Brewing your own espresso and making espresso-based drinks at home can be as easy as going into any cafe and ordering a beverage. Plus, the DIY method is an inexpensive and fun way to give yourself a quick jolt of energy. If you have a few minutes and a simple machine, you’re well on your way to brewing a fantastic shot.
It’s wise to invest in a moka pot or an espresso machine. While these gadgets produce the finest-tasting espresso shots, drip coffee machines and even French presses will also do the trick. Depending on which brand you buy, you’ll discover that different blends are recommended for different machines.
Local grocery stores in Evanston such as Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods have plenty of espresso brands to explore. Once you begin to branch out and try new blends, you’ll broaden your horizons and reward your taste buds.
Lavazza:
Lavazza blends can be found at Whole Foods and sell for $12. For optimal results, use Lavazza blends with either an espresso machine or a moka pot.
Lavazza Caffè Espresso Ground Coffee is a 100 percent Italian Arabica blend with a caramel-colored crema (the flavorful and aromatic froth that forms when bubbles of air combine with espresso’s oils). It has a mellow taste with a hint of chocolate. This extremely smooth blend’s aroma is pleasant, and it serves as a fine alternative to the overly roasted drinks at Starbucks.
Lavazza Qualità Oro Ground Coffee has a more floral aroma than Caffè Espresso. This is largely due to the fact that this blend’s beans are from Central America and Africa, not from South America. Furthermore, compared to Caffè Espresso, this blend is rougher and bolder. Many consider Qualità Oro less smooth, but it all comes down to personal preference.
illy:
illy Caffè also can be found at Whole Foods and costs $13. illy recommends using a moka pot or an espresso machine with this blend.
illy Caffè is a medium roast that’s smoother and more drinkable than both of the aforementioned Lavazza blends. Like both Lavazza espressos, illy Caffè is made of 100 percent Arabica beans. This pre-ground, clean-tasting medium blend has a noticeable caffeine kick and goes down easily. If money isn’t an issue, give this blend a try.
PapaNicholas:
Purchase this brand at Jewel-Osco for $8. Drip coffee makers and French presses will suffice if you don’t have a moka pot or an espresso machine.
Italian Espresso is PapaNicholas’ darkest roast. This blend has a full body and a relatively bittersweet taste. The beans of this blend are from Central America, Africa and South America. While this brand’s aroma and taste are pleasant, the experienced espresso drinker will almost certainly be more pleased with either Lavazza or illy espresso. This is mostly because PapaNicholas’ Italian Espresso tastes quite similar to many of the overly roasted brands of the United States. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, this blend could be one of your best options.