We all know that the difference between an okay cup of coffee and a fresh, high quality cup is as different as night and day. In most instances this will come from a just made espresso based beverage in a coffee shop. But is there a way to recreate the experience at home, even if you don’t own barista level equipment or skill? There sure is!
In this blog we will show you how to make a great cup of coffee at home , or more specifically how to make espresso coffee without a machine.
How to make espresso coffee without a machine
There are multiple ways to make espresso coffee without a machine, or at least something akin to it. Espresso remains the most popular way to consume fresh coffee (instant coffee doesn’t count) yet to have a true shot of espresso you will need the pressure method that can only be created with an espresso machine. However, there are two options open to you:
- Make a coffee that is equally delicious but is made in a different way, as listed below.
- Make an espresso-like drink with one of the methods also listed below.
Faux-spresso: make espresso at home (sort of)
The key characteristic of a faux espresso is a coffee with a full body. You most likely will not be able to get the crema (the creamy frothy layer that tops a well-pulled espresso shot) that espresso is famous for, but if you are using the shot to make a longer drink, such as a latte, americano, luxurious mocha or cappuccino, then this should not be an issue.
Here are our top three alternatives for how to make espresso coffee without a machine at home:
Moka Pot
Moka pots are a hugely popular and affordable way to make a strong, espresso-like coffee at home. They work by using steam pressure to force water through finely ground coffee, in a similar way to a traditional espresso machine. If you want to try out homemade espresso-based drinks but are not quite ready to invest in a machine just yet - this is a good brewer to start with.
Tips for creating an espresso-like brew:
- If your Moka pot has a pressure valve, adjust it to a higher setting. This will increase the pressure and create a more concentrated brew.
- Use a slightly higher coffee-to-water ratio than you would for regular Moka pot coffee. This will create a more concentrated brew
- Remove the Moka pot from the heat as soon as the coffee starts to come out to prevent over-extraction and a bitter taste. Remember strong doesn’t have to mean bitter!
Pros: Affordable, easy to use, produces a strong, concentrated coffee.
Cons: Requires stovetop, doesn't create crema.
Aeropress
Aeropress is the relatively new kid on the block in regards to artisan brewing methods, and the internet is away with hacks and methods to try out. It is probably the closest you can get to an authentic espresso taste without an espresso machine, but perfecting your method will take some practice. It works by using muscle-powered air pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds.
Tips for creating an espresso-like brew with an Aeropress:
- Use AS extra fine grind, similar to that used for Turkish coffee or espresso to get as close to an espresso level concentration.
- Use water that's slightly hotter than boiling (around 205°F or 96°C). This will extract more flavour from the grounds.
- After brewing, invert the Aeropress and press down very slowly but steadily, this will help you achieve a more concentrated brew.
Pros: Versatile, produces a rich, flavourful coffee, can be used to make espresso-like shots.
Cons: Requires some strength to press, may not produce traditional crema.
Want to learn more about the Aeropress? We’ve got a blog post all about it.
Cafetiere
The French Press, or cafetière, is the most common type of coffee brewer found in the home, your parents probably owned one at one point. Their popularity comes from their straightforward method: steep coffee grounds in hot water, then filter them with the built-in plunger.
Tips for creating an espresso-like brew with a French Press:
- Use way less water than usual, and up the amount of coffee grounds. You are aiming for a short, sharp coffee shot, not a long watery drink.
- After steeping for the desired time, plunge the plunger slowly and steadily to prevent sediment from entering your coffee.
- To counter the lower water content, shorten your blooming and steeping period, to around 10-15 seconds. This will prevent over-extraction and a bitter taste.
Pros: Simple, produces a strong, full-bodied coffee.
Cons: It may not be as concentrated as espresso, and requires a longer brewing time.
Remember, these methods may not produce the exact same flavour or crema as a traditional espresso machine, but they can offer a satisfying alternative for those who enjoy a concentrated coffee.
As you have probably noticed, to get a real espresso-esque coffee, you need to use a brewing method that relies on pressure. But fear not if you do not have these brewers to hand! It is still possible to make an espresso based drink with a non-espresso type of coffee. See below to find out how.
How to make a great cup of coffee at home, non-espresso varieties.
If you are following a recipe for an espresso based coffee, such as a caramel iced latte, you can still make a serviceable drink without an espresso machine, or one of the brewers mentioned above.
The main alterations you’ll have to make include:
- Finer coffee grounds than usual: but only if your brewer can take it. If a filter is involved then make sure that the holes are small enough to not get clogged or let the grinds through, no one likes gritty coffee.
- Use more coffee, but brew for a short period.
- Use slightly hotter water, if possible.
- Use less water to create a shorter amount of coffee, with a fuller body.
Now, simply add these adjustments to your usual coffee brewing methods (such as filter or drip coffees) and you’ll have an espresso based drink in no time.
Why cold brew coffee may be the answer to your no-espress-machine woes
Cold Brew is a fantastic alternative to espresso in its own right, as it is essentially a coffee concentrate that you add water to when you want a cup of coffee.
While cold brew doesn't offer the same level of intensity as espresso, it can be a great stand in for drinks that call for espresso, or is an enjoyable alternative for those who prefer a smoother, less acidic cup of coffee. Make a batch and it keeps well in your refrigerator for up to a week.
Plus, it can be a great way to try out new single origin beans or blends as the concentration but clear flavour lets the tones found in individual beans shine through.
Wanting to make your own cold brew? We’ve got a guide to all things Cold Brew here.
Why grinding the beans fresh is important
We all know that for coffee beans to taste at their absolute best, they should be freshly ground. If your budget cannot stretch to an espresso machine, but you are eager to explore the world of single origin or premium coffee experimentation, then please invest in a coffee grinder.
And if you’re going to invest in grinding coffee beans at home, you may as well do it properly with a burr grinder.
Burr grinders are considered superior for grinding coffee beans due to their ability to produce a more consistent and precise grind size. This consistency is A crucial component for achieving optimal flavour extraction and learning what brewing works best for your particular tastes.
Blade grinders, on the other hand, can generate heat and degrade the coffee beans' flavour, as well as cutting up the beans into an assortment of shapes and sizes. Burr grinders produce much less heat, which in turn preserves the beans' quality. Additionally, burr grinders are often adjustable, allowing you to customise the grind size to suit different brewing methods. There is a reason why high quality grinders use burrs over blades, and why you would only find burr grinders in artisanal coffee shops.
Simply put: burr grinders offer better control, consistency, and preservation of coffee bean quality, resulting in a superior cup of coffee.
Final Thoughts
We hope that we have answered the question of how to make espresso coffee without a machine, leaving you with multiple options for a great cup of coffee to enjoy within the comfort of your own home.
The best coffee, regardless of how you make it, always comes from the freshest, highest quality coffee beans - something that you will always find at The Coffee Bean Shop. Why not treat yourself to one of our premium best-selling single origin varieties, and elevate your morning brew to something truly spectacular.