The Ristretto is the purest and most intense form of espresso.
Its name comes from the Italian word meaning “restricted,” referring to the shorter extraction time and smaller water volume used during brewing.
This results in a thicker, sweeter, and more concentrated coffee shot with less bitterness and a silky texture.
If you love strong espresso but crave a smoother taste, the Ristretto is your perfect match.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 7–9 g finely ground coffee beans (for a single shot)
- 15–20 ml hot water (extracted through the espresso machine)
🛠️ Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Coffee grinder
- Espresso cup (demitasse)
- Tamper
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Process
1. Grind the Coffee
Use high-quality coffee beans and grind them extra fine — even finer than for a standard espresso.
The finer grind helps slow down the water flow for the shorter extraction.
2. Prepare the Portafilter
Fill the portafilter with 7–9 grams of coffee for a single shot (or 14–18 grams for a double).
Tamp evenly and firmly to create a smooth, level surface.
3. Start the Extraction
Lock the portafilter into your espresso machine and begin brewing.
A Ristretto uses half the water of a regular espresso and extracts for 15–20 seconds instead of 25–30.
You should end up with 15–20 ml of coffee — thicker and darker than espresso, with rich crema on top.
4. Serve Immediately
Pour your Ristretto into a small espresso cup and serve at once.
The flavor will be strong, aromatic, and naturally sweet with notes of caramel and chocolate.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Ristretto
- Use freshly roasted beans for maximum aroma and crema.
- Choose medium or dark roast — lighter roasts can taste too acidic when short-brewed.
- Keep your water temperature between 90–94°C (195–200°F).
- For a balanced shot, aim for a 1:1 ratio of coffee to liquid — about 15–20 ml output from 15–18 g of coffee.
- Serve it alone, or use it as a base for stronger milk-based drinks like Flat White or Cortado.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Ristretto Coffee
The Ristretto is coffee in its most intense yet elegant form.
It captures the heart of espresso — the aroma, the crema, and the flavor — but in a smaller, sweeter, and more refined dose.
Each sip is bold and velvety, with a natural sweetness that lingers without bitterness.
It’s a drink for true coffee lovers who appreciate depth, power, and precision in every shot.
DeliciousPath: Enjoyment in Every Moment
Explore the Gourmet on Board category for exquisite flavors that elevate your meals, even when you’re on a boat, and the Coffee category for aromatic coffee blends that make every moment special. DeliciousPath is here to turn every experience into something unforgettable!
