Page 3 - Coffee Recipes

An espresso contains on average 30 millilitres of coffee. That's enough for an intense, full coffee shot packed with flavour. But where does that amount come from? And how many ml are in a double espresso or a ristretto? Here you'll read how those volumes are determined and why the millilitres have more impact than you might think.

What determines the amount of an espresso?

The amount of espresso is determined by the ratio of ground coffee, pressure, temperature and extraction time.

An espresso isn't just any amount of coffee, but the result of a precise process. According to the guidelines of the Specialty Coffee Association, you use about 18 to 20 grams of finely ground coffee, from which in 25 to 30 seconds under 9 bar pressure about 30 millilitres of concentrated coffee is extracted.

How finely you grind the coffee, how hard you tamp, how hot the water is and how long the water flows through: all these factors determine whether your shot ends up at 25 ml or closer to 35 ml. More water

What exactly is an espresso? Espresso is much more than a small cup of strong coffee. It's an intense flavour experience, the foundation of countless coffee recipes, and a true art to prepare. Here you'll learn what an espresso really is, where it comes from, and how to make one at home that tastes just like from a barista. Plus, we'll give tips on the right espresso coffee beans.

What is an espresso?

An espresso is a small, strong cup of coffee made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee.

Espresso is the base of many popular coffee drinks. It's known for its full, intense flavour and characteristic creamy layer. Thanks to the compact amount and powerful preparation, you get a rich coffee experience in just one sip.

How is an espresso made?

An espresso is made by forcing hot water at 9 bar pressure through 18–20 grams of finely ground coffee in 25–30 seconds.

This process requires precision. The right grind size, freshness of the beans, and a well-calibrated

Making coffee means bringing hot water into contact with ground coffee. You can do this in at least eleven different ways. From a simple filter machine to a stylish Chemex or espresso machine. The method you choose determines the flavour, texture and even the aroma of your coffee.

Here you'll read exactly how those differences arise and we'll help you find the brewing method that best suits your taste, rhythm and coffee moment.

What is the best way to make coffee?

The best way to make coffee? There isn't one. At least, not one that works for everyone. Your ideal cup of coffee depends on your taste, your morning routine and how much time you want to spend on it.

Do you like a full, powerful flavour? Then an espresso machine or moka pot is probably your thing. Prefer something clear and refined? Then slow coffee methods like the Chemex or V60 are for you. And if it has to be quick and easy, a fully automatic machine or pod machine is your best friend.

By trying different methods, you'll

Coffee tastes bitter when your water is too hot, the grind is too fine, or you let the coffee run through for too long. Dirty equipment or very dark-roasted beans can also produce an unpleasant, bitter flavour. The good news is that the fix is often simple: a few small changes and you'll be brewing a delicious cup again.

What causes the bitter taste in coffee?

A bitter taste in your coffee is usually down to over-extraction. That's when you draw too many compounds out of the coffee, leaving an astringent aftertaste. This can have several causes:

• Grind too fine: this slows the water flow through the coffee, so it picks up too many bitter compounds.
  
  
• Flow time too long: the longer the water stays in contact with the coffee, the more bitter the taste.
  
  
• Water temperature too high: water above 96°C extracts not just the aromas, but unwanted bitters too.
  
  
• Dark-roast or cheap beans: Robusta beans in particular are naturally more bitter than Arabica.
  
  
• Dirty equipment: oils and coffee residue in

Have you ever brewed a cup of coffee that was either way too sour, or so bitter you reached straight for a glass of water? Then you've probably noticed that brewing genuinely good coffee takes more than just fresh beans and a fancy machine. One subtle but decisive factor decides whether your cup is perfectly in balance — and it has nothing to do with your water or your filter.

If you want real control over flavour, aroma and mouthfeel, you'll need to get to grips with something baristas treat as sacred. And it all starts with one crucial variable… the grind size of your coffee.

What is grind size?

Grind size refers to how coarse or fine coffee beans are ground before you brew them. It determines how quickly water can flow through the coffee and how long it stays in contact with the ground particles. This matters a lot, because a coarse grind speeds up the flow and shortens extraction, while a fine grind slows things down and makes flavours more intense. 

Every brewing method calls for

For the advanced barista, the extraction time of an espresso is much more than just a number. It's a direct gauge for extraction and therefore for flavour. An espresso that runs through too quickly or too slowly is rarely in balance, with a bitter, sour or watery coffee as the result. But what IS the ideal time? And how do you adjust your grind, tamping or dose accordingly?

What is extraction time?

The extraction time, also called brew time, is the time the water needs to flow through the ground coffee in the portafilter, from the moment you press the espresso button to the last drop falling into the cup.

This time is always measured in seconds, usually with a stopwatch or a built-in timer in the espresso machine.

Important: extraction time isn't the same as warm-up time of the machine or pre-infusion.

What is the ideal extraction time for an espresso?

The guideline for a classic espresso is between 25 and 30 seconds.

But this depends on:

• The amount of coffee (standard: 18-20 grams)
• The

A warm mug, a hint of Irish charm and that creamy dollop of whipped cream… Irish Coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s pure indulgence in a glass! Whether you’re drinking it after a slap-up dinner or on a chilly winter evening — with this recipe you’ll conjure up a café-worthy Irish coffee in no time. In this article you’ll learn step by step how to make one, get handy tips AND we share some surprising variations. Time to get your favourite whiskey ready and grind those coffee beans.

What is Irish coffee and where does it come from?

Irish coffee is a delicious warm coffee cocktail consisting of black coffee, Irish whiskey, a little sugar and a creamy dollop of whipped cream. But did you know that this lovely drink was an accidental invention?

The story goes back to the 1940s, when a cold evening and tired travellers at an airport in the Irish town of Foynes asked for something to warm them up. Chef Joe Sheridan decided to combine strong coffee with Irish whiskey and top it with whipped cream.