A Guide to Brewing Espresso Drinks

There are as many opinions about how to make espresso drinks as there are Baristas. We don't claim to be the final word, nor should anyone. We only offer you some helpful guidelines with which to start. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Almost as important as your espresso machine is your espresso grinder. While some operators today buy pre-ground espresso, or use espresso pods, a purist will insist on grinding their own beans. Coffee beans can grind differently from bag to bag, and even during the same day, especially in high-humidity locations.

Since the fineness of the grind helps determine the extraction rate of the espresso shot, it is very important that you know how to properly adjust your grinder.

Since water constitutes 98% of a shot of espresso, we strongly urge that you install a good water filtration and/or softening system along with your espresso machine. This will not only improve the quality of your final product, but will help prolong the life of your equipment by preventing the build-up of lime and scale.