How to Make a Ristretto
- 1). Choose fresh, dark roast or espresso coffee beans to make your ristretto. To get the best flavor and an authentic tasting ristretto, make sure that you store your beans in a cool, dry location and that the beans appear oily and dark.
- 2). Grind your coffee beans just before you brew your ristretto. Grind the beans as finely as possible and then pack them lightly into the group, or the handled bowl of your espresso machine. Do not pack the coffee tightly into the group, rather, simply tap the grounds into the bowl with a butter knife so that they are even across the top of the group.
- 3). Connect the group to your espresso machine and place a cup or small glass under its spout. Turn on your machine and watch as your ristretto brews. When there is about 1/2 oz. of espresso in the cup or glass, turn off the machine and remove the glass.
- 4). Serve your ristretto as is and enjoy the thick, dark, strong taste of perfect Italian coffee.