What is Ristretto Coffee?

Have you ever had a perfectly pulled ristretto? There's something almost magical about that first sip.

It's more than just coffee. Ristretto offers an intense, aromatic coffee experience prized by coffee lovers - keep reading to discover why.

Why is it called a ristretto?

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.

How is a ristretto made?

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 three forms of espresso in order of volume. Lungo, espresso and ristretto.

Ristretto vs espresso: which coffee is stronger?

When we talk about strength' in coffee, it's not just about how much caffeine it packs; it's about the richness of the flavour, the power of the aroma, and the overall feel in your mouth. Due to its concentrated character, a ristretto coffee may appear stronger than an espresso.

Ristretto vs lungo: what's the difference?

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the ristretto, we have the lungo. 'Lungo' means 'long' in Italian, and as you might have guessed, this coffee takes more time and water to make than your typical espresso. It's a less intense, more watered-down version, offering a fresh take on the classic espresso shot. To give you some context, other coffee brewing methods like pour-over or drip are about a much slower and longer extraction, leading to a different flavour profile.

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?

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