Avoid buying pre-ground coffee or coffee beans that have been ground too far in advance of using them. Grind them right before brewing for the freshest coffee and best taste. To achieve the same authentic taste as a Starbucks espresso, try buying their signature espresso roast from a Starbucks location or grocery store. A specific espresso roast is not a requirement to make espresso, but whatever type of roast you do use needs to be very finely ground. An espresso roast is usually an oilier bean, which can make the fine grinding process smoother.
A single shot is typically made with 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of grounds. This is the quantity in a Short or Tall size Starbucks beverage, unless you ask for more. A double shot is typically made with 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of grounds. This is the quantity in a Grande or Venti size Starbucks beverage, unless you ask for more or less. A triple shot is typically made with 2 ounces (6 tablespoons) of grounds. This is the quantity in a Trenta size Starbucks beverage, unless you ask for less.
This step compacts the grounds so that water can’t get through as easily, forcing it to interact with the coffee. Use a tamper of a higher weight if you prefer.
Depending on your machine, you may be able to make other adjustments, like water temperature. Ideal temperature for extracting espresso is 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. [3] X Research source Use a small cup meant for espresso called a demitasse cup under the machine if you want to enjoy espresso on its own, or a larger cup or mug of your desired size if you plan to make additions for another beverage that uses espresso.
If you use a clear cup or shot glass, you can observe the different parts of a successful espresso: crema (the top layer that is light in color and foamy), body (the middle layer of dark brown), and heart (the bottom layer that is darker brown or black). [4] X Research source
Note that some people don’t consider the brewed coffee from an AeroPress to be a true espresso, as it does not produce a crema layer and is not quite as strong. However, an AeroPress achieves nearly the same effect and flavor, and is much more affordable and portable than an espresso machine. [5] X Research source
Note that this method may not brew with quite the same taste, layers, and quality of espresso from an espresso machine, as the steam pressure and filtration methods are not the same. However, a moka pot is much more affordable and portable than an espresso machine.
Note that this method doesn’t produce a true espresso my most people’s standards, as it doesn’t use nearly the same steam pressure. However, you can more closely simulate a strong espresso by leaving the grounds and water to interact for longer. A French press is a much more affordable and portable option than an espresso machine. [7] X Research source
You can also achieve a ristretto, which is a short shot using ¾ of a typical 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) shot. Or try a lungo, which is a long shot made with 1. 5 ounces (3 tablespoons) instead of 1. [8] X Research source
You can froth milk without an espresso machine by using a handheld frother, a coffee press, or a simple jar to froth it, then heat it in the microwave before adding it to espresso.
Note that Starbucks creates a “latte macchiato” that combines the two traditional drinks together, using much more milk than the typical dollop used for a standard macchiato. [9] X Research source
For a variation, try an espresso con panna by replacing steamed milk with whipped cream. Or make a café breve by substituting regular steamed milk with steamed half-and-half (light cream). [10] X Research source
Try a variation by making a flat white, which uses the same quantity of milk but none of the frothed milk foam. [11] X Research source Make a mocha by adding chocolate syrup into the latte with the steamed milk. This is also when you can add any other flavoring syrups to make a latte with hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, etc.
You can pour the ingredients into a cup first if it helps you to get the proportions right. Try freezing espresso or regular drip coffee into an ice cube tray the night before. Add these coffee ice cubes to your drink so that it doesn’t get watered down.
