How to make an espresso shot with instant coffee

If you want to whip up those trendy Starbucks-inspired drinks that you see on TikTok but don't have an expensive espresso machine, read on. Here's everything you need to know about how to make an espresso shot with instant coffee.

Just because you don't own one of those traditional espresso machines doesn't mean you can't indulge in those delightful lattes, macchiatos and frappuccino's right in the comfort of your own home.

With this instant espresso recipe, you can literally be your own barista and make a myriad of espresso-based beverages. What's more, you'll be saving a lot of money by not going to Starbucks.

What is espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee created by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans under steam pressure. Invented by Luigi Bezzera in Italy, a traditional espresso shot is typically made in a moka pot, French press or a coffee machine.

What does espresso taste like?

Espresso tasted like highly concentrated coffee - it is very intense with bitter, earthy notes.

What is instant coffee?

Instant coffee is a powder made from real coffee beans, where soluble components have been extracted and dehydrated into a concentrated form. Also referred to as 'soluble coffee,' 'powdered coffee,' or 'granulated coffee,' instant coffee provides the convenience of being able to make coffee without a coffee machine.

How much instant coffee should I use to make a strong cup of espresso?

The amount of instant coffee used depends on personal taste preferences. For a stronger cup of espresso, you can increase the amount of instant coffee granules. Typically, 2 teaspoons of instant coffee are used to make a standard shot of espresso. However, some coffee lovers may prefer to add an extra teaspoon for a bolder flavor. Adjust the amount of instant coffee based on your desired strength and taste. Note that some brands also sell instant espresso powder which can also be used to make espresso.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for just two simple ingredients.

• Instant coffee. I use Café Bustelo instant coffee because I think its the best tasting instant coffee on the market. Plus, its budget friendly. Other notable brands include Starbucks, Nescafe, and Folgers. However, if you're an espresso enthusiast seeking a truly gourmet experience, the top picks for instant coffee brands would have to be Illy and Caffè Lavazza.
• Hot Water. The ideal water temperature for brewing instant espresso shots is about 80°C. Boil the water, then let it sit for 30 seconds before adding it to the finely-ground coffee beans. This temperature ensures that the coffee flavor is extracted without scorching the coffee powder, resulting in a smooth and aromatic espresso shot.

How to make a espresso shot with instant coffee

In this recipe we make two shots of espresso shot. Two shots is the typical amount of espresso used in coffee-based drinks.

Step 1: Mix the espresso with the hot water

• Boil some hot water then allow it to cool for about 30 seconds. While the water cools, add 4 teaspoons of high-quality instant coffee powder to a mug. Add ⅓ cup (three fluid ounces) of hot water.

Step 2: Make the Crema

• Using a frother or a spoon, stir vigorously to incorporate air and generate a slight foam on top, mimicking the 'crema' layer that you find on top of a freshly brewed shot of espresso.

Tips

• Instant espresso coffee to water ratio. Feel free ok to customize the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your personal preferences. Start by following the package directions then adjust the taste by adding more instant coffee or water as needed.
• Use freshly drawn water. Freshly drawn water has better oxygenation and is free from any stale taste, which can affect the overall flavor of the espresso. To draw fresh water, let the tap run for about 30 seconds before using it to make espresso. Avoid re-using water that has already been boiled which may be sitting in a kettle.
• Pick the right instant coffee. There are many different brands which sell many types of instant coffee on the market. For best results, pick a high-quality instant coffee type that you like.

Nutrition

Each serving of these shots of espresso has about 2 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0.1 grams of protein and 0 grams of carbohydrates.

This recipe yields approximately one serving. The nutrition information has been calculated using an online recipe nutrition calculator and is intended for informational purposes only and should be used as a general guideline. If the nutrition information is important to you, you should independently verify it using your preferred tool.

So how do you make those delicious Starbucks-inspired coffee-based drinks?

Instant coffee espresso is a game changer, especially when you want to make some quick espresso shots to create those wonderful Starbucks-inspired drinks. Below are some popular coffee recipes which use espresso:

1. Cappuccino: Mix instant coffee espresso with hot milk and top with frothed milk foam. Dust with cocoa powder for a barista-style effect.
2. Latte: Combine instant coffee espresso with steamed milk for a creamy and smooth coffee drink. Add a little vanilla syrup to turn it into a vanilla latte.
3. Americano: Dilute instant coffee espresso with hot water to create a milder coffee beverage.
4. Mocha: Blend instant coffee espresso with hot chocolate or chocolate syrup and a splash of milk for a decadent mocha treat.
5. Macchiato: Add a small amount of steamed milk to instant coffee espresso for a simple yet flavorful coffee drink.
6. Iced Coffee: Cool a double shot of espresso, let it cool, then pour it over ice. You can also add milk or sweetened to taste.

Serving suggestions

Despite the term "espresso shots," espresso is not served in a shot glass. Instead, it is served in a demitasse or small espresso cup which holds about 2-3 ounces of liquid. It can served straight or sweetened with a sweetener like brown sugar and a splash of milk.

The rich and intense flavor of espresso complements chocolate flavors beautifully, making it treats like our decadent Chocolate Cake a popular choice. Additionally, espresso serves as a perfect accompaniment to other sweet treats such as Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread, New York Style Cheesecake, and Old Fashioned Pound Cake.

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