Brew Guide: Espresso

Brewing excellent espresso is all about balance and it starts with the right coffee-to-water ratio. Dialing in a great shot requires practice and a bit of experimentation, which is part of what makes espresso so rewarding. The key variables, grind size, dose (coffee weight), and extraction time, all work together to influence how water interacts with the coffee. Even small changes can shift the flavor dramatically. Getting your ratio right, then fine-tuning the rest, is how you go from just pulling a shot to crafting a truly great espresso.

Recipe:

Coffee: 23g

Yield: 34.5g

Brew Time: 24-27 s

Step 1: Grind Setting

Choose a finely grind size for espresso brewing. The grind should resemble a fine sand or powder. The exact grind size may vary depending on your preference and the specific coffee beans you're using.

Step 2: Prepare Equipments

Remove the portafilter from the espresso machine, place it on the scale. Make sure to reset the digital scale to zero for accurate measurements and portafilter is clean before you begin.

A portafilter filled with freshly ground coffee attached to a coffee espresso machine.

Step 3: Add your Ground Coffee to the Coffee Basket

It's important to note that the amount of coffee can vary depending on the basket size you are using. ( Pro Tip: At TILT, we utilize a 22g basket and dose 23g of coffee to achieve the perfect ratio. )

Once coffee is added to the basket, spread the coffee evenly, and tapping the portafilter gently to distribute the ground coffee.

A person using a tamper with a portafilter on a coffee machine, likely preparing espresso.

Step 4: Tamping

Position the portafilter on a flat surface and apply a firm but measured tamp, ensuring not to exert excessive pressure. Achieve a level surface by ensuring the portafilter is perfectly aligned.

Espresso coffee being brewed from an espresso machine into a glass cup on a drip tray.

Step 5: Extraction

Place the portafilter back to the grouphead and begin extraction. Finish extraction at about 25 seconds. If it is pulling too slowly, try a coarser grind. If it brews too quickly, try a finer grind

A white ceramic cup of espresso and a glass of sparkling water on a wooden surface.

Step 6: Enjoy

The espresso will yield approximately 34.5g, which corresponds to a 1:1.5 ratio. Take a moment to savor the taste and enjoy the rich flavors. Some prefer to stir the espresso, while others prefer to sip it as is. Serve the espresso alongside a side of sparkling water or seltzer, allowing you to cleanse your palate before and after indulging in the delightful espresso experience.