Coffee menus are full of terms that sound sophisticated but can feel a little elusive. Here, we break down the differences between espresso and ristretto, so that you can level up from casual enjoyer to full-fledged coffee connoisseur and understand exactly what you’re ordering!
What is an Espresso?
Espresso is the base for most coffee drinks you’ll find in modern coffee shops, including lattes and cappuccinos. It is a form of concentrated coffee that has been brewed under pressure. Espresso machines force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a shot of coffee with strong, well-balanced flavours.
A typical espresso will use a ratio of 1:2, meaning that for every one part coffee, you will use two parts water. A standard single-shot espresso uses around 7-9g of ground coffee.
What is a Ristretto?
Ristretto means ‘restrict’ in Italian, so a ristretto is a shorter version of an espresso, meaning it uses less water. The ratio for a ristretto shot is usually about 1:1 – i.e. for every gram of coffee, you use the same amount of water.
Differences Between Espresso & Ristretto
These two coffee shots are quite similar, but there are a few differences that set them apart.
Ratio
We’ve already touched on this, but the key difference between the espresso and ristretto is the ratio of dry coffee grounds to wet espresso. The actual process is largely the same, but a ristretto is a shorter pull, meaning less water and an overall small drink, while still using the same amount of coffee.
- Espresso: 1:2
- Ristretto: 1:1
Extraction
Something that goes hand in hand with this difference in ratio is extraction. The extraction time refers to how long it takes to brew a shot (i.e. when using an espresso machine).
- Espresso: 25-30 seconds extraction time
- Ristretto: 15-20 seconds extraction time
Flavour
Because of their slightly different composition and extraction, the taste of these two shots can vary a bit, too. Espresso tends to have a bold, nicely balanced taste, whereas ristretto is usually slightly sweeter, stronger and more acidic with less bitterness due to the reduced extraction time.
Body
The body and texture of a ristretto can be slightly thicker and more syrupy than an espresso, again due to the reduced extraction time and lower water content.
Caffeine
While both use the same amount of coffee, a ristretto will actually have slightly less caffeine because of the shorter extraction time, which means that fewer caffeine compounds are pulled out compared to an espresso, which has a longer extraction time.
This makes ristrettos ideal for those looking for the bold coffee flavour with slightly less of a caffeine kick.
Serving Size
Both are served as shots, with espresso typically being 30ml for a single shot and 60ml for a double. The restricted nature of a ristretto means that serving for a single shot is around 15-20ml.
Should You Choose Espresso or Ristretto?
This really comes down to personal preference, as both have their place on the coffee shop menu.
For those who love a classic coffee flavour that’s perfectly balanced and complex with hints of sweetness, bitterness and acidity, choose espresso.
If you want something that’s a bit sweeter and richer, yet still has the boldness of an espresso, choose ristretto.
Or, if you’re not sure, ask your barista! They’ll be equipped with even more coffee expertise to help you narrow down your order. All of our Esquires coffee shop franchises are headed up by knowledgeable franchisees and baristas who know their stuff and will be able to advise on the perfect brew for you!
What About Lungo?
Another term that you might come across is lungo. This is a ‘long’ espresso, meaning the extraction time is longer than an espresso (up to a minute), resulting in a slightly larger volume of coffee. The ratio here is 1:3, and a single shot lungo is about 60ml, compared to the 30ml of a single shot espresso.
The flavour of a lungo is usually described as being milder than an espresso with increased bitterness due to the longer extraction time. This option is ideal for those who prefer a milder yet complex flavour and like to sip their brew leisurely.
For more coffee breakdowns, see our guide to the differences between a latte and a cappuccino.
