How can you utilize espresso coffee in a drip coffee machine? It might seem a tad challenging, but we’re here to share some techniques for brewing espresso with your Drip Coffee Maker.
Espresso is something that we usually enjoy in the café and coffee shops. The baristas prepare them very well. Some of you might have a dedicated espresso machine to enjoy the coffee any time. However, not all of us are fortunate enough to own an espresso machine. The machines typically arrive with a three-figure to four-figure cost tag.
Do you want to enjoy espresso from the comfort of your home without a real espresso machine? Well, that is possible using your usual Drip Coffee Maker. You need to follow some steps to make it happen. Below, we will discuss what are the exact things you need to do.
What is Espresso Coffee?
Espresso is a specific preparation of coffee which is originated from Italy. In this coffee-brewing method, a small amount of hot water (around 90 C) is forced at a certain pressure (around 9 to 10 bars) through the coffee ground. The coffee ground for the espresso is finely ground. There can be several variations of coffee beans and the degree of roast can be used for the espresso.
You might not know that espresso is extremely popular and widespread in the southern part of Europe. The countries include Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, etc. Because of the specialty of the making process, the espresso coffee is very thick inconsistency. Moreover, as the coffee is pressurized during the brew, it becomes impressively intense in flavor and taste.
Besides being an exclusive drink, espresso coffee is also used as the base in several other preparations of coffee. This includes macchiato, caffe mocha, cappuccino, café latte, caffe americano, flat white, etc. Because of the unique brewing process, the espresso also includes more caffeine per unit volume that might help you to kickstart your day.
How to Use Espresso Coffee in Drip Coffee Maker
Well, it will be a bit tricky as we don’t have an espresso machine and try to make the drink in a regular drip coffee maker. So, make sure that you are following the given instructions carefully.
Step 1: Selecting and Grinding the Coffee
Compared to the usual coffee, the espresso is a bit darker and more filled with caffeine. They are also a bit bitter sometimes. You will find several variations of the beans for espresso in the market. Simply pick the best one based on your budget. Begin the process by grinding your coffee.
That is because the freshly ground bean will assure you the best result. The fineness of the grind will depend on the coffee maker filter you are using. As an example, if you are going to use a permanent filter for the coffee, using the medium-grind will assure you the best outcome. The same fineness is also perfect for the filter with flat bottom.
If you are using the cone-shaped filter, then you should go for the ground which is a bit finer. To be more specific, you will require a medium-fine ground. For making the coffee in the Moka pot, you should also pick the same grind. Finally, the AeroPress will require a further finer grind.
Step 2: Coffee Ground and Water Ratio
Now weigh your coffee ground. You will require 6 to 8g of the coffee ground for every cup of espresso. It would be better if you use a scale for measuring the ground. If you don’t have a scale, then you will require adding around one and a half tablespoons of the coffee. One tablespoon of coffee is equal to 5g. Consider getting a scale, if you are going to make the coffee often.
Step 3: Adding the Water
Put some water on the stovetop for heating up. That is because we will not require the water tank during making the espresso. You might not know that the machine will still work efficiently without filling the reservoir with water. The water you put on the stovetop needs to be around 90 C, and you should use them just before they start boiling.
The next thing you need to do is to add coffee ground of the right amount on the coffee maker filter. Then pour a small amount of water to cover the coffee grounds. Try waiting for around 30 seconds so that the coffee ground can absorb the water perfectly. Now you will require an additional amount of hot water.
Step 4: Add More Water
Make sure that you have put the carafe on the hot plate to collect the brewed coffee. Now, add the remaining water to the coffee filter very quickly. The coffee machine will drip the coffee into the carafe. That’s it, the coffee you are seeing in the carafe is your espresso. Now you can pour it on a mug and enjoy.
How to Use a Moka Pot to Make Espresso?
You can also try making the espresso in the Moka pot by following the below steps:
- Prepare around four teaspoons of freshly and finely ground coffee.
- Now add water in the pot and fill up to the fill line. Adding more water may dilute the coffee.
- Now add all the coffee ground to the filter basket. Then put back the top of the Moka pot.
- Setup the machine on the stove at medium heat. The machine will produce pressure on the below and push the coffee to the top so that it can come out to the pot.
- When you see brown foams appearing and the machine is producing a hissing sound, you are done.
- Let the coffee brew completely. Then stir out the coffee on the top with a spoon and add to a cup. Now pour the coffee into the cup and enjoy.
Conclusion
If you are unable to invest in costly espresso machines, consider giving the above steps a try. You might love the outcome and make the espresso more often. Let us know how the espresso is coming along if you are going to try it out.
