How to Pull Espresso Shots

The basics of pulling espresso are, well, pretty basic. But to truly hone your skills at crafting a fine shot of espresso, you need lots of practice and a few tips. You need to know how to get your grind just right. You need to decide how heavily you want to dose your coffee. You need to know how to tamp your grounds just right. And you need to know how to evaluate your shots so you can improve over time.

This step-by-step guide on how to pull espresso shots explains how to do all of these things, and provides other tips and tricks for pulling perfect shots of espresso (almost) every time (if you practice!).

Experienced baristas: Do you have any more tips to add with newbies? Share them in the comments below!

Photo (c) Lindsey Goodwin
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Bacchus Espresso Martini

There are many attempts at an Espresso Martini out there (see a few below), but it was one that I had after dinner at the Bacchus Restaurant in St. Croix, Virgin Islands that was the best by far. I think it was the combination of Cruzan's Vanilla Rum and strong, fresh brewed coffee that set this one apart as spectacular. When you're making this, be sure to allow your coffee to chill while also making sure it is fresh - if the coffee's hot the ice in the shaker will melt almost instantly.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cruzan Vanilla Rum
• 1 3/4 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz strong coffee, chilled

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a well-chilled cocktail glass.

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Espresso Terms

From barista to tamper and Caffe Americano to Quad, there are quite a few terms surrounding the craft of pulling espresso shots and the range of drinks including espresso. For espresso initiates and those who want to improve their espresso knowledge alike, I recently wrote a collection of espresso terms. It's divided into sections (such as "Classic Espresso Drink Terms" and "Espresso Machine Parts"), and each term links to a glossary entry with a definition, pronunciation guide and (often) a photo.

I hope you enjoy it, and if you think of a term that's missing, feel free to add it in the comments, and I'll try to add it to the collection.

Photo (c) Lindsey Goodwin
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Triple Threat Espresso Martini Recipe

The high-caffeine, bold-tasting Triple Threat Espresso Martini is not for the faint of heart! It includes two espresso shots, espresso vodka and coffee liqueur.

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More Espresso Martinis

Thanks to the versatility of espresso's flavor pairings, there are lots of other variations on espresso martinis out there. Here are a few of my favorites.

Some espresso martinis feature "latte art," unusual ingredients and other distinctive flourishes.

Lindsey Goodwin

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How to Pull Espresso Shots

For today's blog post, I'm focusing on one of those "oldies-but-goodies" -- a step-by-step tutorial on how to pull espresso shots. The tutorial includes photos of each step and detailed instructions on how to grind espresso, settle grounds, clear grounds and more. Are you ready to improve your espresso-making skills? Learn how to pull espresso shots well.

Photo (c) Marko Goodwin
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How to Pull Espresso Shots

Every espresso machine is different and there's quite a bit of controversy over the "best" way to pull a shot. However, there are some basics that can help you sharpen your espresso-pulling skills and pull great shots. From why fresh-ground beans are a must to what "mouse tails" are and why you should watch them, these step-by-step instructions cover all the basics of pulling espresso.

Shots begin with whole beans. It is imperative that you begin with whole beans because the volatile oils (which give coffee its incredible range and depth of flavor) begin to dissipate off of the coffee as soon as it is ground. In fact, the effect of lost oils is so pronounced on espresso's flavor that it's important to pull as shot as soon as possible after you have ground the beans and it is almost always recommended that you grind for each and every individual shot you pull.

Conical burr grinders are the best way to grind espresso because they produce the fullest flavor. (Here's more information on blade grinder vs. burr grinders.) Grinders generally come with recommended grind settings (for coarser or finer grounds), but these must be changed throughout the day to account for a multitude of ever-changing factors, such as bean variations, temperature and humidity. Also, generally speaking, grinds should be slightly finer for manual or automatic espresso makers than they should be for stovetop espresso makers/moka pots or pumpless electric espresso makers. Ultimately, most baristas agree that the best grind size is the one that results in a shot that pulls in 23 to 29 seconds and (Very important!) tastes great.

To grind coffee beans for espresso, fill the hopper and activate the grinder for about 15 to 20 seconds. Many grinders require that a lever ("doser") be pulled forward repeatedly as the coffee is ground. This action dispenses the ground coffee into the portafilter.

If, later, you find your shots are extracting too quickly, the first thing to try to adjust is the grind size. Make it smaller. Similarly, if a shot is taking too long to extract, try making the grind size slightly larger.

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Espresso Machines \$500-\$1000

Now we're getting into the big leagues. Here are the espresso machines in the upper budgetary levels. Not quite the top-of-the-line models, but these are high-quality espresso machines that are worth the extra money.

1. Gaggia Syncrony Compact Espresso Machine

This espresso machine will provide you with commercial quality espresso (it is a Gaggia, after all) but won't take up your entire countertop. This compact machine can still provide plenty of espresso, with a 44oz water tank. Digital controls give you complete control over the espresso extraction. $699

2. Delonghi Magnifica Automatic Espresso Machine

You can make the ultimate in fresh espresso with this machine, because it even grinds the beans for you with an integrated burr grinder. Cappuccinos are easy to make using the wand and milk frothing chamber. Separate controls for coffee and water quantity, so you can customize your shots. $799

3. FrancisFrancis! X5 Espresso Machine

Forget your plain white, black or chrome machines. The FrancisFrancis X5 comes in 10 colours that will match any kitchen decor. These sleek machines are fairly simple in terms of features, but they are solidly built with commercial-quality components. $650

4. Jura-Capresso Impressa E9 Espresso Machine

Another great combo machine that can brew regular coffee as well as espresso. It's fully automatic, meaning it will grind your beans too. This kind of convenience is worth the extra bucks. $999

5. La Pavoni Europiccola

I just love the look of these piston-operated espresso machines. The only controls are an on/off switch and a thermostat. You're not paying for features here, you're paying for beauty. It's solid brass and built to last. $950

6. Nespresso Romeo

A top-of-the-line Swiss machine that makes brewing espresso easy with their prepacked capsules (similar to pods) of coffee grounds. The look is sleek and elegant, and the functions are fully automatic with complete digital controls. $700

7. Gaggia Baby Twin Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Lots of features, as you would expect at this price range. The double heating system and pre-infusion cycle make for a quick espresso. You can add a rich layer of steamed milk within seconds with the Rapid Steam function. All the controls are at hand with an electronic touch panel. $700

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Coffee / Espresso Martini Recipe

I call this easy coffee / espresso martini recipe "The Shakes." It's presentable, high in alcohol and caffeine-rich enough to kick off a long night of partying. Plus, it can be made with either espresso of strong drip coffee.

Prep Time: 08 minutes

Cook Time: 02 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: One serving

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce very strong drip brewed coffee or espresso
• 1/2 ounce Kahlua
• 3 coffee beans

Preparation:

Combine the vodka, drip coffee and Kahlua in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass and garnish with the coffee beans.

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