Espresso Blends Duo | Blue Bottle Coffee

Espresso Blends Duo

This pairing brings together two of our most distinctive espresso blends. Hayes Valley, our brooding and most voluptuous espresso. And 17ft Ceiling, a warm and inviting take on the classic Italian ristretto. Enjoy these versatile blends with or without milk. Each arrives in a 12 oz whole bean bag.

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Espresso Brew Guide

Espresso Ristretto Instructions

How to Brew a Ristretto from Blue Bottle Coffee on Vimeo

Brew Time: 28–38 seconds

Grind Size: Extra-fine

Coffee Dose: 20 g

Water Amount: Yields 22 g

What You'll Need

- Fellow Opus Conical Burr Grinder (Sold out)

Brewing Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Machine
    Make sure your espresso machine is fully preheated for at least 30 minutes before brewing. Proper heat stability ensures consistent pressure and temperature, both of which are essential for pulling a balanced ristretto shot with rich body and crema.

  2. Remove the Portafilter
    Remove the portafilter from the group head and briefly flush the group head with water. This clears away any residual coffee oils and stabilizes the brewing temperature before extraction.

  3. Grind Your Coffee
    Place the portafilter on a scale and tare it. Grind your coffee to an extra-fine grind, finer than what you’d use for a standard espresso, directly into the portafilter. Stop grinding when the scale reads 20 g. This finer grind helps slow flow and supports the shorter extraction typical of a ristretto.

  4. Level the Grounds
    Use your finger or a distribution tool to evenly level the grounds in the portafilter basket. Even distribution ensures uniform water flow through the puck, preventing channeling and uneven extraction.

  5. Tamp the Grounds
    With your arm at a 90-degree angle, tamp straight down using firm, even pressure. A level, well-compressed puck is critical for achieving the rich texture and concentrated flavor that define a ristretto short pull.

  6. Prepare Your Setup
    Lock the portafilter firmly into the group head. Place a demitasse cup on the drip tray and, if possible, set it on a scale to measure your yield accurately during the shot.

  7. Pull Your Shot
    Begin extraction. Depending on the coffee and the flavor profile you’re aiming for, a ristretto shot should pull for 28–38 seconds, yielding less liquid than a standard espresso. Measuring the output on a scale helps you dial in consistency and sweetness while avoiding over-extraction.

  8. Enjoy
    Sip your ristretto black to experience its full intensity, velvety mouthfeel, and layered sweetness — or add steamed milk for a shorter, richer milk-based drink. Either way, a well-pulled ristretto delivers depth, balance, and elegance in every sip.