Are Espresso K-Cups Real Espresso?

Though the word “espresso” is tacked onto it, even the best espresso K-Cups can’t produce authentic espresso. This is because Keurig coffee machines themselves aren’t designed to make espresso, only brewed coffee. At best, you get an approximation of it; something closer to a strong cup of Joe.

What Are Espresso K-Cups?

K-Cups are coffee pods designed for use in Keurig coffee machines. They come in various flavors and roasts, and espresso K-Cups are types that mimic the strong aroma and taste of espresso. 

Are Espresso K-Cups Real Espresso?

Espresso K-Cups are not real espresso, even though they attempt to recreate the flavor. It can be difficult to extract the authentic experience from these pods because the Keurig machines used to make them can’t make actual espresso.

Can You Make Espresso in a Keurig?

Keurig machines are push-button coffee brewers that are made to easily craft brewed coffee. They function the same way as other drip coffee machines, which slowly pour hot water over ground coffee for some time to produce a cup. This is different from how espresso is made.

Espresso, a concentrated form of coffee often served in shots, is pulled by forcing pressurized hot water through very finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine. This method produces a strong coffee with a rich flavor and lingering aftertaste, as well as a caramel-colored froth that rests on top, known as “crema.”

How to Make Espresso in a Keurig

Though you can’t pull authentic shots of espresso in a Keurig, you can mimic the experience through strong cups of coffee using espresso K-Cups and small cups. Here’s how to make a shot of espresso in a Keurig:

Use Espresso K-Cups

Espresso K-Cups are often the boldest flavored types of coffee pods out there, and these will get you the closest experience to a shot of the real thing. Pay attention to the flavor, aroma, and type of beans used when selecting each one. Check out PageOneCoffee’s list of the best espresso K-Cups to help you choose the right one for you.

Choose the Smallest Cup Size

To approximate the water ratio of espresso (one-part coffee to two-parts water), you’ll want to use the smallest cup size option in your Keurig, which is six ounces. Don’t use espresso shot glasses to catch your brew, as it will likely overflow. If you want it served in smaller containers, use a regular six-ounce mug to make your makeshift espresso, then transfer it into demitasse (espresso) cups afterwards.

Can You Make Espresso Using Reusable K-Cups?

“How many times can you use a Keurig cup?” is a common question asked by Keurig users concerned about waste. K-Cups are single-use, which means you should throw them away after you brew a cup.

An alternative is to use reusable K-Cups, which you can use an indefinite number of times. They even offer you the flexibility to choose your own coffee and its potency, but for those who want to make espresso with their Keurigs, the question now is whether you can make the concentrated coffee in these reusable pods.

It would be difficult to make espresso using reusable K-Cups because you’ll need tightly packed fine ground coffee, which you can’t use here–it’s discouraged to use finely ground coffee in reusable K-Cups, as these can clog your Keurig and damage your machine. If you want to make espresso with your Keurig machine, you’re still better off with regular espresso K-Cups.

The Best Espresso K-Cups

Only the best espresso K-Cups can bring you close to the experience of espresso, even with a drip coffee machine like a Keurig. Consider the flavor, the type of coffee beans, and the producer of the espresso K-Cup to guarantee you get the right one for you. If you need help choosing, check out PageOneCoffee’s up-to-date and comprehensive list of the best espresso K-Cups.