<p>An espresso maker and method of producing espresso, the espresso maker having a chamber (12) to receive hot water and a coffee filter pod (61), the water and filter pod (61) in the chamber (12) being pressurized by an outside source of compressed gas (90) to approximately 15 bar. The hot water is allowed to contact the filter pod (61) for a short time prior to pressurization, and the chamber (12) is maintained at the desired minimum pressure for a short time after pressurization prior to opening of a release valve (53) to allow flow of liquid through the filter pod (61) and into a container.</p>
