[Video Guide] AeroPress Mastery: Espresso-Style & Classic Recipe

If you love the bold flavor of espresso but don’t want to invest in a pricey espresso machine, the AeroPress coffee maker is a game-changer. Compact, affordable, and easy to use, it can produce a smooth, concentrated cup of coffee that mimics espresso—complete with a light crema-like foam. Whether you’re brewing in your kitchen or making coffee on the go, this guide will show you how to master espresso-style coffee using the AeroPress.

☕ Quick FAQ: AeroPress & Espresso

Can AeroPress make real espresso?
Not exactly. Traditional espresso requires 9 bars of pressure, which AeroPress cannot achieve. But with the right recipe, you can brew a strong, espresso-style concentrate.

What’s the best grind size for AeroPress espresso?
Medium-fine grind works best—finer than drip coffee but not as fine as machine-pulled espresso.

Is the inverted method better?
Yes. It prevents premature dripping, improves extraction, and gives you more control over flavor.

What coffee beans work best in AeroPress?
Freshly roasted specialty beans, like Sumatra Mandheling for earthy notes or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for fruity flavors.

Brewing Espresso-Style Coffee with AeroPress

What You’ll Need:

• 18 g freshly ground coffee (medium-fine)

• 60 g near-boiling water (200°F / 93°C)

• AeroPress + paper filter

• Scale & timer

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Prepare AeroPress (Inverted Method): Insert plunger ⅓ into chamber, flip upside down.

2. Add Coffee: Use a funnel for less mess.

3. Pour Water: Add 60 g hot water, start a 2-minute timer.

4. Stir Back & Forth: Avoid circular stirring to prevent astringent flavors.

5. Attach Filter & Rinse: Helps eliminate papery taste.

6. Flip & Plunge: At 2 minutes, flip onto your cup and plunge with steady pressure.

👉 The result is a rich, concentrated brew with a light crema. Enjoy it straight, with frothed milk for a latte, or diluted with hot water for an Americano.

Why the Inverted Method Works

The inverted AeroPress method is favored by most World AeroPress Championship winners because it:

• Prevents water from dripping too soon

• Maximizes extraction for fuller flavor

• Produces a stronger, smoother cup

This method is perfect for espresso-style recipes since it uses less water and requires more control.

Classic AeroPress Recipe (Balanced Brew)

For a more traditional cup, try this championship-inspired recipe:

Ingredients:

• 30 g coffee (medium-coarse grind)

• 150 g hot water (185–195°F, cooler for darker roasts)

Steps:

1. Invert AeroPress and add coffee.

2. Pour 150 g water, stir vigorously back and forth.

3. At 30 seconds, attach rinsed filter.

4. At 1 minute, flip and plunge slowly, finishing at 1:30.

👉 This produces a smooth, balanced coffee. Dilute with hot water if you prefer a lighter cup.

Pro Tips for Better AeroPress Coffee

• Always grind fresh: Pre-ground beans lose aroma quickly.

• Adjust water temperature: Cooler water for dark roasts prevents bitterness.

• Experiment with ratios: Stronger brew = less water, finer grind.

• Back-and-forth stir: Ensures even extraction without creating a dome.

Final Thoughts

The AeroPress proves you don’t need an expensive machine to enjoy espresso-style coffee at home. With the right recipe and method, you can create café-quality drinks anywhere.

If you’re ready to start experimenting, explore our freshly roasted specialty coffees—from bold Sumatra Mandheling to fruity Ethiopian Yirgacheffe—and bring the world’s best beans into your cup.

👉 Explore More Volcanica Coffee Beans