Brewing coffee with a Moka Pot is more than just a method—it’s a tribute to the rich history of Italian coffee culture. As the precursor to the modern espresso machine, the Moka Pot delivers an espresso-like coffee experience that is deeply rooted in tradition. However, common mistakes can lead to a bitter, weak brew. This includes improper grind size, using cold water to “cook” the coffee, and overheating the coffee with superheated water for too long. Let’s take a closer look at how to brew the perfect Moka Pot coffee, just like the Italians do.
Materials Needed
- Moka Pot (2-cup capacity)
- Ground Coffee: 14 grams (fine grind, slightly coarser than espresso grind)
- Water: 70 ml (for espresso-like texture) or 100 ml (for lungo)
- Boiling water
- Thick cloth or towel to handle the hot bottom chamber
Instructions
- Boil Water
- Start by bringing fresh, filtered water to a boil. Moka Pots require boiling water. Using cold or lukewarm water causes the coffee grounds to steep in the cold water for too long, as the capillary effect draws the water into the grounds.
- This delays the brewing process and negatively impacts the extraction, leading to a less flavorful brew. Always use boiling water to ensure proper extraction and a rich, smooth coffee.
- Prepare the Ground Coffee
- While waiting for the water to boil, grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, just slightly coarser than espresso grind. This grind size ensures that the water flows through evenly and extracts all the rich flavors without over-extracting and turning bitter.
- Add Ground Coffee
- Place 14 grams of finely ground coffee into the filter basket of the Moka Pot, leveling it off evenly.
- Avoid pressing the grounds down, as this can cause uneven extraction and lead to bitter flavors.
- Add Water
- If you’re aiming for an espresso-like strength, add 70 ml of water to the lower chamber. For a slightly milder, lungo-style coffee, add 100 ml of water. The 1:5 (coffee-to-water) ratio for espresso and 1:7 for lungo ensures optimal brewing strength.
- Always be mindful of the water level not to exceed the safety valve in the lower chamber.
- Assemble the Moka Pot
- Carefully insert the filter basket into the lower chamber. Then, screw the top chamber onto the lower pot tightly. Make sure it’s secure, but be cautious as the bottom chamber will be hot. Use a thick cloth or towel to protect your hand from the heat.
- Brew the Coffee
- Place the Moka Pot on the stove over medium heat. As the water heats up, it will begin to pressurize and rise through the coffee grounds. You’ll hear a gentle bubbling sound as the coffee brews. Once the bubbling slows down, indicating the brewing process is nearly complete, remove the Moka Pot from the heat.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Pour the freshly brewed coffee into a cup and enjoy the rich, espresso-like experience. Whether you prefer a strong, espresso-style brew or a milder lungo, the Moka Pot gives you the flexibility to adjust the strength to your liking.
Good to Know
This recipe is based on a 2-cup (100 ml max.) Moka Pot using a 1:5 and 1:7 coffee-to-water ratio. Never buy larger Moka Pots available on the market today, as they are often counterfeit or poorly made. The Moka Pot isn’t meant for brewing large quantities of coffee—unlike a Chinese steam-boat wok, it’s designed for focused, flavorful extraction.
- For an espresso-like brew, use a 1:5 ratio (14g coffee to 70ml water).
- For a lungo brew, use a 1:7 ratio (14g coffee to 100ml water).
The ratio is not set in stone, so feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences and the size of your Moka Pot. If you prefer a bigger cup of coffee to quench your thirst, consider exploring other brewing methods that are better suited for larger quantities. Always use the right tool for the job to avoid turning your brew into a laughing stock.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh, filtered water for the best flavor extraction.
- Always use boiling water to avoid uneven brewing.
- Avoid over-tightening the Moka Pot when assembling.
- Clean your Moka Pot regularly to prevent old coffee oils from affecting the flavor.
Your Personal Café Anywhere
With KOPIRICA roasted coffee beans or pre-ground options, you can enjoy café-quality coffee wherever life takes you. Be it at home, in the office, or amidst the great outdoors, our products deliver the rich, full-bodied flavors you love. Your passion for coffee inspires us, and we’re here to ensure every cup is a moment of indulgence.
Enjoy the freshly brewed excellence of KOPIRICA coffee!
