🎯 Six Ways to Brew Espresso: From Normal to Sprover
This video demonstrates how to use your standard espresso machine (e.g., Gaggia Classic, De'Longhi, Breville) to make a variety of coffee drinks. From classic espresso to a filter coffee substitute, here are the six methods:
1. Normale – The Classic
- Ratio: 1:2 (coffee to water)
- Extraction Time: 25–30 seconds
- Grind Size: Medium (e.g., setting 1)
- TDS (Concentration): 9–12% – balanced, ideal for dark roasts.
- Taste: Perfect balance, good body.
2. Ristretto – Shorter and More Intense
- Ratio: 1:1 to 1:1.5
- Extraction: Same grind size, but stopped earlier.
- TDS: 12–15% → very concentrated.
- Taste: Syrupy, sweet-sour, long-lasting mouthfeel.
- Note: For light roasts, a powerful grinder is needed.
3. Lungo – Longer and Milder
- Ratio: 1:3 to 1:4
- Extraction Time: Longer than normale (same grind size).
- TDS: ~7% → much more diluted.
- Taste: Smoother, less intense, but risk of astringency (dry mouthfeel).
- Tip: Better to make a Ristretto + hot water than to extract directly longer.
4. Allongé – French for 'long' (modern version)
- Ratio: 1:5 to 1:6
- Extraction Time: 30–40 seconds
- Grind Size: Significantly coarser (e.g., setting 1.3).
- Pressure: Peaks at 8 bar, then drops.
- TDS: 3.5–5.5% → between filter coffee and espresso.
- Taste: Fruity, bright, little bitterness. Recommended for light roasts at lower temperatures (~85°C).
5. Turbo Shot – The Quick Treat
- Ratio: 1:3
- Extraction Time: 7–15 seconds (!)
- Grind Size: Even coarser (e.g., setting 1.5).
- Pressure: Reaches only ~5–6 bar – no special setup required.
- TDS: ~6.6%.
- Taste: Extremely fruity and aromatic, high acid presentation, but not sour. Gentle on the grinder due to coarser grind.
- Note: Don't be fooled by splatters – it's normal!
6. Sprover / Café Crème – The Filter Coffee Replacement
- Ratio: 1:8 to 1:12 (here 1:11)
- Extraction Time: Fast due to very coarse grind.
- Grind Size: Significantly coarser than all others (e.g., setting 2.5).
- TDS: 1.5–2.5% – very thin, almost like filter coffee.
- Taste: Watery, but surprisingly low in astringency. Foam resembles moka pot foam.
- Tip: Use lower temperature (80–85°C) and/or a paper filter in the portafilter for more clarity.
🔍 Verdict of the Day
Concentration (TDS) and extraction level heavily depend on grind size, temperature, and ratio. The YouTuber personally favors the Turbo Shot for its freshness and fruitiness. But whether you prefer Normale, Ristretto, or Sprover – the most important thing is that you enjoy it!