How to Make Espresso Without a Machine | Home Brewing Barista Hack!

Talking about coffee drinks, there’s nothing that comes close to the Espresso. Sadly, just a few people know making espresso at home. 

A true coffee lover understands the luxury and the comfort of having single or double espresso shots. There are two approaches to having an espresso coffee – either you can set up an espresso machine for home or get to the nearest local cafe.

How to Make Espresso Without a Machine

What if you don’t have the time to visit the cafe or the budget for buying the espresso maker?

Coffee makers especially the espresso comes at a dear price, and not everyone could easily afford it. Is there any other way out? Yes, Of course!

Luckily, making barista-style espresso is now possible using a few Espresso Alternatives. The taste of the homemade espresso may vary depending on the method, coffee bean grind, and type.

#1 The Aeropress Method

This coffee making process has been in the industry for a long time, and one of my personal favorites. The cool thing about Aeropress is that it can be used for making any variety of coffee drink just like the espresso. Also to add, it’s easy to learn making an espresso the Aeropress way.

Things you need to make Espresso using the Aeropress- 

Steps to follow- 

1. Boil the water till it reaches 85°C, and take it down after half a minute.
2. Grind the coffee beans (selected for brewing).
3. Set the Aeropress, place the filter inside the channel cap, and pour in the boiling water on it.
4. After the water is ready, add the coffee into the Aeropress. Let the water soak the coffee, stir it well.
5. Press the coffee using the plunger.

That’s how you brew espresso at home with the Aeropress.

#2 Use a French Press Machine

French press espresso needs 3-4 minutes more than the Aeropress method.

Materials needed for the preparation- 

Steps to follow- 

1. Take at least two tablespoons of coffee beans (as the result won’t be as frothy as the Aeropress or the Moka method).
2. Heat water in the kettle, while you add the ground beans inside the French Press.
3. Add a splash of hot water on the ground, and keep the remaining water aside. Soak the coffee for 30 seconds.
4. Pour the rest of the water, and keep the lid closed for about 4 minutes.
5. Press the coffee using the plunger in a slow fashion. Bring it back on the top, and plunge it down in the same manner.

Brew the hot espresso into the Mug, and savor it!

#3 Use A Moka Pot – DIY

Yes, Moka Pot is the final yet the best way for brewing a creamy pour over espresso.

Things you need for making espresso using the Moka Pot-

Espresso brewing steps using the Moka Pot- 

1. Pour hot water inside the Moka pot.
2. Add the ground beans inside the filter holder, and level them.
3. Close the Moka Pot, and place it above the stove.
4. Wait for a while, and within a few minutes, you will find the coffee filling up the cup.
5. Remove the pot from the stove, and cool it by placing it on the towel. Done.

The Moka pot espresso won’t be the same espresso made using a coffee maker, but it’s definitely worth trying.

All the three methods listed here are barista-approved, so now it depends on you how you like to make an espresso shot. If you like to go with the slow brewing, then you can go with the Moka Pot method, while for speedy results choose any of the French Press or the Aeropress style.