Eataly Recipes
How to Brew the Perfect Espresso
In Italy, coffee is an important part of the daily routine, beginning with that first sip of rich, creamy espresso. Learn how to brew the perfect espresso using the traditional Italian moka, a stove-top coffeemaker, with our simple five-step guide.
- GET FAMILIAR.
The octagonal stove-top coffeemaker has three parts: the base, the filter, and the pitcher.
- ASSEMBLE THE INGREDIENTS.
Fill the base with cold water up to the small valve, and set the filter inside the base. Spoon your ground coffee — we suggest medium grind — into the filter, then tightly screw on the pitcher. Don't pack it in. Goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway): quality counts. Make sure you get the best beans for the best espresso.
- BURBLE AND BREW.
Place the coffeemaker over low heat on the stove. As it brews, the coffee will begin to burble up into the pitcher of the coffeemaker.
- REMOVE FROM HEAT.
When all of the water has risen, the coffeemaker will begin to sputter. Be careful when opening the lid of the pitcher; the still-spurting espresso has been known to scald even the most practiced of home coffee brewers.
- DRINK IT HOT.
Pour the espresso into a cup, and enjoy immediately!
