Skip to Content

Homemade Espresso

Homemade Espresso – Make espresso right at home – no espresso machine required! Made with just 2 ingredients and it can be used in everything from lattes to iced lattes to a dirty chai!

Homemade Espresso

Homemade Espresso

After making a variety of lattes, iced lattes, and more over the years, the one problem I constantly hit was how to tell people to make the espresso called for in the recipe.  Some people have espresso machines, some people have an aeropress (me), others have moka pots, and some have none of that equipment which just wasn’t fair because as great as normally brewed drip coffee is, it just isn’t the same as using espresso.  In comes this homemade espresso recipe that uses no equipment at all other than things that you will already have in the kitchen.

To make it, simply mix finely ground espresso beans and water together, mix, and stick it in the fridge overnight.  After that you filter out the chunks of coffee beans that are left and enjoy! I have been using it in iced lattes constantly since I made my first batch of homemade espresso and it tastes perfect.  You can use this in any of my coffee recipes and it will taste great.

This recipe makes about 2 cups which is a good amount as it makes a few drinks.  I only use 1-2 ounces of it for an iced latte so it goes a long ways.

Espresso Recipe

Common Questions About Making Homemade Espresso

What is homemade espresso?

Homemade espresso is a concentrate of water and freshly ground espresso beans that can be used in wide variety of drinks.  It is an alternative to using an espresso machine and while it will be very similar, I must point out that this is not a “true” espresso because we are not technically pushing almost boiling water through finely ground coffee beans at 9-10 bars of pressure but because the average person doesn’t have an espresso machine at their house, this is a method that will get close and make a great drink!

Homemade Espresso Recipe

How can I make espresso with a french press?

You can make the espresso concentrate in a French press! Place the ground espresso and water in the press (but don’t press it down).  Place in the fridge for 12 hours, press it, and enjoy.

How can I make espresso using an Aeropress?

One of my favorite ways to make espresso at home is with an Aeropress.  This nifty little contraption makes a personal amount of a strong brew that works great in homemade lattes and such.  I suggest watching some videos of the inverted method on Youtube because I think that will be way more helpful than me trying to explain a really weird method!

How can I make espresso using a Moka Pot?

Don’t worry, you can also make espresso in a moka pot.  To do so. fill the lower section with water, add ground espresso into the funnel, screw the pieces together, place on the stovetop until the water boils.  You will start to see coffee in the upper chamber before starting to sputter out.  Again, I totally suggest you go look up a video on Youtube before trying it.

Espresso Concentrate

Can I heat espresso concentrate up?

Yes! Just warm up on the stovetop or in a microwave until warm if you want to make a warm drink with it.  I suggest just warming up the amount that you need for the drink you are making rather than the whole thing of espresso concentrate.

What can I use homemade espresso in?

Homemade espresso can be used in so many great lattes, iced lattes, and more.  Some of my favorite recipes include –

Iced Lattes –
Lattes –
Other –

Espresso

Yield: 2 Cups

Homemade Espresso

Homemade Espresso

Homemade Espresso - Make espresso right at home - no espresso machine required! Made with just 2 ingredients and it can be used in everything from lattes to iced lattes to a dirty chai!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole espresso beans
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Using a coffee grinder or food processor, grind the espresso beans until they are a fine powder - they should be similar to the texture of finely ground cornmeal.
  2. Add the freshly ground espresso and water to a large container and place it in the fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight.
  3. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Make sure to press or squeeze the grounds to release all of the flavor. Discard the espresso and store the concentrate in the fridge for up to one week.
Homemade Espresso

 

Skip to Recipe