Ristretto is a short, intense, and rich espresso shot that delivers a bold coffee flavor with a naturally sweeter and smoother taste. Unlike a regular espresso, a Ristretto is made using the same amount of coffee but with half the amount of water, resulting in a stronger, more concentrated coffee experience.
This drink is perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate espresso’s depth and complexity but want a smoother, less bitter taste. Because of its short extraction time, a Ristretto highlights the sweet and aromatic notes of coffee while reducing bitterness.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Ristretto at home, including brewing techniques, variations, and expert tips for getting the best flavor and crema.
What Makes Ristretto Special?
✔ More concentrated than espresso – Uses the same amount of coffee but half the water.
✔ Smoother and naturally sweeter – The shorter extraction time reduces bitterness while enhancing fruity and chocolatey notes.
✔ Rich, thick crema – A well-made Ristretto has a dense, golden crema on top.
✔ Smaller serving size – Typically 0.5-0.75 oz (15-22ml), compared to a 1 oz (30ml) espresso shot.
Ingredients for the Perfect Ristretto
✔ 7-9g finely ground espresso coffee
✔ 0.5-0.75 oz (15-22ml) hot water
✔ Espresso machine (preferred) or AeroPress
✔ Portafilter and tamper
✔ Small espresso cup for serving
The key to a great Ristretto is using high-quality coffee beans with a fine grind to ensure a rich, syrupy extraction.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Ristretto
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Grounds
✔ Use 7-9g of finely ground coffee (same as for a regular espresso).
✔ The grind should be slightly finer than espresso, allowing for slower water flow.
✔ Distribute the grounds evenly in the portafilter and tamp firmly to create a smooth, even surface.
✔ Tip: A finer grind ensures proper resistance, allowing for a slow, concentrated extraction.
Step 2: Adjust the Water Flow
✔ Lock the portafilter into the espresso machine.
✔ Set the machine to extract only 0.5-0.75 oz (15-22ml) of coffee, which is half the amount of a standard espresso shot.
✔ The extraction should take about 15-20 seconds—shorter than an espresso.
✔ Tip: A slow, syrupy flow indicates a well-pulled Ristretto with a rich crema.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
✔ Pour the Ristretto into a small espresso cup.
✔ Enjoy it immediately while the flavors are bold, fresh, and aromatic.
✔ Tip: Ristretto is best enjoyed without sugar or milk to fully appreciate its naturally sweet and rich flavor.
Ristretto vs. Other Espresso Drinks
✔ Ristretto vs. Espresso – A Ristretto is more concentrated, sweeter, and smoother, while an espresso is more balanced.
✔ Ristretto vs. Lungo – A Lungo uses more water, making it milder but more bitter. A Ristretto is shorter and richer.
✔ Ristretto vs. Doppio – A Doppio is a double espresso, while a Ristretto remains a smaller, more intense shot.
Ristretto Variations to Try
✔ Double Ristretto (Doppio Ristretto) – A double shot of Ristretto for extra intensity.
✔ Iced Ristretto – Brew a Ristretto and pour over ice for a refreshing version.
✔ Ristretto Macchiato – Add a dollop of milk foam for a smooth finish.
✔ Mocha Ristretto – Mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey touch.
✔ Affogato Ristretto – Pour over vanilla gelato for a luxurious dessert.
Tips for the Best Ristretto Experience
✔ Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans – Single-origin beans with fruity or chocolatey notes work best.
✔ Grind slightly finer than espresso – This slows extraction for a richer, more concentrated flavor.
✔ Limit the water amount – Extract only 15-22ml to maintain the bold taste.
✔ Drink immediately – A Ristretto loses its freshness quickly, so enjoy it as soon as it’s brewed.
When to Drink Ristretto
✔ As a morning wake-up shot – Perfect for starting the day with bold energy.
✔ Before or after meals – A great digestive coffee, thanks to its smooth intensity.
✔ For coffee tasting – Helps highlight the unique flavors of different coffee beans.
✔ As a base for creative coffee drinks – Works well in macchiatos, cortados, and affogatos.
Final Thoughts
Ristretto is a bold, concentrated espresso shot that offers a naturally sweeter and smoother coffee experience. With less water, a thicker texture, and an intense yet balanced flavor, it’s the perfect drink for espresso lovers who want to experience coffee’s purest and richest essence.
Try making a traditional Ristretto or experiment with variations to find your perfect version. No matter how you enjoy it, this small but powerful espresso shot will elevate your coffee experience!