Every morning we brew what many call “Italian coffee” using a stovetop espresso maker, commonly known as a Moka Pot. It’s a simple, reliable way to get a strong, flavorful cup at home.
We rotate through several coffee brands, and one of our favorites is a blend from Kicking Horse. For best results, choose a coffee roasted specifically for espresso and ground to a medium grind.
If you grind your own beans, aim for a medium-coarse consistency. Freshly ground beans make a noticeable difference in taste and aroma.
Begin by filling the boiler with filtered water up to the level of the safety valve. This ensures the right water volume and proper pressure during brewing.
Fill the filter basket with the grounds almost to the top, but do not tamp or press them down. Level the coffee gently and check that no grounds remain on the rim before assembling the pot.
Screw the top and base together firmly, making sure the pieces are aligned so the seal is even. Place the Moka pot on the stove and heat over medium flame. If you use a gas stove, keep the flame low enough that it doesn’t extend past the base of the pot.
When the pot begins to gurgle and coffee starts to flow into the upper chamber, some instructions recommend turning off the heat and allowing the remaining pressure to finish extraction. In our experience, leaving a low flame on sometimes helps the pot continue filling. Try both ways to see which works best with your stove and pot.
Once brewing slows and the gurgling subsides, remove the pot from the heat and pour the coffee immediately to preserve the aroma and flavor.
We often steam oat milk with a small frother to make a creamy finish. We prefer an oat milk that steams well and foam it just before the coffee finishes, then add it straight to the cup. For a seasonal twist, sweeten with a touch of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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A lovely alternative method is pour-over coffee made with a copper kettle — a gentle, hands-on approach that highlights different flavor notes.
Update: You can watch a casual coffee chat video where my daughter Courtney and I make coffee together in our kitchen.
Do you like iced coffee? Try an iced maple oat milk shaken espresso for a refreshing, easy-to-make option that’s naturally sweet and creamy.
Below are many of the coffee-making tools and supplies we use. Enjoy!
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Tour our kitchen with sources and details
