How to Make Espresso Without a Machine

Co-authored by Jaden Zhao and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: May 27, 2024 References

Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink high in caffeine with a full and rich flavor.^{[1]
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Research source} Espresso drinks have become increasingly popular in coffee shops, but they can also be made at home. While standard drip coffee makers or Keurig machines can’t make espresso, you can use a French press or a moka pot and enjoy an espresso in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a French Press

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1
Place finely-ground coffee on the bottom of the French press. Remove the plunger and lid from the French Press and scoop in 1 to 2 tablespoons (5 to 10 g) of grounds for a single shot of espresso. The more grounds you use, the stronger the flavor of the coffee will be.^{[2]
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- French presses can be purchased at your local kitchen supply store.
- Use ground espresso beans to get the fullest flavors, though any type of coffee grounds will work.
Heat water in the microwave or over the stove until it is 200 °F (93 °C), or just below a boil. Pour the water onto the coffee grounds in the press. Blooming the coffee will release carbon dioxide and make the coffee more flavorful as it brews. Swirl the French press to mix the water with the blooms to activate the flavors.^{[3]
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The amount of water added will depend on how much espresso you want to add. Add another 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of water to make a single shot of espresso. Swirl the French press thoroughly so the grounds mix in the water.^{[4]
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Let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Place the lid and plunger back on top of the press, making sure it’s not in contact with your brewing coffee. This helps trap the heat and will keep your coffee at the right temperature.^{[5]
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- You can let the coffee steep longer if you want a more flavorful brew, but it may make your espresso taste more bitter.
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Depress the plunger slowly to separate the grounds from the coffee. Use enough pressure to move the plunger down through the coffee. The mesh of the plunger will filter out any grounds floating in your espresso and push them to the bottom of the press. Once the plunger is at the bottom, you can serve your espresso hot by pouring it from the spout on your French press into a mug .^{[6]
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- Do not force the plunger down since it could break your French press or shoot hot coffee out from the top.
- Add milk or thick cream to the espresso to cut down on the bitter flavor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Brewing with a Moka Pot

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1
Fill the bottom reservoir of the moka pot with water. Pour water into the bottom portion until it is just below the round hole located on the inside of the pot. Use at least 5 to 6 fluid ounces (150 to 180 mL) of water so it doesn’t boil off or burn your espresso.^{[7]
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- Moka pots can be purchased online or at your local kitchen specialty store. They come in various sizes depending on how much coffee you plan on brewing with them. Choose a smaller size if you want to make only 1 cup or a larger size if you want to make more.
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Add grounds to the coffee chamber. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons (5 to 10 g) of grounds for every 2 fluid ounces (59 ml) of espresso you want. Don’t pack the coffee grounds too tight in the chamber or else it will be more difficult for the water to pass through it. Make sure the grounds are level with the top of the chamber to give your espresso the most flavor and caffeine.^{[8]
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- Use fine grounds to make your espresso. It will take longer than coarse grounds, but more flavor will be added to the water.
Place the coffee chamber inside the bottom reservoir and then screw on the top of the pot. Keep the pot at the edge of the burner so the handle doesn’t get too hot when you try to pick it up later.^{[9]
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Let the coffee brew for 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure the lid of the moka pot is closed while it brews so it retains heat. Once you hear a gurgling sound from your pot, take it off of the heat so you don’t have espresso with a burnt flavor.^{[10]
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- As the water heats in the bottom reservoir, the pressure builds up and forces the water into the through the coffee grounds and into the top pot.
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Serve the espresso in a mug. Pour the espresso into a small mug as soon as it’s finished so you can enjoy it while it’s still hot. Add cream or milk to lessen the bitterness if you want, and sip it slowly to enjoy the full flavors.^{[11]
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- Steam or heat the milk in order to make a latte.

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Tips

Even though espresso is served as a “shot,” do not drink it all in a single gulp. Instead, sip it slowly so you can enjoy the flavor.

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