A Guide to Better Shots at Home
Pulling a great shot of espresso isn’t just for baristas — with the right technique and a little practice, anyone can enjoy bold, café-quality coffee at home. Whether you’re using a high-end machine or just starting out, here’s what makes a perfect espresso shot and how you can get there.
What Makes a Great Espresso Shot?
A perfect espresso should be:
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Balanced: not too bitter or sour
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Rich and creamy: with a smooth texture and golden crema
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Flavorful: reflecting the origin and roast of your beans
The secret lies in how you control grind, dose, time, and temperature.
Dialing In Your Shot – Step by Step
1. Start with Fresh, High-Quality Beans
Use freshly roasted coffee — ideally within 2–4 weeks of roast date. Medium to dark roasts often work best for espresso, but don’t overlook bright, fruity roasts if you love complex flavors.
2. Grind Fine and Consistent
Espresso requires a fine grind. Use a burr grinder and adjust until your shot extracts in about 25–30 seconds.
Tip: Too fast = sour. Too slow = bitter.
3. Use the Right Dose
Standard dose is 18–20g for a double shot. Weigh it in and out. You should get about 36–40g of liquid in 25–30 seconds.
4. Tamp Evenly
Use firm, even pressure when tamping. Your goal is to create a flat, uniform puck so water flows through it evenly.
5. Watch the Extraction
Your espresso should start dark and syrupy, turning golden with crema as it finishes. If it sputters or channels, adjust your grind or tamping.
Common Fixes
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Sour shot? → Finer grind, longer shot time
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Bitter shot? → Coarser grind, cooler temp, shorter shot
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Weak shot? → Increase your dose or tamp harder
Our Espresso Favorites
Try these roasts with espresso:
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Fazenda Brazil – Chocolatey and nutty for a smooth base
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Guji Ethiopia – Bright and fruity, perfect for adventurous espresso
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House Blend – Balanced and sweet, ideal for milk drinks
Final Thoughts
Espresso is both art and science. Don’t get discouraged — adjusting your grind, dose, and time even slightly can make a big difference. And when in doubt, taste is your best guide.
Pull. Sip. Repeat.
