MSG Free Flat White
Few coffee drinks reward careful technique the way this one does, and the payoff is a cup that feels genuinely luxurious. The foundation is a double ristretto — a shorter, more concentrated pull that brings out the sweeter, more complex notes of the espresso without the bitter edge of a longer shot. Paired with silky, properly steamed whole milk, the result is rich and velvety with just enough microfoam to give it that signature smooth finish. Because the ingredient list is exactly two items, there's nothing hidden here — no flavor syrups, no powdered enhancers, no additives of any kind. For anyone avoiding monosodium glutamate and other flavor-boosting additives, that simplicity is genuinely reassuring, especially compared to café drinks where you rarely know what's going into the cup. The technique matters more than any shortcut: getting the milk to that glossy, pourable consistency and nailing the pour are what separate a flat white from a mediocre latte. Pull it right and you'll have a café-quality drink at home that's as clean and pure as coffee gets.
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Learn more →Ingredients
1 serving
- 18–20 g finely ground espresso coffee
- 4 oz whole milk
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your espresso machine and flush the group head with a brief burst of hot water. Warm the 5–6 oz ceramic cup by filling it with hot water, then discard the water just before pulling the shot.
- 2
Dose 18–20 g of finely ground coffee into the portafilter, distribute evenly, and tamp with firm, level pressure. Pull a double ristretto: target a yield of about 1–1.5 oz (30–45 ml) in 25–30 seconds. The shot should run a deep amber-brown with a thin, persistent crema.
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