Do you love espresso but don’t have time to wait in line at the coffee shop every morning?
For an easy, quick way to make espresso at home, try using instant coffee instead of espresso powder or pre-made espresso mix!
You’ll still get all the flavor without sacrificing any convenience. Here’s how to make espresso with instant coffee.
History And Difference: Espresso And Instant Coffee
Espresso and instant coffee have quite different histories. In Britain in 1771, the first “instant coffee” was produced.
The British government had given it a patent under “coffee compound.” Contrarily, espresso was created in Venice, Italy, at the beginning of the 20th century.
Businessman Luigi Bezzera came up with the beverage while experimenting with coffee to see how quickly he could prepare it. He invented the espresso machine that brewed espresso using hot water pressure from an external boiler.
Aside from their history, there is one more significant difference. The process for making instant coffee and espresso powder is the same, but they are very different in taste.
The espresso is made of high-quality Arabica beans, which give a significantly stronger flavor. On the other hand, robusta beans are mostly used to make instant coffee. Instant coffee is quicker, more evenly balanced, and cost-effective for most individuals.
Can Instant Coffee Be Used As An Alternative To Espresso Powder?
Espresso powder for instant use is manufactured in the same way as coffee is. The critical distinction here is that espresso beans are roasted much darker, resulting in a more potent and concentrated powder.
Although espresso powder is convenient, you’ll notice that it has a bitter taste. For your coffee to taste like an authentic espresso, you need to use instant coffee and add a few tablespoons of ground espresso.
The best part about using instant coffee for your espresso shot is that it’s quick and straightforward to prepare. Everything you need is boiling water and a mug or an espresso cup.
However, substituting instant coffee for espresso powder won’t yield the same results. Due to the intense flavor of espresso, a larger quantity of instant coffee would be required to get a similar effect, which would be undesirable.
Yet, when your coffee is prepared with the correct amount of instant coffee, it can be an adequate substitute.
Which Type Of Instant Coffee Should I Use?
There are many types of instant coffee powder, but not all of them will work as a substitute for espresso powder. The best instant coffee to use is a dark-roasted coffee bean that has been ground into an excellent powder.
You can also use instant coffee crystals or freshly brewed coffee that has been allowed to cool and then frozen into ice cubes.
For a quick iced coffee drink, combine instant coffee with some water and sweetener before pouring it over ice in a tall glass. Mix two heaping tablespoons of instant coffee with six ounces of water to make iced double espresso shots.
What Is Instant Espresso Powder?
Do you like very strong coffee? If so, you might want to try making espresso with instant coffee.
Espresso is a coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. Instant espresso powder is a dehydrated form of espresso that can be made into a drink by adding hot water.
People often think that instant espresso powder is just finely ground coffee beans. This is false, and you can’t use one instead of the other.
Instant espresso powder has had some parts of it removed to create a more concentrated flavor.
It also contains less water than regular coffee, which makes it stronger-tasting. Making this coffee is easy if you have an electric kettle or boiling water on the stovetop.
You simply need to blend two tablespoons of instant espresso with six ounces (about two cups) of boiling water for about 30 seconds. Afterward, let it sit for up to five minutes before drinking it so that all the flavors combine well and settle nicely on your tongue.
What Types Of Coffee Beans Produce The Finest Espresso?
Many different types of coffee beans can be used to make espresso. However, not all beans will produce the same results.
The best beans for making espresso are typically very dark, oily, and have a strong flavor. These dark-roasted coffee beans are usually grown in Brazil, Ethiopia, or Indonesia.
When choosing beans for espresso, selecting a quality coffee that has been appropriately roasted is essential. Otherwise, the espresso will have a different flavor or consistency.
The flavor of your espresso is determined by the type of beans you use and by how much time it is aged. It is important to note that most high-quality beans are aged for a minimum of two weeks after roasting.
These beans can then be ground and used in a coffee grinder to produce espresso. Remember that most high-quality beans must be purchased whole and fresh ground when you are ready to make espresso.
How Strong Is Instant Coffee Compared To Espresso?
Espresso is a very strong coffee, but how does it compare to instant coffee? Both have their pros and cons, but in the end, it depends on your personal preference.
If you love strong and bitter coffee, then espresso is probably the way. However, instant coffee might be better suited for you if you prefer a more mellow and smooth flavor.
Espresso can have anywhere from 60 to 190 mg of caffeine, while instant coffee can have anywhere from 40 to 100 mg. A standard eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 96 mg of caffeine. A traditional espresso shot includes 64 milligrams per ounce.
The acidity levels are also different; espresso has an average pH of 5.8, whereas instant coffee has an average pH of 6.2.
Finally, there is also a difference in taste when comparing these two types of coffee. Many people say that they enjoy espresso’s intense flavor and bitterness, but others find it too acidic or dark tasting for their liking.
How To Make Espresso With Instant Coffee: The Process
Using instant coffee to make espresso is a great way to get your coffee fix without going to a coffee shop or buying an expensive espresso machine. All you need is instant coffee and a cup of boiling water!
- Pour in two tablespoons of instant coffee.
- Pour half of the 1 ounce of boiling water into the coffee.
- In 30 seconds, add the remaining water and whisk vigorously until the coffee is dissolved. Add 1 ounce of boiling water to make a double espresso.
- Add sugar or milk (according to your preference) to your coffee after giving it a good stir, and ultimately dissolve. Enjoy!
The Secret Ingredients That Make Your Espresso Taste Great
Since it is impossible to make authentic espresso using instant coffee, there are no strict guidelines for making espresso; you can adjust the preparation process, the amount of coffee used, and the other components to your liking.
If you are looking for the secret ingredients that will help you make the tastiest double espresso shot, here are some tips:
The Importance Of Using Good Instant Coffee
We can all taste the difference between low-quality and high-quality instant coffee; the same applies while using instant coffee to prepare espresso. The higher quality instant coffee you use, the better your espresso will be. Here are some tips for making great-tasting espresso with instant coffee
- Use a good instant coffee.
- Don’t add too much water.
- Measure out the amount of water.
- Heat your water before pouring it over the ground coffee.
- Stir.
- Let it sit.
- Take off the lid.
- Place a mug or espresso cup on top.
- Press down.
- After pressing down, lift and remove from the stovetop.
- Add sugar or sweetener if desired.
- Pour into an espresso cup.
- Add hot milk or cream if desired.
- Enjoy!
Conclusion
A packet of instant coffee powder is perfect if you like coffee drinks but don’t have time to make an espresso shot.
It may take some time to get used to instant coffee, but it’s worth it when you can save money and get a quick boost that won’t make you feel jittery.
The best part about making strong coffee with instant powders is that it doesn’t involve messy equipment or pricey ingredients. All you need is hot water, a cup (or mug), and your favorite flavor of instant coffee. Fill the cup with hot water from your kettle or teapot until it reaches just below the top edge. Add your desired amount of instant coffee, then stir well before drinking.
