Focus on the details
Espresso is really only two ingredients, coffee and water, so even the smallest details can make a huge difference in the finished product. While the perfect espresso varies a great deal depending on your personal tastes, there are small changes you can make to take your espresso to the next level:
Water
Try not to use water that is too alkaline, as it can negatively affect the taste of the coffee. Whenever possible, use filtered water for the cleanest and best taste. Also ensure that your water is not too hot, water that reaches boiling can scald your coffee and make it bitter.
Beans
Coffee beans are different from espresso beans, as espresso beans are usually roasted for longer and have a darker, deeper, richer flavor. There are also varying degrees of darkness in espresso beans: a bean that is shiny and slightly oily on the surface is likely a French or Italian style roast and is one of the darkest you can get. A slightly lighter, drier bean is known as a city roast and has a less rich, but more complex flavor. There is no better bean, it is up to your own personal preference.
The most important factor in making a perfect cup of espresso is knowing what you like and what you don't. Your perfect espresso may not be everyone else's perfect espresso, so go out and try as many as you can to see what works for you.
Using a Stovetop Espresso Pot
One way to make espresso is with a stovetop espresso pot. This is great for those who don't want to invest in a thousand dollar espresso machine but still want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Start by adding cold water to the bottom chamber of your espresso pot. Try to use filtered water whenever possible, as the pH of your water can have a negative effect on your espresso's taste.
Choose your coffee according to your tastes. Traditional Italian espresso uses dark, deeply roasted beans, while a more lightly roasted arabica bean will give you a more complex flavor. Grind your beans right when you plan to make your espresso for best results.
Place the espresso basket over the bottom chamber of your espresso pot and fill about halfway, or to your liking, with coffee. Do not tamp down the coffee.
Screw the top onto the bottom of the espresso pot.
Place your espresso pot onto your stove over medium heat and let sit until the espresso starts to rise into the top chamber, about three or four minutes. Do not let the water boil, as this can scald your coffee and make it bitter.
Once the top column is filled, remove from heat, and let sit for a minute or two.
Pour into cups and enjoy.
