Can You Make Espresso with an AeroPress? Here’s How (and Why You’ll Love It)

If you’ve ever dreamed of making rich, espresso-style shots at home without an espresso machine, the AeroPress might become your favorite coffee tool. Small, budget-friendly, and full of brewing possibilities, this simple device has turned coffee enthusiasts worldwide into home baristas.

But can you really make espresso with an AeroPress?
The short answer: Almost — and deliciously close enough to impress your taste buds.

Although the AeroPress doesn’t produce the 9 bars of pressure that define authentic espresso, it can make a strong, concentrated brew with a bold flavor, silky texture, and espresso-like crema — perfect for homemade lattes, macchiatos, or that satisfying morning shot.

At Brew the Blend™, we believe great coffee moments don’t depend on expensive equipment — they’re created through curiosity, quality beans, and your personal brewing touch. So, let’s explore how to master AeroPress espresso the Brew the Blend way.

What Makes the AeroPress So Special

Invented by engineer Alan Adler in 2005, the AeroPress quickly gained popularity among travelers, students, and coffee enthusiasts. It’s made from durable BPA-free plastic, lightweight enough to carry in a backpack, and capable of brewing everything from delicate pour-over cups to rich espresso-style shots.

Its magic comes from pressure and immersion brewing—two methods combined in one device. The coffee grounds are briefly steeped in hot water (like a French press), then pressure is applied by hand to extract a concentrated flavor (similar to espresso).

The result? A clean, balanced cup without bitterness — smooth, strong, and ready for milk, foam, or a sweet swirl of caramel drizzle.

AeroPress vs. French Press: The Main Differences

Many people confuse the AeroPress with the French press, but they’re more like distant relatives than identical twins.

Feature	AeroPress	French Press
Brew Time	~2 minutes	4–5 minutes
Pressure	Manual pressure extraction	Gravity only
Grind	Fine to medium	Coarse
Texture	Clean, low sediment	Heavy body, more oils
Cleanup	Quick and simple	Messier plunger cleanup
Flavor Profile	Bright and smooth	Bold and full-bodied

In short:

• French press coffee feels cozy and rustic — ideal for lazy weekends.
• AeroPress coffee feels lively and sophisticated — perfect when you seek flavor control or an espresso-style punch.

Both deliver excellent cups, but the AeroPress offers versatility and portability all in one compact design.

Step-by-Step: How to Brew Espresso Using an AeroPress

You don’t need a full café setup — just a few minutes, some hot water, and your favorite Brew the Blend beans.

☕ You’ll Need:

• AeroPress (including plunger, chamber, and filter cap)
• AeroPress paper or metal filter
• Freshly roasted Brew the Blend coffee—we recommend DayGold, our sweet, lightly roasted espresso-style blend with creamy undertones and a bright, fruity finish.
• Grinder (if you’re using whole beans)
• Hot water – about 200°F (93°C)
• Scale or tablespoon (optional but helpful)

Step 1: Prepare Your AeroPress

Insert a filter into the cap, rinse it with hot water, and attach it to the brewing chamber. This removes any paper taste and heats the brewer.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

Use 14–16 grams (about 2½ tablespoons) of coffee.
Grind slightly finer than table salt, but not as fine as espresso powder — you want resistance, not clogging.

Tip: For a smooth, vibrant result, try DayGold ground to just under espresso fineness. Its bright sweetness makes it an ideal match for the AeroPress.

Step 3: Add Coffee and Water

Place the AeroPress over your mug.
Add the ground coffee, then pour 60–80 ml (about ¼ cup) of hot water.
Gently stir for about 10 seconds to evenly saturate the grounds.

Step 4: Brew and Press

After about 30 seconds, insert the plunger and press down slowly but firmly for 20–30 seconds.
You’ll feel gentle resistance — that’s where the pressure magic happens!

You’ll extract around 50–60 ml of rich, espresso-style concentrate.

Step 5: Customize Your Creation

Now you can enjoy your AeroPress espresso as is — bold, concentrated, and aromatic — or turn it into a café favorite:

• Americano: Add 100 ml of hot water.
• Latte: Top with steamed milk and foam.
• Iced Espresso: Pour over ice and swirl with a dash of vanilla.

Your kitchen just became a mini café — all powered by hand, not hardware.

Make Espresso with an AeroPress and Brew the Blend

Tips for the Perfect AeroPress Espresso

Even minor tweaks can dramatically change your flavor. Try these Brew the Blend barista tips:

1. Heat and Pre-Wet: Rinse the paper filter, then preheat the brewer for a cleaner flavor.
2. Adjust Pressure: Press more gently for a milder flavor, more quickly for greater intensity.
3. Mind your ratio: Too strong? Add a little water. Too weak? Use a finer grind or steep longer.
4. Try the Inverted Method: flip the AeroPress upside down to steep before pressing — a technique used by top brewers to achieve richer extraction.
5. Store Beans Smartly: Keep your Brew the Blend coffee sealed tightly, away from light and humidity for maximum freshness.

Who Loves the AeroPress (and Why)

The AeroPress isn’t just another coffee gadget — it’s a global movement.

• Scandinavia — particularly Norway and Sweden — adores it for its clarity and balance, matching their love for clean-tasting brews.
• Japan has embraced it for precision and minimalism — portable perfection for coffee on the go.
• The U.S. and Canada use it for travel, hiking, and workdays — a fast, flavorful fix wherever you are.
• AeroPress Championships take place worldwide each year, where baristas compete with creative recipes (yes, it’s that beloved).

Why it’s loved:
Because it’s simple yet empowering — a brewer that gives you control, adventure, and the joy of experimentation.

Also read: Can regular coffee be made in an espresso machine?

Choosing the Right Beans for AeroPress Espresso

Espresso brewing relies on pressure and balance — and while the AeroPress can’t reach full espresso PSI, your coffee choice can help bridge that gap effectively.

Here’s what to look for:

• Freshness: Always use recently roasted beans.
• Specialty-grade quality: Clean, traceable origins deliver superior extraction.
• Balanced roast: Medium to medium-dark for espresso-like richness without bitterness.

At Brew the Blend, each bean is specialty-grade, roasted to bring out character and clarity — never burnt or bitter. Our top picks for AeroPress espresso are:

🌞 DayGold - A sweet, creamy blonde roast with a bright, fruity finish. Ideal for AeroPress espresso or lattes.
Silken. Expressive. Elegant.

🤠 Six-Bean Standoff - A Western-inspired blend with body, balance, and smooth chocolate notes — perfect if you prefer a fuller espresso texture.

☕ Suntrail Roast - A Colombian favorite that offers cocoa depth and nutty warmth — comforting yet complex under pressure.

AeroPress Espresso vs. True Espresso

It’s fair to ask: If it’s not “real” espresso, then what is it?

Here’s the truth:

• Authentic espresso uses 9 bars of mechanical pressure.
• The AeroPress applies about 0.5–1 bar of pressure manually.
• Yet, how does it taste? Surprisingly similar.

The AeroPress espresso offers concentrated richness, a crema-like foam, and a smooth finish minus bitterness — all with less equipment, electricity, and cost.
It’s “espresso’s little cousin” — charmingly rebellious, effortlessly portable, and delightfully flavorful.

The Brew the Blend Way: Make It Yours

At Brew the Blend™, we see coffee as more than just a beverage — it’s a moment of creativity and comfort.
Whether you’re brewing with an AeroPress in your kitchen, a French press at the cabin, or a single-serve pod at work, what matters most is the moment.

The AeroPress embodies everything we love:

• Simplicity — just you, your coffee, and a few mindful minutes.
• Sustainability — reusable, travel-friendly, and waste-light.
• Quality — when paired with specialty-grade beans, it transforms every sip into an experience.

So go ahead — grab your AeroPress, your favorite Brew the Blend beans, and discover how easy it is to craft café-quality espresso wherever you are.

Final Sip

Making espresso with an AeroPress shows that great coffee doesn’t need a big machine — just good beans and a little curiosity.
With Brew the Blend, you’re not just brewing coffee — you’re brewing confidence, creativity, and connection in every cup.

So next time you crave that espresso kick, skip the café line. Your AeroPress (and a bag of DayGold) has you covered.

Would you want to learn how to make instant coffee from regular coffee? Click here