Classic Home Barista Sampler
This guide provides instructions for preparing a variety of classic coffee beverages at home, from a simple espresso to a rich mocha or affogato. Learn how to brew espresso and properly steam milk to create your favorite barista-style drinks.
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Moka pot
- AeroPress
- Grinder
- Portafilter
- Tamping tool
- Demitasse cup
- Mug
- Heatproof glass
- Cappuccino cup
- Small chilled bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7-18 g Freshly roasted whole bean coffee
- 2-8 oz Milk whole milk recommended
- 6-8 oz Filtered water
Optional Add-ins
- Sweeteners granulated sugar, simple syrup, honey, maple syrup
- Flavorings vanilla extract, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, flavored syrups
- 1-2 scoops Vanilla ice cream for Affogato
- Cocoa powder optional, for Cappuccino
- Whipped cream optional, for Mocha
- Liqueur optional, for adults only
Instructions
Preparation (General)
- Ensure you have good quality coffee beans and a reliable espresso machine (or Moka pot/AeroPress), then grind the beans fresh just before brewing.
Brewing Espresso (Foundation)
- Grind 7-9g of coffee for a single shot or 14-18g for a double. Load the portafilter and tamp firmly.
- Brew for 25-30 seconds to yield 1-1.5 oz for a single shot or 2-2.5 oz for a double shot. This is the base for all subsequent drinks.
Espresso
- Pour 1-2 shots of fresh espresso into a demitasse cup and serve immediately.
Macchiato
- Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a demitasse cup.
- Steam 2-3 oz (60-90ml) of milk until it is creamy with thin microfoam.
- Gently spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the foam onto the espresso and serve immediately.
Americano
- Heat 6-8 oz (180-240ml) of water to approximately 200°F (93°C).
- Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a mug.
- Pour the hot water into the mug first, then gently add the espresso. Serve immediately, with optional sugar.
Latte
- Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a large mug or heatproof glass.
- Steam 6-8 oz (180-240ml) of milk until smooth, velvety, and about double in volume with a thin layer of microfoam.
- Gently pour the steamed milk into the espresso. Serve immediately, with optional sweeteners or flavorings.
Cappuccino
- Pull 1-2 shots of espresso into a 5-6 oz (150-180ml) cappuccino cup.
- Steam 4-5 oz (120-150ml) of milk for thicker, airier foam, aiming for 1/3 liquid, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam.
- Pour the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back the foam, then spoon the foam on top. Serve immediately, optionally with cocoa powder.
Flat White
- Pour two shots of espresso (traditionally ristretto) into a 5-6 oz (150-180ml) cup.
- Steam 4-5 oz (120-150ml) of milk to a very fine, silky microfoam with no visible bubbles and less volume increase than a latte.
- Pour the steamed milk swiftly into the espresso for seamless integration. Serve immediately.
Mocha
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to a large mug.
- Pull 1-2 shots of espresso directly over the chocolate and stir to combine.
- Steam 6-8 oz (180-240ml) of milk until smooth and velvety.
- Pour the steamed milk into the chocolate-espresso mixture. Serve immediately, optionally with whipped cream and a drizzle.
Affogato
- Place 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream into a small, chilled bowl.
- Pull 1-2 hot shots of espresso.
- Immediately pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream. Serve at once with a spoon.
Serving & Storage
- Enjoy all drinks immediately for best quality. Plain espresso can be refrigerated for 24 hours for iced drinks, but milk-based drinks do not store well.
- Customize your drinks with spices or flavored syrups, or make iced versions. Always maintain the cleanliness of your equipment.
Notes
The nutrition information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients and quantities used, especially with milk, sweeteners, and flavorings. For instance, using whole milk adds more calories and fat compared to skim milk. Adding whipped cream or extra syrups will also increase nutritional values. This sampler provides a range of coffee experiences, allowing for personal customization of each drink to fit taste preferences and dietary needs.