Espresso at home Brew Guide

Espresso is coffee at its most powerful- a small cup packed with bold flavour and aroma. Born in Italy in the 20th century, espresso emerged from the fast-paced café culture of cities like Milan. Inventors created machines to brew coffee on demand, forcing hot water through finely ground beans in seconds. This revolutionary method produced a rich, velvety shot crowned with crema. More than a drink, espresso became the heartbeat of Italian life, fuelling conversations at café bars and inspiring iconic creations like cappuccinos and lattes around the world.

Ferrari's Coffee, Espresso At Home Brewing Guide Section

How to Brew Espresso: Step-by-Step

What You Need to Brew Espresso:

To brew espresso at home, you’ll need:

Home espresso machine (e.g. Sage, Smeg, Ninja Luxe premier.)
Coffee beans or freshly ground fine grind coffee
A tamper
Digital scales
A timer
An espresso cup

Step 1: Preheat Your Machine

Turn on your coffee machine and allow it to fully preheat. Proper heat ensures balanced extraction—too cool, and your espresso can taste flat or sour.

Step 2: Grind and Weigh the Coffee (18–20g)

Grind your coffee fine and weigh out 18–20g into the portafilter. For accuracy, place the portafilter on your scales, tare to zero, then add the coffee. Regular kitchen scales work perfectly.

Step 3: Tamp the Coffee firmly & Evenly

Level out the grounds, then tamp with firm, even pressure to create a flat, compact puck. A consistent tamp helps the water flow through the coffee uniformly for a better extraction.

Step 4: Brew the Espresso (25–30 Seconds)

Lock the portafilter into the machine, start the timer, and begin brewing.

Brew time: 25–30 seconds
Brew ratio: 1:2
Example: 18g coffee in → 36ml espresso out

A smooth flow and a rich crema indicate a good extraction.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Stop the shot once the target yield is reached. Remove the portafilter. Serve immediately and enjoy straight, or use as the base for drinks like cappuccinos or lattes.