A common question we hear is: “Can I use any coffee for espresso?”
The short answer is YES—but there are a few considerations.
Espresso isn’t just a smaller, stronger cup of coffee. It’s a brewing method that uses about nine bars of pressure to extract coffee in 25–30 seconds. That intensity means the coffee you choose gets amplified: the sweetness, the acidity, the body, and all the unique characteristics locked inside each bean. That’s why choosing the right coffee can make such a big difference in your espresso.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Roast Level
Espresso Roasts: Traditionally roasted slightly darker, espresso blends are created with balance in mind—chocolatey, sweet, and smooth. They’re designed to deliver a classic espresso experience that’s reliable and rich, with a creamy body and sweetness that comes through beautifully under pressure.
Lighter Roasts: Highlight brighter, fruit-forward, and more nuanced flavors. These can make for a lively, complex espresso that showcases the natural character of the coffee itself—think citrus, berries, or floral notes. For coffee drinkers who love exploring unique flavor profiles, lighter roasts in espresso can be really fun.
Dark Roasts: Known for their bold intensity, dark roasts bring out deeper, smokier notes and a heavier body. If you like an espresso with robust flavors that cut through milk in a cappuccino or latte, this roast level might be perfect.
Grind Consistency
Espresso is one of the most particular brew methods when it comes to grind. It requires a very fine and extremely consistent grind to extract properly. Even small variations make a big difference: if the grind is too coarse, water flows too quickly, resulting in a thin, underdeveloped shot. Too fine, and the water slows down, leading to an over-extracted shot. A high-quality burr grinder gives you the control and consistency you need to dial in your espresso perfectly.
Freshness Is Key
Because espresso magnifies flavors, freshness matters more than ever. Coffee that’s too old will taste flat and dull, with little crema. On the flip side, beans that are too fresh can still be releasing CO₂, which disrupts extraction. A sweet spot is usually between 7–30 days after roasting—fresh enough to capture the full flavor, but rested enough to extract evenly.
Blends vs. Single Origins
Blends are carefully crafted for balance and consistency. By combining coffees from different regions, roasters build a flavor profile that’s round, smooth, and dependable—a great choice if you want an espresso that tastes the same, shot after shot.
Single Origins showcase the unique flavors of a specific region or farm. They can highlight delicate floral notes, bright fruits, or spice-like complexity. As espresso, they can be playful, surprising, and even adventurous—perfect for coffee drinkers who love to explore.
So, Can You Use Any Coffee?
Yes! The beauty of espresso is that it’s flexible. Each coffee you try will bring out a different side of the method. If you’re looking for something balanced, a blend roasted for espresso is your best starting point. But if you’re curious to explore new flavors, don’t hesitate to try a lighter roast or a single origin—you may discover flavors you never expected in your espresso cup.