Ristretto
Ristretto
Opposite to the lungo, a Ristretto is a shorter extraction of your usual doppio coffee.
The fundamentals are simple but the results are absolutely divine, bringing you into a realm of coffee abundant in rich flavour compounds, an elegant balance between intensity and depth.
A pure shot of heaven, that should be downed as if it were your very last, so don’t go diluting it with your favourite milk because that would be sacrilege.
For this guide we will create a Ristretto with an espresso machine because pressure and uniform extraction is important.
Equipment Recommended
Espresso Machine
Best Cup For The Win
Although technically speaking you can use any cup, however we believe it to be essential and highly recommended to use a double walled espresso cup to showcase the decadent balance between coffee and crema. The Ristretto pour is self automated in most cases and it is important to consider the following, we’re still going to utilise a 14g dose of finely ground espresso with a brew ratio of 1:1 and a total volume of no more than 30-40ml.
Machine Espresso
Equipment & Things Needed
step by step Guide
Step 1
For this demonstration, we will be using our Delonghi EC260.
Ensure there’s enough water in the water tank. Switch on your espresso machine and wait for confirmation your espresso machine is ready.
Grab your coffee portafilter (handle with coffee basket), unseal your deliciously fresh coffee bag of La Belle Epoque, and slowly place 14g of coffee into the coffee basket.
Using either the shaft of your coffee scoop or the shaft of a spoon. Slide it across the top of the coffee heap (start at the rim of your portafilter, to ensure that your coffee is aligned and uniform.
Then tamp down the coffee grinds held in the portafilter with minimal down-force pressure.
Lastly, place your portafilter into the locking chamber of your espresso machine, tighten it by turning the handle counter clockwise until it locks fully.
Step 2
Position your double walled cup directly underneath the spout of your locked portafilter. Sometimes depending on how cold it is, we like to warm up our cups with some warm water or steam before commencing with the espresso pour.
Press the double espresso button or turn the dial to a double-shot depending on your espresso machine. Your looking for a 20ml total extraction.
Press the button to stop the extraction process just short off a full double espresso to give more intensity and body.
