Espresso
Single-Shot Esppresso
Let’s make a classic coffee together, extract a shot of deliciousness the traditionally quick & simple way.
This guide will walk you through the basics and we will use a finely ground, dark roasted coffee blend.
Preparing a single shot espresso couldn’t be simpler with the right tools and brewing equipment the possibilities are truly endless.
To make an espresso, you will need either an Espresso Machine, Nespresso Machine or a Moka Pot.
It is important to note that when using either your Espresso Machine or Moka Pot to keep it traditional and only use a finely ground coffee.
Equipment Recommended
Moka Pot
Espresso Machine
Nespresso Machine
Best Cup For The Win
Although technically speaking you can use any cup, however we believe it to be essential and highly recommended to use an espresso cup also widely known and sold as a demitasse. With some high-end tres chique designs out their, it just adds to thrill and spectacle of our favourite drinking ritual if we use something other than a mug.
Moka Pot Espresso
Equipment & Things Needed
step by step Guide
Step 1
Disassemble your moka pot, locate the pressure valve and ensure its in your view, then pour water into the bottom chamber and fill water to just below the pressure valve.
Next you will replace your coffee basket on top of the bottom chamber that’s just been filled with water.
Unseal your deliciously fresh coffee bag of La Bella Figura, and slowly place 24g of coffee into the coffee basket but remember don’t tamp down your coffee grounds.
Lastly seal your collecting chamber by screwing it back until your Moka pot is airtight.
For a more thorough explanation on how to use a Moka Pot will visit our Moka Pot Brewing Guide Page.
Step 2
Fire up your stove to a high heat and place your moka pot in the centre, depending on your stove and moka pot, you should begin to hear the water in the bottom chamber begin to bubble within 2 minutes.
Lift the lid from time to time to check if any coffee laden froth has started to sprout into the collecting chamber.
Once this has occurred, begin to gradually reduce the heat on your stove and once you’re satisfied all the coffee has been successfully extracted, the usual sign is the coffee stops sprouting and bubbles turn to hisses.
Then take off the heat and pour your coffee.
Best Cup For The Win
Although technically speaking you can use any cup, however we believe it to be essential and highly recommended to use an espresso cup also widely known and sold as a demitasse. With some high-end tres chique designs out their, it just adds to thrill and spectacle of our favourite drinking ritual if we use something other than a mug.
Machine Espresso
Equipment & Things Needed
step by step Guide
Step 1
For this demonstration, we will be using our Delonghi EC260.
Ensure there’s enough water in the water tank. Switch on your espresso machine and wait for confirmation your espresso machine is ready.
Grab your coffee portafilter (handle with coffee basket), unseal your deliciously fresh coffee bag of La Belle Epoque, and slowly place 14g of coffee into the coffee basket.
Using either the shaft of your coffee scoop or the shaft of a spoon. Slide it across the top of the coffee heap (start at the rim of your portafilter, to ensure that your coffee is aligned and uniform.
Then tamp down the coffee grinds held in the portafilter with minimal down-force pressure.
Lastly, place your portafilter into the locking chamber of your espresso machine, tighten it by turning the handle counter clockwise until it locks fully.
Step 2
Position your demitasse/espresso cup directly underneath the spout of your locked portafilter. Sometimes depending on how cold it is, we like to warm up our cups with some warm water or steam before commencing with the espresso pour.
Press the single espresso button or turn the dial to a single-shot depending on your espresso machine.
If you have completed the previous stage successfully your coffee blend should extract evenly forming a pressure induced crema layer which floats as it drips into your espresso cup.
Once your espresso machine has completed your task, remove your espresso cup and enjoy.
Best Cup For The Win
Although technically speaking you can use any cup, however we believe it to be essential and highly recommended to use an espresso cup also widely known and sold as a demitasse. With some high-end tres chique designs out their, it just adds to thrill and spectacle of our favourite drinking ritual if we use something other than a mug.
Nespresso Machine Espresso
Equipment & Things Needed
step by step Guide
Step 1
For this demonstration, we will be using our Krups Nespresso machine.
Ensure there’s enough water in the water tank. Switch on your Nespresso machine and wait for confirmation your espresso machine is ready.
Usually you can tell when the lights stop blinking.
Push the handle upwards, to unlock your coffee capsule chamber and insert your coffee capsule, followed by pushing the handle in a downward motion to relock your coffee capsule chamber.
For this demonstration, were using our fragrant Beirut inspired Levantine with cardamom capsule.
For a more thorough explanation on how to use a Nespresso machine visit our Nespresso Machine Brewing Guide Page.
Step 2
Position your demitasse/espresso cup directly underneath the spout of your Nespresso machine. Sometimes depending on how cold it is, we like to warm up our cups with some warm water or steam before commencing with the espresso pour.
Press the single espresso button (small cup icon). If you have completed the previous stage successfully your coffee capsule should extract evenly forming a pressure induced crema layer which floats as it drips into your espresso cup.
Once your Nespresso machine has completed your task, remove your espresso cup and enjoy.
