A ristretto is a small yet powerful espresso shot, known for its intense flavor, smooth texture, and lower bitterness compared to a regular espresso. If you enjoy bold coffee with a naturally sweet, concentrated taste, mastering the ristretto will elevate your coffee experience.
Unlike an espresso, which uses a standard water-to-coffee ratio, a ristretto is made with less water, resulting in a shorter, richer shot with a syrupy mouthfeel. In this guide, you’ll learn what makes a ristretto unique, how to brew it step by step, and the best coffee beans for the perfect shot.
What is a Ristretto?
The word “ristretto” means “restricted” in Italian, referring to the smaller amount of water used to extract the coffee. A ristretto is essentially a shortened espresso shot, using the same amount of finely ground coffee but with half the water, leading to a more concentrated flavor.
A standard espresso is brewed with 30 ml (1 oz) of water, while a ristretto is pulled with 15–20 ml (0.5–0.7 oz) of water. This shorter extraction brings out sweeter, fruitier, and more complex flavors while reducing bitterness.
Ristretto vs. Espresso vs. Lungo: What’s the Difference?
A ristretto, espresso, and lungo all use the same coffee and brewing method but differ in water volume and extraction time.
- Ristretto → Less water, shorter extraction (15–20 ml), intense, smooth, slightly sweet.
- Espresso → Standard extraction (30 ml), balanced flavor with mild acidity and bitterness.
- Lungo → More water, longer extraction (50–60 ml), milder but more bitter due to over-extraction.
A ristretto is the most concentrated and flavorful of the three, making it a favorite among coffee purists.
What You Need to Make a Ristretto
To make a ristretto, you’ll need:
- Freshly ground espresso beans (medium-dark roast works best)
- An espresso machine (or Moka pot as an alternative)
- A coffee scale (optional but helpful for accuracy)
- A demitasse cup (small espresso cup)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Ristretto
Step 1: Grind the Coffee Beans
Use finely ground coffee, just like for a regular espresso shot. A fine grind ensures proper extraction, enhancing the ristretto’s rich, concentrated flavor.
Step 2: Dose the Coffee Correctly
Use 14–18 grams of coffee for a double ristretto (7–9 grams for a single ristretto).
Step 3: Adjust the Espresso Machine Settings
A ristretto requires less water and a shorter extraction time. Adjust your machine to extract 15–20 ml (0.5–0.7 oz) of coffee in 15–20 seconds instead of the usual 25–30 seconds for an espresso.
Step 4: Brew the Ristretto Shot
Start the espresso machine and stop the extraction once 15–20 ml of coffee has been brewed. The result should be a rich, syrupy shot with a deep golden crema.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
A ristretto is best enjoyed straight in a small espresso cup. Sip slowly to appreciate its intense sweetness and velvety texture.
Best Coffee Beans for Ristretto
The best ristretto shots come from medium to dark roast beans with sweet, chocolatey, and nutty notes. Some great options include:
- Brazilian beans – Low acidity, smooth chocolate flavors
- Ethiopian beans – Fruity, floral, and bright
- Guatemalan beans – Rich cocoa and nutty notes
- Italian espresso blends – Balanced, slightly caramelized, perfect for ristretto
Avoid light roasts, as they can taste too acidic in a ristretto.
Ristretto-Based Coffee Drinks
Ristretto shots can also be used as a base for different espresso drinks.
- Flat White with Ristretto – A ristretto shot topped with steamed milk for a sweeter, bolder flat white.
- Ristretto Macchiato – A ristretto with a small dollop of milk foam for a creamy contrast.
- Ristretto Cappuccino – A double ristretto with thick, foamy steamed milk.
- Iced Ristretto – Brewed over ice for a cold, concentrated espresso drink.
Why Choose a Ristretto Over an Espresso?
A ristretto is perfect for those who love intense, sweet, and full-bodied coffee without the bitterness of a longer extraction. It highlights the best flavors of the coffee beans, making it a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Ristretto!
A ristretto is a bold and flavorful alternative to espresso, offering a smoother, sweeter, and richer taste. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a base for other coffee drinks, learning how to brew the perfect ristretto will take your coffee skills to the next level.
Do you prefer a ristretto or a classic espresso? Let me know in the comments! ☕😊