A ristretto is a short, concentrated shot of espresso that delivers an intense, bold, and naturally sweet coffee experience. Unlike a regular espresso, a ristretto is made with less water, resulting in a richer flavor, thicker crema, and lower bitterness.
If you enjoy espresso but want a smoother and more intense version, the ristretto is the perfect choice. This short-pulled espresso highlights the best flavors of coffee beans, creating a velvety, syrupy texture that lingers on the palate.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make an authentic ristretto at home, including the best brewing techniques, key differences from espresso, and variations to try.
What Is a Ristretto?
The word “ristretto” means “restricted” or “shortened” in Italian, referring to the shorter extraction time and reduced water used compared to a standard espresso.
✔ More concentrated than espresso – Uses about half the water, intensifying the flavor.
✔ Smoother and naturally sweeter – The shorter brew time extracts fewer bitter compounds.
✔ Thicker crema and velvety texture – A ristretto has a syrupy mouthfeel that coats the palate.
✔ Smaller serving size – Typically 15-20ml (0.5-0.7 oz), compared to a standard 30ml (1 oz) espresso shot.
A ristretto is often used as the base for milk-based drinks like flat whites and cortados, enhancing their depth and richness.
Ristretto vs. Espresso: What’s the Difference?
✔ Water Amount: A ristretto uses half the water of an espresso.
✔ Extraction Time: A ristretto is pulled for 15-20 seconds, while an espresso takes 25-30 seconds.
✔ Flavor Profile: Ristretto shots are sweeter, richer, and less bitter than espresso.
✔ Crema: A ristretto has thicker, golden crema due to the shorter extraction.
Ingredients & Equipment for a Perfect Ristretto
✔ 18-20g finely ground espresso coffee (for a double ristretto)
✔ 9-12g coffee (for a single ristretto)
✔ Filtered water
✔ Espresso machine or alternative brewing method (AeroPress or Moka pot)
✔ Espresso cup (demitasse) for serving
The key to making a great ristretto is using fresh, high-quality coffee beans and the correct grind size—fine enough to ensure proper extraction without over-extracting bitter compounds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Ristretto
Step 1: Grind Fresh Coffee Beans
✔ Use a fine espresso grind, slightly finer than a regular espresso but not powdery.
✔ The grind should feel like fine table salt, allowing for the correct extraction time.
✔ Tip: If your ristretto is too bitter, adjust the grind slightly coarser. If it’s too sour, grind finer.
Step 2: Dose and Tamp the Coffee
✔ Use 9-12g of coffee for a single ristretto or 18-20g for a double ristretto.
✔ Tamp the coffee evenly and firmly to create a compact puck for proper extraction.
✔ Tip: A consistent tamp ensures balanced flavor extraction and prevents water from channeling through uneven areas.
Step 3: Pull a Shorter Espresso Shot
✔ Start the espresso machine and watch the extraction closely.
✔ Stop the shot when 15-20ml (0.5-0.7 oz) of liquid has been extracted, typically around 15-20 seconds.
✔ Tip: Unlike espresso, which continues brewing for up to 30 seconds, a ristretto stops earlier, preserving the sweet, rich notes without extracting bitterness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
✔ A ristretto is served as a short, concentrated shot, enjoyed in a small espresso cup.
✔ Sip slowly to experience the intense, naturally sweet coffee flavors.
✔ Tip: If you prefer a slightly larger drink, you can pull a double ristretto, using the same amount of coffee but extracting only 30-40ml total.
How to Make a Ristretto Without an Espresso Machine
✔ Moka Pot Ristretto: Use half the water in the bottom chamber to concentrate the flavor.
✔ AeroPress Ristretto: Use fine coffee grounds, less water, and a short extraction time for a close alternative.
While a true ristretto requires an espresso machine, these methods can produce a similar bold and rich coffee.
Ristretto Variations to Try
✔ Ristretto Bianco – A ristretto topped with a small amount of steamed milk, similar to a mini flat white.
✔ Iced Ristretto – Serve a ristretto over ice for a refreshing, bold drink.
✔ Mocha Ristretto – Add a small amount of chocolate syrup to balance the intensity.
✔ Affogato with Ristretto – Pour a ristretto shot over vanilla gelato for an ultra-rich coffee dessert.
Tips for the Best Ristretto Experience
✔ Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans to highlight the sweet, rich notes.
✔ Adjust the grind size to control extraction and avoid bitterness.
✔ Watch the timing—stopping the shot too late will extract unwanted bitter compounds.
✔ Experiment with different beans—single-origin coffees with chocolate or caramel notes work exceptionally well.
Final Thoughts
The ristretto is a short, intense coffee shot that offers a naturally sweet, rich, and smooth espresso experience. By focusing on shorter extraction, high-quality beans, and proper technique, you can create a bold, flavorful ristretto at home that rivals your favorite café.
Try making one today and discover the perfect balance of intensity and smoothness in every sip!