How to Brew Indian Robusta Coffee in an Espresso Machine — And Make It Taste Amazing!

Indian Robusta coffee is not for the faint of heart. It’s bold, earthy, rich in body, and packs twice the caffeine of Arabica. When pulled through an espresso machine, it creates a thick crema and delivers an intense shot that wakes up your senses like thunder on a monsoon morning.

At Peep'l, our Robusta beans come from shade-grown farms in Kerala—deeply rooted in Indian tradition, yet perfectly suited for modern brewers. If you’ve just picked up a bag and want to know how to brew it right in your espresso machine, this guide is for you.

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What to Expect with Robusta in an Espresso Machine

First, let's talk flavor. Robusta espresso is:

• Strong and high in bitterness

• Heavy-bodied with notes of dark chocolate, spice, leather, and roasted nuts

• Naturally lower in acidity

• Very creamy, thanks to a higher concentration of oils

Pulling a straight espresso shot with Robusta can be intense—almost like sipping dark molasses with a smoky finish. But don’t worry: with the right pairing and ratios, you can balance the boldness and bring out its hidden richness.

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Dialing In: How to Brew a Robusta Espresso Shot

Grind Size: Fine (espresso grind)
Dose: 18–20g for a double shot
Yield: 36–40g (in ~25–30 seconds)
Temp: 198–202°F
Pressure: 9 bars

Pro Tip: Pre-infuse for 5 seconds if your machine allows—Robusta can benefit from a gentler bloom.

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Recipes: Robusta Espresso, 3 Ways

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1. The Bold Classic: Straight Double Shot

Flavor: Intense, smoky, bitter-sweet

• Pull a double shot (20g in, 40g out, 25–30 sec)

• Sip slowly or use as a base for more creative drinks

⚠️ Warning: not for beginners. Best enjoyed with a piece of dark chocolate or after a rich meal.

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2. Spiced Indian Robusta Latte

Flavor: Creamy, spiced, balanced
You’ll need:

• Double shot of Robusta espresso

• 6 oz steamed whole milk

• A pinch of cardamom & cinnamon

• Jaggery or brown sugar to taste

How to Make:

1. Pull your espresso shot

2. Steam milk with a small pinch of ground cardamom and cinnamon

3. Add jaggery or sweetener to espresso

4. Combine and top with frothed milk

☕ Inspired by South Indian flavors. Feels like a warm hug.

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3. Robusta Iced Shakerato

Flavor: Refreshing, sharp, frothy
You’ll need:

• Double shot espresso

• 1 tsp simple syrup or honey

• Ice cubes

How to Make:

1. Add espresso, sweetener, dash of creamer, and ice to a cocktail shaker

2. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds

3. Pour into a chilled glass

4. Garnish with an orange peel or a sprinkle of cocoa powder

❄️ Perfect summer pick-me-up with a strong kick.

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How to Balance the Strength of Robusta

Because Robusta is naturally bitter and high in caffeine, here are a few tips to smooth it out:

• Use milk or cream: The fat content softens bitterness and enhances mouthfeel

• Sweeten gently: A touch of jaggery, raw sugar, or condensed milk can tame the edge

• Blend it: Mix Robusta with 20–30% Arabica if you prefer a gentler cup

• Spices like cardamom or clove: Traditionally used in Indian coffee to add depth and balance

• Water it down: Turn your espresso into an Americano for a smoother, less intense sip

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Final Sip

Robusta isn’t everyone’s daily driver—but for the adventurous and the caffeine-hungry, it’s a hidden gem. When brewed as espresso, it offers power, presence, and a taste that lingers. If you’re looking for something authentic, strong, and full of character, Peep'l Coffee might be your new favorite bean. Sourced from a single origin, processed 4 different ways. Check out our coffee today, you will love it!

At Peep'l, we honor the strength of Robusta and the experience of coffee — and help you brew it your way ~~