Have you ever been disappointed by a sour espresso shot? It’s often due to under-extraction, but don’t worry—there are several easy ways to fix it and create a balanced, rich shot.

What Makes Espresso Taste Sour?

Sourness usually happens when the coffee is under-extracted, which means the brew didn’t extract enough flavors, leaving you with a tart taste dominated by acids.

Common Causes and Fixes for Sour Espresso

1. Grind Size

If your coffee grind is too coarse, water passes through too quickly, leading to under-extraction.
How to fix: Adjust your grinder to a finer setting, allowing for better extraction of the coffee’s flavors.

2. Water Temperature

If the water is too cool, it won’t extract the coffee properly.
How to fix: Ensure your water temperature is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C - 96°C) for optimal brewing.

3. Brewing Time

Espresso that’s brewed too quickly (under 25 seconds) is often sour.
How to fix: Aim for an extraction time of 25-30 seconds. You can tamp the coffee more firmly or use a finer grind to slow down the process.

4. Coffee Bean Freshness

Stale beans can also result in a sour shot. Coffee is best within 2-3 weeks of roasting.
How to fix: Use freshly roasted beans for better flavor, and avoid old beans that have lost their complexity.

5. Coffee Dose

Using too little coffee causes under-extraction.
How to fix: Use a digital scale to ensure you’re dosing correctly—around 18-20 grams for a single shot. You can increase the dose slightly if your shot is still sour.

Extra Tips for Perfect Espresso

1. Invest in Quality Equipment

A consistent burr grinder and a reliable espresso machine with proper temperature control make all the difference in extracting rich flavors.

2. Stick to Consistency

Once you find the right grind size, temperature, and timing, maintain consistency to produce excellent shots every time.

3. Experiment with Beans

Different beans may require different settings. Light roasts may need finer grinds and longer extractions, while darker roasts might work best with quicker pulls.

Conclusion

Fixing sour espresso is a simple process once you identify the causes. By adjusting grind size, water temperature, brewing time, and coffee dose, you can eliminate sourness and brew a balanced shot. With practice, you'll master espresso-making and enjoy consistently great coffee! Keep experimenting and refining your technique—perfection is just a few tweaks away.