How to Make Espresso Without a Machine
There’s nothing quite like the smooth, bold shot of a perfectly brewed espresso. But what if you don’t have a fancy espresso machine at home? The good news is, you can still create a rich, café-quality espresso-style drink using a few simple methods — no expensive equipment required.
Start with the Right Beans
The foundation of any great espresso is the coffee bean itself. True espresso requires a dark, bold roast that’s crafted for pressure extraction and crema. Our Espresso Beans collection includes blends like:
- Espresso Dark Roast – Smooth and rich with notes of dark chocolate.
- Italian Roast Espresso – Our darkest, boldest espresso roast with a deep, intense flavor.
- Sierra Negra Dark Roast Espresso – A single-origin espresso with sweet aroma and balanced crema.
Whichever you choose, always grind fresh and aim for a fine, table-salt-like texture.
3 Ways to Make Espresso Without a Machine
1. Using a Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker)
The Moka pot is a classic for a reason — it uses steam pressure to brew strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso.
Steps:
- Fill the bottom chamber with water.
- Add finely ground espresso beans to the filter basket.
- Place on medium heat until you hear a gentle gurgle, then remove and enjoy.
Why this works:
The Moka pot generates steam pressure that pushes water through the coffee grounds, creating a bold, concentrated shot. While it doesn’t achieve the 9 bars of pressure of a traditional machine, the resulting brew is closer to espresso than standard drip coffee.
What makes it different:
You won’t see the same thick crema on top that a machine produces, but with high-quality beans like our Espresso Dark Roast, you’ll still get a smooth, robust flavor.
2. Using an AeroPress
With the right technique, an AeroPress can mimic espresso’s intensity.
Steps:
- Insert a filter and rinse with hot water.
- Add 18–20 grams of finely ground Espresso Dark Roast.
- Use a 1:2 coffee-to-water ratio and press slowly for 30–40 seconds.
Why this works:
The AeroPress uses manual pressure from your push, creating a stronger brew than a pour-over or French press. When paired with finely ground espresso beans, you get a concentrated shot that’s surprisingly close to true espresso.
What makes it different:
Since the pressure comes from your hand rather than a pump, the crema and texture are lighter than machine-made espresso — but it’s a great budget-friendly alternative.
3. Using a French Press
While not true espresso, a French Press can make a strong, espresso-style concentrate.
Steps:
- Add double the usual amount of finely ground espresso beans.
- Pour just enough hot water (200°F) to saturate the grounds.
- Let steep for 3–4 minutes, then press slowly.
Why this works:
Using a higher coffee-to-water ratio makes a much stronger brew. It won’t have the same pressure extraction, but you can get a similar boldness and depth of flavor.
What makes it different:
The French Press won’t create crema, and the flavor is slightly heavier due to its immersion brewing style. However, using a bold roast like our Italian Roast Espresso can create a rich, full-bodied shot.
Tips for a Better Espresso Shot
- Use Freshly Roasted Beans: Our Espresso Beans are air-roasted in small batches to ensure maximum flavor.
- Adjust Your Grind: Too coarse? You’ll get a weak shot. Too fine? It’ll taste bitter and over-extracted.
- Serve Immediately: Espresso loses its character quickly, so brew only what you’ll drink.
Upgrade Your Espresso Game
Once you’ve mastered these methods, consider leveling up with a real espresso machine and a subscription to our Espresso Beans. Our flexible espresso subscriptions ensure you never run out of café-quality beans.