When you finally decide to stay in for a hot steaming shot of espresso you need to follow some guidelines or you will end up with a bitter and unarguably pour coffee alternative.

The Shopping

The perfect shot of espresso starts at the store. The first thing you always want to look for when buying espresso is whole bean espresso. Never start with a pre-ground espresso bean. The flavor of pre-ground espresso beans will pale in comparison to fresh ground espresso. The second thing you want to do is select quality beans, espresso is a luxury this is not the time to pinch pennies. Third you always want to buy fresh espresso beans. Shopping at your local grocery store may not be the best choice. Try a coffee house or specialty grocer that carries fresh whole bean espresso.

The Grinding

When grinding espresso use a clean grinder you wouldnt brush your teeth with a dirty tooth brush so why grind your espresso with a dirty grinder. Never use the same grinder for espresso beans that you use for spices. The flavors of the spices will transfer to the espresso and damage the delicate flavor of the espresso beans. Grind only what you will be using today left over grounds will pale in comparison the next day. Remember that espresso is a luxury so toss the extra.

What Should my Espresso Look Like?

Look for color,

Light beige will be sour espresso

Black or dark brown will be bitter espresso

Golden brown will be the perfect espresso

Condiments and Incidentals

Use sugar to sweeten
Never use cream, espresso is meant to be drunk straight
Use small espresso cups its almost like having a shot
Only one shot at a time
Americanas, lattes and cappuccinos all can have more than one shot of espresso