How to Use an Aeropress to Brew an Espresso
Table of Contents
How to Use an Aeropress to Brew an Espresso
Welcome to our aeropress espresso tutorial. We will explore making espresso-style drinks with the AeroPress. Ever thought about *how to make AeroPress espresso*? You’re not alone. This little gadget changes how we brew coffee at home or out exploring the backcountry. It lets you enjoy strong espresso tastes without a big price tag of espresso machines, which can be quite expensive. A decent model could run a thousand dollars or more, especially at specialty stores. The AeroPress is a brilliant choice for coffee lovers who brew at home and/or out of the back of their van.
The Specialty Coffee Association says espresso is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. This creates a small, strong coffee shot, usually 2 to 4 ounces. The AeroPress does this differently but results in a shot that’s similar to an espresso. You can change how you brew, like the pressure or how long it brews, mimicking how espresso machines work.
To get it right, you should know how much coffee and water to use. You can use special items like the AeroPress Flow Control Filter Cap to make a rich crema, which is a sign of a great espresso. Some ways to brew coffee with the AeroPress work better than others. A good baseline recipe would be 18 grams of coffee and 225 ml of water for the best taste.
An overhead view of an Aeropress with a pile of coffee beans next to it. The Aeropress is being pressed down onto a clear mug and espresso is flowing out of it. In the background, a hand grinder and a timer can be seen. The focus is on the espresso being poured.
The AeroPress is not just easy to use, but also quick to clean up. It’s known for its speed and efficiency, making it a favorite for both new and experienced at-home or van-life baristas.
Stick with us. Next, we will share even more about how to make AeroPress espresso. Below, we’ve highlighted the Alpen Sierra method to brew the perfect AeroPress espresso in the following parts of our guide.
Understanding the Aeropress and Its Capabilities
The AeroPress is known for making many coffee styles well, even something very close to an espresso. Yeah, we know – going out on a limb here. But it uses much lower pressure than traditional espresso machines do. This helps it create unique tastes in the coffee it brews.
To brew a shot similar to an espresso with an AeroPress, use our preferred technique. You’ll need 18 grams of finely ground beans and 80 grams of water. Stir this mix and let it sit for a minute or two. The result is a strong, full-flavored drink, similar to espresso but with its own unique character.
Now, let’s talk about the AeroPress’s add-ons, the Prismo and Joepresso. The Prismo lets you make what’s called ‘aeropresso.’ It has a special valve and a metal filter like those seen on real espresso makers. Then, there’s the Joepresso. It says it can make real espresso using 14 grams of coffee. It can even create a topping called crema. These add-ons really boost what the AeroPress can do, even though it’s not the same as a professional espresso machine.
But, there are some big differences that still stand out. For one, true espressos have a thick, frothy top called crema. This is hard to get exactly right with an AeroPress. Yet, many still love the special tastes it can bring out in coffee. This includes a sweeter, fruitier, or creamier flavor. So, the AeroPress is more about creating unique coffee drinks than copying espresso exactly.
At the end of the day, the AeroPress has its own important place in coffee-making. It’s not like an expensive espresso machine. However, it’s a great, portable option that’s simple to use. It can brew many kinds of tasty coffee drinks. The AeroPress stands out for being both easy to use and very adaptable – well-suited for the back of your camper or van.
Essential Equipment for Brewing AeroPress Espresso
To make what we consider the best AeroPress espresso, you need the right tools. Let’s explore the key equipment that will improve how you make coffee.
An accurate grinder is first on the list. It ensures you get the perfectly ground coffee for a great brew. The Hario Mini Mill grinder, costing around $29, is one of our favorites. For the aficionado that has to have the best, we recommend the 1Zpresso K-Ultra hand grinder. Both grind your beans to the ideal size, making sure you capture the best flavors.
AeroPress Go is perfect if you’re using it exclusively for adventure. This smaller version of the original AeroPress is great for travel or hiking trips. Add the Prismo attachment for an espresso-like coffee on the go, no flipping needed.
You’ll also want a reliable electric kettle, which can be purchased for a mere smidge over ten bucks. Proper water temperature is crucial for making AeroPress espresso. It should be before the boil to get the most out of your coffee beans, especially the lighter roasts.
Choosing high-quality coffee beans is crucial. Go for freshly roasted beans to capture the best flavor. Using one of our dark roasts with a little coarser grind can lower the bitterness.
The AeroPress Standard Method usually provides reliable outcomes. But trying the Inverted Method lets you taste different flavor notes. The Prismo makes full immersion brewing easier and safer, without the need to invert your AeroPress. Full immersion brewing can produce a coffee that tastes a bit sweeter.
Getting the right gear, including special AeroPress add-ons, greatly improves your coffee-making journey. With these items, you’ll be well-prepared to create the perfect cup of AeroPress espresso.
The Perfect Aeropress Espresso Recipe
To make what we believe is the best aeropress espresso, follow these steps with care. Begin with 18g of fine espresso roast coffee, a bit coarser than regular espresso. Grind it using a Hario Skerton+ set between 1 and 2, a Baratza Encore at 2 to 4 or the 1Zpresso K-Ultra set at 6. Heat the water and wait until it’s just off the boil, around 170°F-175°F which is much cooler than a traditional aeropress of around 200°. Next, measure 65g of this hot water for a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:3.6.
First off, put a paper filter inside the Aeropress cap to catch oils and tiny coffee bits. For a bolder cup, try a metal filter. Place your coffee in the Aeropress, then slowly add the hot water. At 1 and 2 minutes, give it a gentle stir for approximately 15 seconds for a good mix.
Now, press the plunger down gently. You’re looking to extract the flavors and filter out any extra bits. This creates a bit of pressure, about 0.35 to 0.75 bars, perfect for rich espresso. Finally, serve the fresh brew right after making it because we’ve found the flavor profile doesn’t change that much.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the AeroPress Flow Control Filter Cap. It lets you fine-tune the brewing process. By adjusting water temperature and how you press, you can avoid extracting too much.
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing AeroPress Espresso
Brewing with an AeroPress can be a fun and simple experience. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect cup of AeroPress espresso:
- Grind your coffee: Choose a fine grind for your AeroPress espresso. Aim for 18 grams of espresso roast coffee, which is about 3 tablespoons. This amount ensures a strong and full-flavored espresso.
- Prepare the AeroPress: Start by setting up your AeroPress. Put a filter in the cap and rinse it with hot water. This step removes any paper taste and warms up your brewing tool.
- Boil water: Heat your water until it’s just off the boil. Try to keep it between 170°F and175°F. This temperature range is perfect for getting the most flavor out of your coffee.
- Add coffee and water: Add the ground coffee into your AeroPress. Then, pour the hot water over it. Use a ratio of 1 part coffee to 16 parts water. This should make about seven to eight ounces of coffee.
- Preinfusion (bloom): Give the coffee and water a quick stir for around 10 seconds. This is called a preinfusion or bloom. It helps release the trapped gases and makes your brew taste better.
- Place the plunger: Put on the plunger and start to press down gently. Because of the fine grind, you might need to use more force. The whole process, from brewing to finishing the plunge, should take about two minutes.
Adjustments and Tips
- Inverted Method: Try the inverted method for a bolder flavor. It gives you more control over the steeping time before you press.
- Grind Size: To adjust the strength and bitterness, change your grind size. A finer grind means a more potent taste. A coarser grind lets water flow faster and can make your coffee less bitter.
- Cleaning: While the AeroPress can clean itself, giving it a good rinse and hand wash often can make it last longer.
Using this AeroPress espresso guide, you can enjoy a delicious, full-flavored coffee. It’s a great way to make a cup that does a pretty good job competing with big-box store espresso machines and can save you a ton of money. You could buy a few years worth of Alpen Sierra Coffee for the cost of the average espresso machine. Enjoy brewing at home or better yet, in your camper or van!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Aeropress Espresso
Getting a top-notch Aeropress espresso needs the right touch and accuracy. First off, focus on the water temperature. Unlike most espresso makers that use 195°–205°F water, the Aeropress espresso works better around 170°–175°F. This temp draws out the coffee’s complex tastes and avoids the bitter notes.
Choosing the right grind size is key. A grind as fine as table salt will give you that classic espresso flavor. But, you might find joy in exploring with more coarse or fine grinds. Freshly roasted beans, like those from Javapresse Coffee, will make a big difference.
Don’t forget about the pressure and mixing. The Aeropress works with a lot less pressure than big fancy machines, only 0.35 to 0.75 bars. After a minute of letting it sit, give it a 10-second stir. This stirs up the flavors. For more control, try the Aeropress Flow Control Filter Cap.
And then there’s the filter. Paper filters make your coffee brighter and more acidic, like a fruit juice. Metal filters add a certain weight to the coffee, giving it a true espresso feel. By changing these factors and testing new things, you can make an Aeropress espresso that feels like it came from a fancy coffee shop, but without the big machines.