How To Brew Espresso In A Moka Pot Step-by-Step Photos and Video

Discover how to brew rich, authentic espresso using a traditional moka pot with our detailed step-by-step guide. This post includes a helpful video tutorial and beautiful photos to ensure your coffee-making experience is a success. Perfect for coffee lovers looking to enjoy their home brewing even more!

My son Peter and I have been having a blast creating a series of videos for my Youtube cooking channel, and we’ve just launched our first one: How To Make Espresso In A Traditional Moka Pot!

In this video, I’m showing you how to use a Moka pot—it’s a favorite in Europe and South America. This is a really fun and easy way to enjoy that rich, strong espresso-style coffee right at home!

Now, I should mention that while this method is fantastic, it’s not technically an espresso machine. We’re working with about 2 bars of pressure here, compared to the higher pressure of 9 bars that a true espresso machine offers which gives it that signature crema. 

But don’t let that fool you! The coffee that comes out of the Moka pot is thick, aromatic, and utterly delicious.

Traditionally, John’s family serves it black with a twist of lemon. Enjoy it with a tasty slice of Spinach Pie (with or without crust) or Crustless Quiche Lorraine for a lovely brunch!

And if you’re in the mood for something seasonal, adding pumpkin spice coffee creamer to your brew will bring all the cozy autumn vibes! 

It’s also a delicious companion to some of my favorite gluten free dessert recipes such as Berries with Dairy Free Coconut Whipped Topping, Italian-inspired Gluten Free Pizza Fritta, also known as, Zeppole or easy Creamy Orange Posset.

I haven’t yet tried making homemade espresso drinks such as: lattes, cappuccino, or macchiato, but you certainly could.

Origins of espresso

The very first cup of espresso was invented in Milan in the early 20th century. The word espresso means coffee that is brewed expressly for each individual customer. Today, espresso bars are not only a common sight in Italy, but also all throughout the world. And no wonder. The strong little cup of coffee is absolutely delicious and an exquisite addition to any dessert.

And best of all, of course, espresso is naturally gluten free and virtually carb free.

So, if you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to brew a cup of coffee that rivals your favorite café, join me in this video! I’ll walk you through each step, sharing tips along the way to ensure you get the best flavor out of your beans.

It’s a cinch to make espresso at home. Here’s a summary of the video. Let’s get brewing!

Instructions with step by step pictures

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

Links are affiliate links which means I will earn a small commission if you buy the item at no extra cost to you.

Components of the Moka Pot
Begin by identifying the three key parts of your Moka pot: the bottom chamber, the coffee basket (reusable filter), and the top collecting chamber with a flip-top lid and a no-drip spout, heat-resistant knob and handle for safe, easy pouring. Each serves an important function in the brewing process.

Adding Water
Fill the bottom chamber with filtered water (as it improves the taste of your espresso and prevents mineral buildup in the pot), stopping just below the steam valve. This is crucial for creating the right pressure for espresso extraction.

Filling the Coffee Basket
Next, fill the coffee basket with espresso ground coffee. Distribute it evenly, but don’t pack it down; a proper flow of water is essential for optimal extraction.

Securing the Pot
Screw the collecting chamber onto the base tightly. A secure fit prevents steam from escaping and ensures proper brewing. 

Heating on the Stove
Place your Moka pot on the stove over a flame that adequately covers the base. This allows for efficient heating and brewing. Make sure the flame doesn’t climb the side of the pot; the handle should not be in direct contact with the heat.

Final Steps for Brewing
In just a few minutes, you’ll have delicious espresso filling the top chamber of your moka pot. Listen closely to the bubbling as the water heats up; when this sound starts to fade, your espresso is almost ready. As the water nears a boil, the pressure will push the coffee into the upper chamber.

You’ll know it’s finished brewing when you hear a hissing, gurgling sound. At that point, remove the moka pot from the heat and allow the coffee to finish flowing into the upper chamber.

Stir it (because the stronger coffee settles on the bottom), pour it into your demitasse cup and enjoy the rich, robust flavor that comes from this classic brewing method. Serve with a twist of lemon to be gently squeezed to release the aromatic oils in the zest.

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious espresso, cleaning up is a breeze. Simply rinse all the components with warm water and allow them to dry completely before reassembling.

Plus, with its portable design, this moka pot is perfect for brewing coffee wherever you are. Whether you’re at home or out camping, it works seamlessly on all electric, ceramic, and gas stovetops, including propane.

So you can take your love for coffee on the go!

Pro tips and notes

How much coffee should I add to the moka pot? A general rule is to fill the coffee basket to the top without packing it down. This usually translates to about 15-20 grams of coffee for a standard 3-cup moka pot. Don’t tamper (press) the grounds too much as the pressure will not be enough to push the water through. This could result in a watery, bitter coffee or failure to produce coffee at all.

Why would my coffee turn out bitter? Bitterness can result from over-extraction, usually due to using too fine a grind or brewing for too long. Adjust your grind size and brewing time for a better balance.

Can I make a larger batch of espresso in my moka pot? Yes, moka pots come in various sizes. Just ensure you maintain the correct water and coffee ratios based on the size of your pot.

Can I add milk or cream to my moka pot espresso? While you can enjoy your moka pot espresso black, adding milk or cream afterward is a great option for a creamier flavor. However, you can’t brew milk in a moka pot; it should be added after brewing.

Making espresso in a moka pot is both convenient and fun. It brings rich flavors and aromas right to your kitchen. Your delicious cup of espresso is just a few steps away—enjoy every sip!

And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email and I’ll respond ASAP!

I appreciate your comments and ratings so please leave a comment on YouTube. Thank you!

More beverages to enjoy

Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade Pressé– Find a quiet place to relax and sip homemade sparkling raspberry lemonade pressé slowly with your friends and family.

Want to be more relaxed and creative in the afternoon? Drink tea. – At 4 o’clock every day, I enjoy drinking tea. Let’s take a look and see why tea might be the perfect afternoon beverage.

High Protein Smoothie With Strawberries – This yummy smoothie is protein-packed and so good for you.

Smoothies and Drinks collection – Here you will find all our delicious smoothies and drinks.

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How To Brew Espresso In A Moka Pot

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Discover how to brew rich, authentic espresso using a traditional moka pot with our detailed step-by-step guide. This post includes a helpful video tutorial and beautiful photos to ensure your coffee-making experience is a success. Perfect for coffee lovers looking to enjoy their home brewing even more!

Course Drinks

Cuisine Italian-American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 3kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Ingredients

• 17 grams of espresso ground coffee
• filtered water fill to just below the steam valve

Instructions

• Your espresso pot has three parts. Fill the bottom chamber with water just below the steam valve.
• Fill the coffee basket with ground espresso.
• Then tightly screw the collecting chamber onto the base.
• Place your pot on your stove over a flame high enough to just cover the bottom of the pot.
• After a while, you’ll here the water start to boil. When the bubbling sound stops, your delicious espresso is ready to serve.

Notes

How much coffee should I add to the moka pot? A general rule is to fill the coffee basket to the top without packing it down. This usually translates to about 15-20 grams of coffee for a standard 3-cup moka pot. Don't tamper (press) the grounds too much as the pressure will not be enough to push the water through. This could result in a watery, bitter coffee or failure to produce coffee at all.

Why would my coffee turn out bitter? Bitterness can result from over-extraction, usually due to using too fine a grind or brewing for too long. Adjust your grind size and brewing time for a better balance.

Can I make a larger batch of espresso in my moka pot? Yes, moka pots come in various sizes. Just ensure you maintain the correct water and coffee ratios based on the size of your pot.

Can I add milk or cream to my moka pot espresso? While you can enjoy your moka pot espresso black, adding milk or cream afterward is a great option for a creamier flavor. However, you can’t brew milk in a moka pot; it should be added after brewing.

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcal

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