I love my morning cup of coffee. It’s the perfect way to start my day, and the aroma alone is enough to wake me up. But sometimes, I want a little something extra. That’s where espresso comes in. Adding a shot of espresso to your coffee can give it an extra kick, elevating your morning routine to a whole new level of deliciousness. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of adding espresso to your coffee at home, so you can enjoy pour over perfection every morning.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you can start brewing the perfect cup of coffee with espresso, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need a high-quality bag of coffee beans. Look for beans that are roasted to your preference – whether that’s light, medium, or dark. Next, you’ll need a grinder to grind your coffee beans. Freshly ground beans will give you the best taste and aroma.
Of course, you’ll also need an espresso machine. There are many different models available on the market, so choose one that fits your budget and needs. Don’t forget to buy your favorite espresso beans, as well as a tamper and a coffee scale for precise measurements.
Grind Your Coffee Beans
Once you have all of your ingredients ready, it’s time to grind your coffee beans. The grind size will depend on the type of coffee you’re making and the espresso machine you’re using. For pour over coffee, a medium-fine grind works best. Take your coffee beans and pour them into the grinder, then select the appropriate grind size and start the machine. In just a few seconds, you’ll have freshly ground coffee ready to be brewed.
Brew Your Espresso
Now that your coffee beans are ready, it’s time to brew the perfect shot of espresso. Start by filling the water reservoir of your espresso machine with fresh, cold water. This will ensure that your espresso comes out tasting its best. Next, measure out the appropriate amount of coffee grounds using your coffee scale. Typically, you’ll want to use around 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot of espresso.
Once you’ve measured out the coffee grounds, it’s time to tamp them down. Use a tamper to gently press down on the grounds, creating a flat and even surface. This will ensure that the water flows through the coffee evenly, extracting all of the flavors and aromas.
Now, place the portafilter into the espresso machine and start the brewing process. The water will pass through the coffee grounds, creating a rich and concentrated shot of espresso. The ideal brewing time is around 25-30 seconds. If the espresso drips too quickly, try adjusting the grind size to make it finer. If it drips too slowly, adjust the grind size to make it coarser.
Add Your Espresso to Coffee
Now that you have a perfect shot of espresso, it’s time to add it to your coffee. Start by brewing a cup of coffee using your preferred method – whether that’s a pour over, French press, or drip coffee maker. Once your coffee is ready, pour it into a mug or a cup. Now, take your shot of espresso and slowly pour it into the coffee. The rich, concentrated flavor of the espresso will mix with the coffee, creating a harmonious and flavorful blend.
Experiment with Ratios
One of the great things about adding espresso to coffee is that you can experiment with different ratios to find your perfect blend. Start with a 1:1 ratio – one shot of espresso for one cup of coffee. If you prefer a stronger kick, you can increase the amount of espresso. Likewise, if you prefer a milder taste, decrease the amount of espresso. Play around with different ratios until you find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds.
Conclusion
Adding espresso to your coffee can take your morning routine to the next level. With just a few simple steps, you can create pour over perfection in the comfort of your own home. Remember to gather your ingredients, grind your coffee beans, brew your espresso, and then add it to your coffee. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ratios to find your perfect blend. So, go ahead and start your day with an extra kick – you deserve it!