Mastering the Perfect Espresso: Recipes for 18g Coffee Dose

Incorporating specific espresso recipes into your brewing routine can significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of espresso. Here, we provide detailed recipes starting with an 18g coffee dose, which is a popular choice for a balanced yet robust espresso shot. These recipes cater to various preferences and highlight the versatility of espresso brewing.

Classic Espresso Recipe

Coffee: 18g (fine espresso grind)
Water: 36g (output weight)
Time: 25-30 seconds
Pressure: 9 bars
Temperature: 200-205°F (93-96°C)

Instructions: Start with 18g of freshly ground coffee. Tamp evenly and firmly. Brew for 25-30 seconds until you achieve 36g of espresso. This recipe is the starting point for many baristas, providing a balanced extraction that highlights both the acidity and sweetness of the coffee.

Ristretto: The Short Shot

Coffee: 18g (fine espresso grind)
Water: 25-28g (output weight)
Time: 22-25 seconds
Pressure: 9 bars
Temperature: 200-205°F (93-96°C)

Instructions: Use the same 18g dose, but aim for a shorter, more concentrated 25-28g shot. The ristretto pulls for a slightly shorter time, emphasizing the coffee’s rich and sweet flavors without too much bitterness.

Lungo: The Long Shot

Coffee: 18g (fine espresso grind, slightly coarser than for a classic espresso)
Water: 45-50g (output weight)
Time: 30-35 seconds
Pressure: 9 bars
Temperature: 200-205°F (93-96°C)

Instructions: With the same 18g of coffee, adjust your grinder to a slightly coarser setting. Aim for a 45-50g shot over 30-35 seconds. This longer shot will extract more from the coffee, leading to a lighter, more nuanced cup.

High-Extraction Recipe

Coffee: 18g (fine espresso grind)
Water: 40g (output weight)
Time: 28-32 seconds
Pressure: 9 bars
Temperature: 200-205°F (93-96°C)

Instructions: This recipe aims to maximize flavor extraction without over-extraction. Use 18g of coffee to extract 40g of espresso over 28-32 seconds. The result is a complex, flavorful shot that captures a wide range of taste notes.

Low-Extraction Recipe

Coffee: 18g (fine espresso grind)
Water: 32g (output weight)
Time: 20-24 seconds
Pressure: 9 bars
Temperature: 200-205°F (93-96°C)

Instructions: For those who prefer a softer, less intense espresso, this recipe uses 18g of coffee to achieve a 32g shot in 20-24 seconds. This shorter extraction time reduces bitterness and acidity for a smoother sip.

Conclusion

These recipes serve as a guideline for exploring the vast world of espresso. Remember, the perfect espresso is subjective and should be tailored to your taste preferences. Experiment with different doses, grind sizes, extraction times, and pressures. Keep a log of your adjustments and the resulting flavors, and don’t be afraid to deviate from these recipes to create your perfect shot.