How to Make Espresso Without a Machine
Fun fact: espresso is just fine-ground coffee that’s brewed with hot water under high pressure. Sure, you could invest in a fancyone-touch Nespressoor$1000 Breville espresso machine—or you could pick up a $30 Aeropress for delicious coffee that’s pretty close to being espresso.
I say “pretty close,” because according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), espresso technically needs to be made with nine to 10 atmospheres of pressure (also called bars), and the Aeropressdoesn’t quite make the cut.
However, the Aeropress isn’t worth dismissing if you want to make espresso or lattes at home but don’t want to spend a lot on a fancy machine. Aeropress machines are known for their ability to make a smooth, rich, full-bodied cup that’s less bitter and acidic than other brewing methods—and just as tasty as some very pricy espresso machines! Not to mention, you can brew your coffee or espresso directly over your mug (and cleanup is much less involved than using a French press).
How to Make Espresso with an Aeropress
First, gather your supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Aeropress recommends these steps on their websiteto make espresso-style coffee:
How to Froth Milk
There are a few ways you can froth milk. The first option is to heat your milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the oven and use a handheld frother (like this one,$20 at Williams Sonoma). With this inexpensive tool, you can get the frothy consistency you like in just 15-20 seconds. It even froths plant-based milks like soy, almond or oat milk!
The second option is a bit more expensive, but it’s so worth it if you’re going to be making lattes at home on a regular basis. Nespresso sells a $100 milk frother that does all the work for you. You can make hot or iced lattes with the touch of a button (a quick press heats the milk, whereas holding the button down a bit longer creates cold milk froth). Use this milk frother around 25 times, and you’ll pay off your Starbucks latte habit (or, at least, that’s how I justify it!).
Once your milk is frothed, simply pour it directly on top of your espresso and enjoy your homemade latte. Cheers!
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