Southpaw Espresso 2 lb: How to Brew It in an AeroPress

By AeroPress Coffee Makers | The French Press Alternative | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to brew Southpaw Espresso 2 lb in an AeroPress with a simple recipe, grind advice, and ratio tips for a sweet, balanced cup.

Quick answer

Use a fine espresso grind, a 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio, and a 1-minute steep with a slow press to get a rich, espresso-like cup from Southpaw Espresso 2 lb in your AeroPress.

Why Southpaw Espresso 2 lb works in an AeroPress

Southpaw Espresso 2 lb is designed for short milk drinks like cortados and macchiatos, but its sweet fruit, spice, caramel, and sugarcane notes also shine as a straight espresso. In an AeroPress, you can highlight those layers by using a fine grind and a short, concentrated brew that mimics espresso without needing a machine.

Because the AeroPress uses immersion and pressure, it extracts dark-roast flavors evenly. That means you get the caramel sweetness without the bitterness that can come from over-extracting in a traditional espresso machine.

Grind size and ratio: the key adjustments

A fine grind—similar to table salt—works best for this espresso-style recipe. If your grind is too coarse, the shot will taste weak and sour; too fine, and the press becomes hard to push and the cup turns bitter. Start with a fine setting on your grinder and adjust based on taste.

For a concentrated 1:5 ratio, use 18 grams of coffee to 90 grams of water. This yields roughly 60–70 ml of strong coffee, perfect for a small milk drink or a sipping shot. If you prefer a longer drink, increase water to 120 grams for a 1:6.5 ratio.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don't use water that's too hot—dark roasts can turn harsh above 205°F (96°C). Let boiled water cool for about 30 seconds. Also, avoid pressing too fast; a slow, steady press gives better extraction and a cleaner cup.

If you're using the inverted method, make sure the filter cap is secure before flipping. A loose cap leads to leaks and a messy brew.

Step-by-step AeroPress recipe for Southpaw Espresso

Heat water and prep: Heat water to 200°F (93°C). While it heats, insert a paper filter into the cap, rinse it with hot water, and set the AeroPress in the inverted position. Checkpoint: water temperature should be just below boiling—if it's too hot, let it sit for 30 seconds.
Measure and grind coffee: Weigh 18 grams of Southpaw Espresso 2 lb and grind to a fine espresso consistency (like table salt). Add the grounds to the inverted AeroPress and shake gently to level. Checkpoint: if the grind feels gritty like sand, it's too coarse; adjust finer.
Add water and stir: Pour 90 grams of hot water over the grounds, ensuring all coffee is saturated. Stir gently for 10 seconds with the included paddle or a spoon. Checkpoint: avoid over-stirring—10 seconds is enough to ensure even extraction.
Steep: Let the coffee steep for 1 minute. This short steep prevents over-extraction while building body. Checkpoint: set a timer—steeping longer than 1:30 can introduce bitterness.
Cap and flip: Secure the filter cap onto the AeroPress. Carefully flip the AeroPress onto your cup and give it a gentle swirl to settle the grounds. Checkpoint: ensure the cap is tight before flipping to avoid leaks.
Press slowly: Press down steadily over 20–30 seconds. Stop when you hear a hiss—don't press the last bit of foam. Checkpoint: if pressing is very hard, your grind is too fine; if it's too easy, grind finer next time.
Serve and adjust: Enjoy as a straight shot or add steamed milk for a cortado. Taste and adjust: for more sweetness, grind slightly finer; for less bitterness, shorten steep time. Checkpoint: keep notes on grind and time to dial in your perfect cup.

Product facts

Southpaw Espresso 2 lb: Southpaw Espresso 2 lb is a blend with sweet fruit, spice, caramel, and sugarcane notes, ideal for short milk drinks like cortado or macchiato. These flavors mean you can enjoy it as a straight espresso or with milk, and the AeroPress recipe below brings out its sweetness.
Southpaw Espresso 2 lb