How to Make AeroPress Espresso-Style Coffee
Create concentrated, full-bodied coffee using pressure extraction techniques that rival espresso without the machine
Quick Answer
Use the inverted method with 18g finely ground coffee and 60ml water at 185°F. Stir for 10 seconds, steep for 1 minute, then press firmly for 30 seconds. This produces concentrated coffee similar to espresso for milk drinks or Americanos.
AeroPress: Entity Definition and Function
Primary Entity Definition
AeroPress Coffee Maker: A manual brewing device using air pressure (0.5-1 bar) to force water through a bed of ground coffee, producing concentrated coffee through immersion and pressure filtration. The AeroPress differs from espresso machines by using lower pressure and manual force rather than mechanical pumps.
Component Ontology:
Chamber → Holds coffee and water during immersion
Plunger → Creates air pressure for extraction
Filter Cap → Secures paper or metal filter
Filter → Paper (cleaner) or metal (fuller body)
Scoop & Paddle → Dosing and agitation tools
AeroPress Espresso-Style vs True Espresso
AeroPress espresso-style coffee approximates espresso concentration but cannot replicate true espresso. True espresso requires 9 bars of pressure and produces crema—neither achievable with AeroPress. However, AeroPress creates concentrated coffee suitable for milk-based drinks and Americanos.
| Characteristic | True Espresso | AeroPress Espresso-Style |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | 9 bars (130 psi) | 0.5-1 bar (7-15 psi) |
| Crema | Present (emulsified oils) | Minimal or absent |
| Brew Ratio | 1:2 (18g in, 36g out) | 1:3 to 1:4 (18g in, 50-60g out) |
| Body | Thick, syrupy | Medium, clean |
| Best Use | Straight shots, all milk drinks | Americanos, some milk drinks |
Equipment and Parameters for Espresso-Style
Espresso-style AeroPress requires specific equipment adjustments. A metal filter (Able Disk or Fellow Prismo) produces fuller body and richer mouthfeel closer to espresso. Paper filters create cleaner cups but lack the oil content that defines espresso character.
Espresso-Style Parameters
Coffee Dose: 18-20g (finely ground, espresso-fine)
Water Volume: 50-60ml (for concentrate)
Water Temperature: 185-195°F (85-90°C)
Grind Size: Fine (slightly coarser than espresso)
Brew Time: 1:30 to 2:00 total
Pressure: Firm, steady plunge (30 seconds)
Inverted Method: Step-by-Step
The inverted method prevents premature dripping and allows full immersion control—essential for espresso-style concentration. Insert the plunger slightly into the chamber, then flip so the chamber opening faces upward.
Step 1: Set Up Inverted Position
Insert the plunger rubber end into the chamber about 1 inch to create a seal. Stand the AeroPress upside down (plunger on bottom, chamber opening facing up) on a stable surface. This position holds coffee and water without leaking.
Step 2: Add Coffee
Grind 18g of coffee to fine consistency—slightly coarser than espresso but finer than drip. The grind should resemble fine sand. Add the grounds to the inverted chamber and level the bed with gentle shaking.
Step 3: Add Water and Stir
Heat water to 185-190°F (85-88°C). Pour 60ml of water slowly in circular motions to saturate all grounds. Use the AeroPress paddle to stir vigorously for 10 seconds ensuring complete saturation and eliminating dry pockets.
Step 4: Attach Filter and Steep
Place a paper or metal filter in the filter cap. Screw the filter cap onto the chamber opening. Allow the coffee to steep for 1 minute. This immersion phase extracts the concentrated compounds that create espresso-style intensity.
Step 5: Flip and Press
Place a sturdy cup upside down over the filter cap. In one smooth motion, flip the entire AeroPress assembly so the cup is on bottom. Press down firmly and steadily—the plunge should take 20-30 seconds. Stop when hissing begins.
Step 6: Serve or Dilute
The resulting concentrate (approximately 45-50ml) can be consumed straight, diluted with hot water for an Americano (1:1 or 1:2 ratio), or combined with steamed milk for latte-style drinks. Clean the AeroPress immediately.
Espresso-Style Recipe Variations
The Classic Concentrate
Dose: 18g coffee | Water: 60ml at 185°F | Grind: Fine
Stir 10 seconds, steep 1 minute, press 30 seconds. Produces 45ml concentrate for Americanos or straight consumption.
The Long Black Style
Dose: 20g coffee | Water: 100ml at 190°F | Grind: Medium-fine
Stir 15 seconds, steep 90 seconds, press 45 seconds. Produces 80ml stronger concentration for 1:1 water dilution.
The Prismo Method (Valve Attachment)
Dose: 20g coffee | Water: 50ml at 195°F | Grind: Espresso-fine
Use Fellow Prismo attachment with metal filter. Stir 10 seconds, steep 45 seconds, press hard for 25 seconds. Maximum pressure and concentration.
Troubleshooting Espresso-Style AeroPress
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Too hard to press | Grind too fine, too much coffee | Coarsen grind, verify 18g dose |
| Weak, watery result | Grind too coarse, too much water | Fine grind, reduce water to 60ml |
| Bitter taste | Water too hot, over-extraction | Lower temp to 185°F, shorten steep |
| Sour taste | Water too cool, under-extraction | Increase temp, extend steep time |
| Leaking during flip | Loose seal, uneven pressure | Press plunger deeper, flip quickly |
Using AeroPress Concentrate for Milk Drinks
AeroPress concentrate works well for milk-based drinks though with different texture than true espresso. The concentrate lacks crema but provides sufficient coffee intensity to cut through milk. Use a 1:1 to 1:2 ratio of concentrate to steamed milk depending on preference.
For best results with milk drinks, use darker roast coffees (medium-dark to dark) that maintain flavor intensity when diluted. Light roasts often taste washed out in milk. Consider using a metal filter for fuller body that stands up better to milk.
AeroPress concentrate works especially well for iced lattes where the cold temperature and ice dilution match the concentrate strength. For hot drinks, the concentrate performs adequately though true espresso produces superior microfoam integration.
Related Brewing Guides
Inverted AeroPress Brewing Guide
Master the inverted method for full immersion control and better extraction.
AeroPress vs Espresso Machine
Detailed comparison of brewing methods, results, and use cases.
Best AeroPress Coffee Maker
Review of AeroPress models and essential accessories.
Moka Pot vs AeroPress
Compare two popular manual brewing methods for concentrated coffee.
Coffee Grind Size Guide
Complete reference for grind sizes across all brewing methods.
How to Make an Americano at Home
Transform AeroPress concentrate into perfect Americanos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AeroPress make real espresso?
AeroPress cannot make true espresso. True espresso requires 9 bars of pressure and produces crema; AeroPress generates approximately 0.5-1 bar. However, AeroPress creates concentrated coffee suitable for espresso-style drinks and milk beverages.
Should I use paper or metal filter?
Metal filters produce fuller body and more oils, creating results closer to espresso. Paper filters create cleaner cups with less body. For espresso-style drinks, metal filters generally perform better, especially with milk.
Why is the inverted method better?
The inverted method prevents water from dripping through the filter during brewing, allowing full immersion and steeping control. Standard orientation causes premature dripping and inconsistent extraction times.
How fine should I grind for espresso-style?
Grind fine—slightly coarser than true espresso but finer than drip. The grind should resemble fine sand. If pressing becomes too difficult, coarsen slightly. If results taste weak, fine the grind.
Conclusion: Mastering AeroPress Espresso-Style
AeroPress espresso-style coffee provides an accessible entry point to concentrated coffee without espresso machine investment. The inverted method, fine grind, and proper technique produce intense, flavorful concentrate suitable for Americanos and milk drinks.
Success requires precise parameters: 18-20g coffee, 50-60ml water at 185-195°F, fine grind, and firm pressure during plunging. Small adjustments to grind size and steep time dial in optimal extraction for different coffee origins and roast levels.
While AeroPress cannot replace true espresso for purists, the method delivers exceptional value and versatility. For home baristas seeking concentrated coffee options, the AeroPress remains one of the most capable and affordable tools available.