Ristretto

Ristretto is a style of espresso coffee made with the same amount of ground coffee as a standard espresso but less water, producing a smaller, more concentrated shot.

Ristretto is a style of espresso coffee made with the same amount of ground coffee as a standard espresso but less water, producing a smaller, more concentrated shot. The term comes from Italian and means “restricted” or “limited.” It is typically extracted in a shorter time than a standard espresso and is often described as sweeter and less bitter.

Definition

A ristretto is a short espresso shot made with a reduced amount of water. Coffee references commonly describe it as a more concentrated version of espresso prepared from the same dose of coffee.

Preparation

Ristretto is made using espresso equipment and the same amount of coffee grounds as a standard shot, but with less water and a shorter extraction. Reported brew times and volumes vary by source and café practice.

Etymology

The name comes from Italian and means “restricted” or “limited.” This reflects the drink’s reduced water volume compared with a normal espresso.

Taste and characteristics

Because it is more concentrated, a ristretto is often described as intense, sweet, and aromatic, with less bitterness than a standard espresso. However, flavour descriptions can vary depending on roast, grind, and extraction.