Espresso serves as the basis of almost all specialty coffee drinks, and as such its method of preparation is especially important. Espresso should be bold, distinctive and strong. In order to make the perfect espresso, one must master a series of steps. Make even one false move during this process and the flavor will suffer. Of course you can’t expect to make delicious coffee if the beans aren’t of the highest quality. Organic espresso is probably your best bet if you want to end up with memorable flavor.

In many cases, coffee will already be blended and roasted by the time it gets to you. Such is the case with most store-bought coffees. The next step is grinding the espresso, with the intended result being consistency. If possible, prevent the coffee from being heated during the grinding process as this can detract from its aroma and flavor. Many people prefer burr grinders because the grind is kept at a uniform temperature throughout.