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 pot, a stove-top coffeemaker, with our simple five-step guide.
1. GET FAMILIAR.
The octagonal stove-top coffeemaker has three parts: the base, the filter (inside the base), and the pitcher (the top).
2. 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, but don't pack it in. Goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway): quality counts when picking your coffee. Make sure you get the best beans for the best espresso. Tightly screw on the pitcher and open the lid.
3. 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. You want a smooth stream of coffee to be coming out the top, not aggressive bursts from the water boiling too hard. Don't walk away at this point, you're only moments away from perfect espresso!
4. REMOVE FROM HEAT.
When all of the water has risen up from the base, the coffeemaker will begin to sputter. Quickly remove the whole pot from the heat to prevent scalding your coffee. Be careful moving the pot; the still-spurting espresso has been known to scald even the most practiced of home coffee brewers.
5. DRINK IT HOT.
Pour the espresso into a cup, and enjoy immediately!
Now that you have mastered the classic espresso, try your hand at a classic morning cappuccino, a decadent affogato, or explore the scope of Italian coffee culture!