Welcome to the world of Ristretto, the bold and intense cousin of espresso! Originating in Italy, 'ristretto' means 'restricted' in Italian, referring to the reduced amount of water used in the brewing process. This results in a more concentrated, sweeter, and less bitter shot of espresso.

The key to a perfect Ristretto lies in the precise ratio of finely ground coffee to water. We use a dark roast espresso blend, ground to a fine powder, and extract it with about half the amount of water used for a regular espresso. This method concentrates the flavors, resulting in a syrupy texture and a complex taste profile that highlights the coffee's sweetness and reduces its acidity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Discover why Ristretto will become your new favorite espresso drink:

  • Intense flavor: Experience a concentrated burst of coffee essence
  • Sweeter taste: Enjoy natural sweetness without added sugar
  • Versatile base: Perfect for crafting other coffee drinks
  • Quick preparation: Ready in less time than a regular espresso
  • Artisanal experience: Master the art of precision brewing

Perfect Ristretto Shot

A bold and intense espresso shot with a sweet, concentrated flavor
Ristretto, Espresso, Italian Coffee, Concentrated Coffee, Strong Coffee

Equipment

  • Espresso machine
  • Portafilter
  • Coffee grinder
  • Tamper
  • Espresso cup

Ingredients

  • 9-11 grams finely ground dark roast espresso blend
  • 0.5-0.75 oz (15-22 ml) hot water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter.
  2. Grind 9-11 grams of dark roast coffee beans to a fine consistency.
  3. Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter and tamp firmly.
  4. Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine.
  5. Start the extraction process, aiming for a 15-20 second pull.
  6. Stop the extraction when you have 0.5-0.75 oz (15-22 ml) of liquid in your cup.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy your Ristretto shot.
Calories: 3kcal, Carbohydrates: 0g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 0mg, Potassium: 116mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Vitamin A: 0IU, Vitamin C: 0mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Boozy
Hot
Beverage
Drink
Italian

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