Hey, ever thought about turning a thrifted coffee mug into a portable espresso maker for your road trips? I’ve been tinkering with a simple DIY that could change your travel coffee game.

Sure thing. Grab a sturdy ceramic mug—one with a thick rim so it won’t crack. Drill a tiny hole near the base and thread a piece of fine mesh or a coffee filter over it, then seal the edges with a bit of silicone sealant so the coffee grounds don’t leak out. Next, solder a short copper tube to the top of the mug; the tube’s other end connects to a small 5‑bar pump that sits in a zip‑lock bag. When you press the pump, hot water from a 1‑liter bottle is forced through the tube and the mug, forcing it through the mesh like a tiny espresso machine. The mug’s handle becomes a convenient grip, and the whole assembly fits into a tote with a zippered compartment for the pump and a padded sleeve for the mug. Just add a splash of espresso, splash of milk, and you’re on the road—no fancy espresso bar needed.