What is Ristretto Coffee?

The word 'ristretto' comes from Italian and means 'restricted' or 'limited.' This is a tip of the hat to how this coffee is made, which involves reducing the amount of water used during brewing.

Crafting the perfect ristretto is nothing short of an art. It all begins with finely ground coffee, which is key to getting that ideal extraction. The ratio of coffee to water is generally higher than in espresso, with a popular recipe suggesting a 1:1 ratio, where 7-9 grams of coffee gives you about 15-20 ml of liquid.

The brewing process itself is similar to making an espresso, but there's one major twist - the extraction time is shorter. While you might let an espresso pull for around 25-30 seconds, a Ristretto is usually only extracted for 15-20 seconds. This quicker pull restricts the water flow, leading to a shot about half the size of a regular espresso but packed with much more intense flavour.

The ristretto is a one-of-a-kind contender in the world of coffee. It's a shining example of how versatile coffee can be and the infinite possibilities it brings to the table. Whether you're brewing with a coffee grinder or a Dolce Gusto machine, getting to know and appreciating the subtle differences of a ristretto can take your coffee game to new heights. So, next time you're whipping up a shot, why not give a ristretto a go?