Our customers at Gems come from all walks of life, and their tastes are as diverse as the coffees we feature. Some love bolder, more intense flavors with rich chocolatey undertones, while others prefer lighter, more nuanced cups with a smooth, syrupy body. But if there’s one thing they agree on, it’s that coffee should taste like coffee—comforting, balanced, and satisfying. Whether they’re from Topland, the Fort area, Barrhead, Westlock, Whitecourt, Onoway, Slave Lake it seems the vast majority of our customers prefer coffee that's not too strong, not overly bright or fruity, but just right. These preferences have always guided us, inspiring us to adjust our recipes so that every cup feels like it was made just for you.

When it comes to espresso, there’s a lot happening in that tiny cup. It’s not just the beans or the machine—it’s also about the ratio. An espresso ratio refers to the amount of coffee you start with (the "dose") compared to the liquid espresso you end up with in your cup. Think of it as a recipe that determines the strength, body, and flavor balance of the shot. For example:

- 1:1 Ratio (Ristretto): A rich, intense shot with a syrupy body.

- 1:2 Ratio (Traditional Espresso): A balanced extraction with clarity and body.

- 1:3 Ratio (Lungo): A longer shot that’s lighter and highlights delicate flavors.

For years, our go-to espresso recipe was 20g of coffee in and 35g out, which is just shy of a 1:2 ratio (closer to 1:1.75). It's a tad unconventional, but it struck a balance we loved—enough body to carry rich flavors and enough clarity to showcase the unique characteristics of our beans. This recipe worked beautifully with our lineup of Central American, African, and South American coffees, highlighting their chocolatey, nutty, or fruity notes.

Why We Decided to Change

Through trial and tasting, we noticed that 19g of coffee in and 36g out—seemed to resonate most with our customers. While this ratio is a classic choice in the espresso world, we found that it perfectly aligns with what our guests enjoy.

How You Can Experiment at Home

For many customers, the concept of espresso ratios might seem intimidating or overly technical, but it’s really just a way to customize your coffee to your taste. If you brew espresso at home—or are curious about trying—it’s worth experimenting to discover what works best for you. 

-  If you’re new to espresso, begin with a 1:2 ratio. For example, use 18g of coffee and aim for 36g of liquid espresso.

-  If you want something bolder and richer, try something between 1:1 and 1:1.5. If however, you prefer a lighter, more delicate shot, go for a 1:3 ratio or just shy of that.

-  Every coffee is different. Take notes on how the flavors change with different ratios and find what works best for your beans and your taste buds. :)

Whether you enjoy a bold shot or something more nuanced, we believe there’s a perfect espresso for everyone—sometimes it just takes a little experimenting to find it.