Espresso is a rich, bold coffee that many love for its intense flavor and creamy texture. Traditionally, it requires a high-pressure espresso machine to extract the perfect shot. But what if you don’t have one? Can you still enjoy an espresso-style drink at home?
The answer is yes! While instant coffee won’t give you a true espresso, you can still make a strong, concentrated coffee shot that closely mimics its taste and intensity. This guide will show you how to create an espresso-style shot using instant coffee, the right technique, and a few simple tricks.
If you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix without investing in an expensive espresso machine, keep reading to discover the best way to make espresso with instant coffee.
Can You Make Espresso with Instant Coffee?
Before we dive into the method, it’s important to understand what makes an espresso different from regular coffee.
Key Differences Between Espresso and Instant Coffee
| Factor | Traditional Espresso | Instant Coffee Espresso Shot |
| Brewing Method | High-pressure extraction (9 bars) | Stirring with hot water |
| Crema Formation | Natural from pressurized extraction | Possible with frothing techniques |
| Concentration | Highly concentrated with natural oils | Can be made strong, but lacks natural oils |
| Equipment Needed | Espresso machine or moka pot | Just a cup and spoon |
While instant coffee lacks the pressure-extraction process that creates crema (the golden layer on real espresso), you can still achieve a strong, bold flavor by using the right water-to-coffee ratio and preparation techniques.
A homemade instant coffee espresso shot works well for quick caffeine boosts, making lattes, or even as a base for an affordable homemade espresso martini.
What You Will Need
To make a concentrated, espresso-like shot with instant coffee, you need just a few basic ingredients and tools.
Ingredients
- High-quality instant coffee (preferably a dark roast for a richer flavor)
- Hot water (not boiling, around 175-185°F or 80-85°C)
- Optional: Sugar, milk, or flavor enhancers like cinnamon or vanilla
Equipment
- A small cup or shot glass
- A spoon for stirring
- A measuring spoon (for precise coffee-to-water ratio)
Pro Tip: If you have a milk frother, you can use it to create a creamy texture similar to espresso crema!
Choosing the Right Instant Coffee
Not all instant coffees are created equal. If you want to make an espresso-like shot, choosing a high-quality instant coffee is crucial.
What to Look For in Instant Coffee:
- Dark Roast: Has a deeper, richer flavor similar to espresso.
- Fine Granules: Dissolves more easily and creates a smoother texture.
- No Added Flavors: Avoid artificially flavored instant coffees as they can interfere with the espresso taste.
Best Instant Coffee Brands for Espresso-Style Shots
| Brand | Why It’s Good for Espresso-Style Coffee |
| Nescafé Gold Espresso | Rich, deep flavor with fine granules |
| Starbucks VIA Instant | Bold taste, great for making strong coffee |
| Mount Hagen Organic | Smooth and strong with no additives |
If you prefer a stronger shot, go for brands that specify espresso-style instant coffee.
Preparing the Water
Water plays a critical role in making a great instant coffee espresso shot. Using the wrong water temperature can result in burnt, bitter, or weak coffee.
Best Practices for Water Temperature:
- Use hot but not boiling water (ideal temperature: 175-185°F or 80-85°C).
- If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before pouring.
- Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
Why Not Boiling Water? Boiling water can over-extract bitterness from the coffee, making it harsh and unpleasant.
Measuring the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio
A true espresso is highly concentrated, so the key to making an espresso-style shot with instant coffee is to use less water than you would for a regular cup.
Recommended Ratio:
| Coffee Amount | Water Amount | Strength Level |
| 1 teaspoon | 1 ounce (30ml) | Mild Espresso-Style Shot |
| 2 teaspoons | 1 ounce (30ml) | Strong Espresso-Style Shot |
If you prefer an even stronger shot, you can adjust by adding more instant coffee while keeping the water amount low.
Mixing and Brewing the Espresso Shot
Now that you have your instant coffee, hot water, and the correct ratio, it’s time to prepare your espresso-style shot.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Add Instant Coffee to Cup – Place 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee in a small cup or shot glass.
- Pour Hot Water Slowly – Add 1 ounce (30ml) of hot water, letting it mix gently with the granules.
- Stir Vigorously – Use a spoon to stir rapidly for 20-30 seconds. This helps dissolve the coffee completely and creates a slight foam on top.
- Let It Settle – Allow the shot to sit for a few seconds so the flavors can meld together.
Pro Tip: If you want an even stronger taste, dissolve the instant coffee in just a few drops of hot water first, then slowly add the rest.
Enhancing the Flavor
If your instant coffee espresso shot tastes too bitter or lacks depth, try these tricks:
Ways to Improve the Taste:
- A pinch of salt – Helps reduce bitterness.
- A tiny drop of vanilla extract – Adds natural sweetness.
- A dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder – Enhances aroma and richness.
- A teaspoon of sugar or honey – Balances acidity.
Experiment with different flavor enhancers to find the perfect combination for your taste!
Creating a Faux Crema (Optional)
Crema—the golden layer of foam on top of espresso—is created by high pressure in an espresso machine. Since instant coffee doesn’t go through this process, you won’t naturally get crema. However, you can mimic it with these tricks:
How to Create a Fake Crema:
- Whisk the Coffee – Use a small whisk or milk frother to create foam.
- Shake in a Sealed Jar – Place your coffee shot in a jar and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Use a Blender – A quick pulse in a blender can aerate the coffee slightly.
While it won’t be identical to real crema, this trick can make your espresso-style shot look and feel more authentic.
Serving and Enjoying Your Espresso-Style Shot
Once your instant coffee espresso shot is ready, you can enjoy it in different ways.
Best Ways to Drink It:
- Straight – Sip it like a traditional espresso for a quick caffeine boost.
- With Milk – Add steamed milk to make a latte or cappuccino.
- Over Ice – Pour it over ice for a refreshing iced espresso shot.
- As a Base for Other Drinks – Use it in espresso martinis, affogatos, or homemade mochas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your espresso-style shot tastes great every time, avoid these common mistakes:
Mistakes and How to Fix Them:
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | Solution |
| Using boiling water | Burns the coffee, making it bitter | Let water cool for 30 seconds before pouring |
| Adding too much water | Makes the shot weak and watery | Stick to a 1:1 or 2:1 coffee-to-water ratio |
| Not stirring properly | Leads to uneven taste | Stir vigorously for at least 20-30 seconds |
| Using low-quality instant coffee | Results in a flat, dull taste | Choose a premium instant coffee brand |
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get the best possible espresso-style shot with instant coffee.
Conclusion
Making an espresso shot with instant coffee is a simple yet effective way to enjoy a strong, bold coffee without an espresso machine. While it won’t replicate a true espresso, using high-quality instant coffee, the right water temperature, and proper stirring techniques will give you a satisfying and flavorful result.
Key Takeaways:
- Use a dark roast, fine instant coffee for the best results.
- Keep water temperature between 175-185°F (80-85°C).
- Stick to a concentrated coffee-to-water ratio.
- Enhance flavor with small additions like vanilla or cinnamon.
- Experiment with frothing techniques to mimic crema.
Try this method yourself and see how close you can get to an espresso-style shot with instant coffee. If you’ve found a perfect combination, share your experience in the comments below!
