Ristretto is a strong shot of espresso pulled with 30 to 50% less water than an espresso coffee “normale”, nevertheless the same amount of coffee grounds. It is crafted with 14-18 grams of ground coffee extracted into 30ml of water, (1 fluid ounce). This gives it a more concentrated taste with a higher caffeine content. Ristretto is typically less acidic and has a sweeter flavor than a typical espresso coffee. It can also be used in any espresso-based drinks such as latte, cappuccino, or flat white.
There are three espresso shot lengths: Ristretto, Normale, and Lungo. Ristretto indicates restricted, Normale means regular, and Lungo means long. These are different beverages, with distinctive aromas. Espresso coffee contains over 800 aromatic compounds, and the chemical composition and taste of a ristretto differs from regular espresso coffee extraction. The shorter extraction time changes the flavor profile dramatically, due to the truth that it contains fewer total extracts, is more bold, and it has a different balance between the various extracted compounds.
Making a ristretto at home is almost as simple as making a normal espresso coffee. It involves a little bit bit bit more rigourosity than a normal espresso coffee, and a little bit of tweaking, until you get the wonderful variables. There are automatic espresso machines with a ristretto choice, or semi-automatic espresso coffee machines that give you more flexibility. You will need a good grinding machine so you are grinding truly before brewing, as well as a water filter/bottled water.
The preparation of a ristretto can be done in two ways: by adjusting the time of the shot, or by adjusting the grind size and grind finer. A pressure restricted shot is a bit more technical, and requires tweaking the grind size until you hit the sweet spot.
When it comes to coffee beans, there is no right or wrong way to prepare it, nevertheless the flavor profile will vary a little bit. A medium roast East African beans are great due to the truth that they allow the brightness of the origin to come through, while inherently acidic beans might produce a sour shot. A blend of Costa Rican and Brazilian beans is the safest blend to try.
Ristretto is a best option for coffee connoisseurs who want to awaken their senses and get up to speed in the morning. With the right equipment and brewing instructions, you can make a delicious ristretto at home.
This article to start with appeared at Brew Espresso Coffee, a website dedicated to make popular the art of creating espresso beverages.