Aeropress Espresso is the ideal way of making espresso without a machine, thanks to the small size and pressurized brewing method. This quick 2-minute method tastes most similar to machine espresso and is our go-to method for espresso drinks, Americano, and for making espresso while camping or traveling.
What is an Aeropress?
An Aeropress is a small coffee-making device that is ideal for single cups, espresso without a machine, or for use while camping or traveling. It consists of a piston, filter, and catch basin and is small enough to fit into most travel bags.
How does an Aeropress work?
To make Aeropress Espresso, the grounds are steeped in hot water and a piston is used to push the espresso through the filter and into a catch basin. The method is similar to making French Press espresso, but the system is smaller, uses a small amount of pressure, and separates the grounds and water into different compartments for easy clean up.
How to make Aeropress Espresso
From picking the right ingredients to the best tips for a tasty Aeropress espresso, we have you covered!
Ingredients Notes
No surprises here -- all you need are espresso beans and water. Read on for notes and substitutions.
- Ground Espresso Beans - Espresso beans are roasted for longer than coffee beans and the ground is typically finer. If you don't have espresso beans or grounds, I recommend a fine ground dark roast coffee. The taste will be very similar and most people can't tell the difference.
- Water - We noticed a difference and preferred filtered water over tap water, but either will work. If you have it, used filtered water for a coffee-shop taste.
See the recipe card for full ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
There are just two easy steps to making espresso in an Aeropress:
- Assemble: Assemble the AeroPress with a filter and screw on the filter cap. Place the device over a sturdy cup or mug and put the espresso grounds into the cylinder.
- Brew: Add the water to the cylinder with the grounds and stir for 10 seconds, then allow to rest for 45 seconds. Insert and slowly push down the plunger until the grounds are compact and the liquid has emptied into the cup.
Hint: When grinding espresso beans, you generally want a fine grind. However, if it's very fine, it can be hard to push the water through the filter because the grounds get very compact. We had success with many fine grinds, but keep this note in mind when grinding your espresso beans for Aeropress espresso.
Variations & Uses
Here are a few ways we change up and enjoy this recipe:
- Americano - Simply dilute your Aeropress espresso with hot water to taste to make a traditional Americano. I usually add about ½ cup of water.
- Latte - Add ½ cup of steamed milk to your espresso, plus more to taste.
- Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso - Grab your barista oat milk, some brown sugar, and vanilla extract, and head to our trial-tested and well-loved Starbucks copycat recipe!
- Iced Mocha - All you need is cocoa powder, sugar, and your favorite creamy milk plus this Aeropress Espresso to make an easy Iced Mocha.
Storage
While best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover espresso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
If you don't have an expensive espresso machine, the Aeropress is great for espresso! The pressurized brewing method mimics the traditional espresso method and the strong coffee flavor is concentrated like true espresso.
The ratio of espresso to water in an Aeropress is 18 grams of espresso to 80 grams of water. This is roughly a ratio of 1:4.
Use 1 heaping scoop of ground espresso beans for a double shot of Aeropress espresso. This should be roughly 18 grams of ground espresso.
Coffee Shop inspired treats
Try one of these coffeehouse classics with your Aeropress espresso:
Sip this espresso alone, or dilute it with hot water to make an Americano. We also use this Aeropress espresso recipe in our Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso and Iced Mocha recipes!
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the comment field or recipe card below. Thank you!
AeroPress Espresso
Ingredients
- 3 rounded tablespoons ground espresso beans (18 grams)
- ⅓ cup filtered water heated to 200 degrees F (80 ml)
Instructions
- Assemble: Assemble the AeroPress with a filter and screw on the filter cap. Place the device over a sturdy cup or mug and put the espresso grounds into the cylinder.
- Brew: Add the water to the cylinder with the grounds and stir for 10 seconds, then allow to rest for 45 seconds. Insert and slowly push down the plunger until the grounds are compact and the liquid has emptied into the cup.
Ashlee
I can’t believe it’s so simple to make espresso without a machine! This recipe did the trick for an Iced Mocha that I was making. I love that it’s extra concentrated for espresso drinks. Don’t hesitate, just make it!
Jamie
Thanks for sharing your experience Ashlee!