I can't live without it. I am not being paid to write this, I just REALLY love foam in my coffee. At one time I had the Starbuck's milk frother, but it didn't work as well and lost its steam within a year's time.
Keywords: how to make espresso at home, french press coffee
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Frank Montera
I love to use whatever grind in your French Press (whether fine or coarse). The only reason why coarse grind is recommended is because of the brewing method for non-espresso coffee so that if you are brewing non-espresso coffee in your French Peess it doesn’t get over-extracted or bitter). Your French Press can handle all types of grind, so you shouldn’t worry at all about using finely ground coffee in your French Press.
Joe G
any recommendations on a good espresso bean?
Christina
Hi Joe,
I say whichever brand coffee you like, see if they make an espresso roast bean. I like Seattle's Best and Pete's for retail brands, and love Dean's Beans for their sourcing and flavor. Dean's makes an Italian Espresso Roast that is great in a French Press. Happy brewing!
minal
I just bought a Bodum french press because I've been spending too much money on cafe mochas. I feel like I should've bought an espresso maker but I didn't want to buy a costly appliance that required counter space. So I started to research french press espressos and am happy it can be done.
However, the instructions to my french press say the beans should be coarse ground, not fine as they could get stuck. Is this warning universal to all french presses? I'd hate to ruin mine.
Alih
It is ok to use whatever grind in your French Press (whether fine or coarse). The only reason why coarse grind is recommended is because of the brewing method for non-espresso coffee so that if you are brewing non-espresso coffee in your French Peess it doesn't get over-extracted or bitter). Your French Press can handle all types of grind, so you shouldn't worry at all about using finely ground coffee in your French Press.
Heather@Creative Family Moments
I did it! I did it! It worked and NOW, now after 7 horrible days of no coffee prepping for a cross country trip (didn't want to spend major bucks on the road for it), I'm just going to take my french press with me. Ah, I feel like a new woman. Thanks!
edibletimes
You make me laugh. Out loud. I'm glad I could serve you in such a fashion:)