What Is a Ristretto Shot? Discover the Intense Espresso Experience

The ristretto is favored in coffee shops and by espresso enthusiasts for its bold, aromatic profile and smooth texture. In this guide, we will discuss more details about Ristretto, so that you can make a perfect one with your HiBREW espresso machine right at your home.

What is a Ristretto Shot?

A ristretto shot, meaning “restricted” in Italian, is a short shot of espresso. The barista uses the same amount of ground coffee as a standard espresso shot but extracts only the first portion, resulting in a coffee that is more concentrated, syrupy, and aromatic. Because less hot water passes through the coffee grounds, the ristretto captures the sweetest and most flavorful compounds, while leaving behind many of the bitter notes that come later in the extraction process.

Ristretto vs. Espresso vs. Lungo: Brew Ratios and Methods

Shot Type	Dose (Ground Coffee)	Yield (Espresso Out)	Brew Ratio (in : out)	Extraction Time	Flavor Profile
Ristretto	18–20g	18–20g	1:1	15–18 sec	Sweet, intense, thick, less bitter
Espresso	18–20g	36–40g	1:2	25–30 sec	Balanced, rich, traditional espresso shot
Lungo	18–20g	54–60g	1:3	35–40 sec	Milder, more bitter, more diluted

• Ristretto shot: Uses the same amount of ground coffee as espresso, but yields less liquid. For example, with an 18g dose, you might extract 18–20g of espresso (1:1). The result is a short shot with a syrupy texture, concentrated sweetness, and reduced bitterness.
• Espresso shot: The standard espresso brew ratio is 1:2. An 18g dose yields about 36g of espresso. This produces a balanced cup with both sweetness and some bitterness.
• Lungo shot: Uses the same dose, but extracts more liquid-often 54–72g from an 18g dose (1:3 to 1:4). The longer extraction draws more bitter compounds, resulting in a milder but more bitter and diluted cup.

Flavor Differences

• Ristretto: Delivers a concentrated, intense flavor with more sweetness and less bitterness.
• Espresso: Offers a balanced flavor profile with both sweetness and bitterness.
• Lungo: Tastes lighter and more diluted, with increased bitterness due to longer extraction.

Pro Tips: By using brew ratios measured in grams, you’ll achieve more consistent results and a clearer understanding of how each espresso style differs in taste and strength.

How to Make a Ristretto Shot - Three Ristretto Shot Methods 

Generally speaking, to achieve a 1:1 ratio, you can brew the ristretto shot in three ways:

Popular Ristretto Recipe

• Use the same dose based on your basket capacity (e.g., 18–20g in).
• Dial in to get 1 g/s flow rate, and pull 15g out in 15 seconds.
• Result: Best balance of sweetness, body, and complexity. This method is most agreed upon for achieving the classic ristretto flavor-full-bodied, sweet, with chocolate and caramel notes.
• The coffee expert, The Real Sprometheus, suggested this recipe in his video, we've tried it and this does taste the best.

Stop the shot early

• Use your usual espresso grind and dose (e.g., 18g in).
• Brew espresso like you normally do, but stop the extraction at 18g out.
• Result: Often under-extracted, lighter body, and more sourness.

Grind finer and have a longer extraction

• Use a finer grind and aim for 15g out in 25–30 seconds.
• Result: Tends to be over-extracted, with intense acidity and hollow flavor.

Making Double-shot Ristretto

You can either pull two separate single ristrettos (e.g., 15g out each) or do a double basket with a 1:1 brew ratio (e.g., 20g in, 20g out). Both methods produce a similar result: a more concentrated, heavier-bodied shot.

Coffee Beans and Grind Size for Ristretto

The best coffee beans for ristretto are often medium or darker roasts, which enhance the syrupy, intense flavor typical of this style.

A finer grind is important to slow down the water flow and maximize extraction of sweet and aromatic compounds. You always need to dial in the grind size and test to find the right flow rate and shot time, like you normally do with your regular espresso.

Grinding fresh before brewing ensures the best coffee flavor and aroma.

Ristretto in Coffee Culture

Most coffee shops serve ristretto as a base for drinks like flat white, cortado, or as a substitute for espresso in your favorite beverages.

Specialty coffee shops often highlight ristretto for its unique taste, serving it as a double shot for a more pronounced experience.

Caffeine Content

Despite its intense flavor, a ristretto shot generally contains slightly less caffeine than a standard espresso shot because the shorter extraction time pulls fewer soluble compounds from the coffee grounds. However, the difference is minimal, and the concentrated taste can give the impression of more caffeine.

Brewing the Best Ristretto at Home

• Use a high-quality espresso machine for consistent pressure and temperature.
• Choose medium or darker roasted coffee beans.
• Grind your coffee finer than for regular espresso.
• Aim for a 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratio of ground coffee to liquid (Use any of the brew method we mentioned above).

If your shot tastes too sour, try a slightly coarser grind or longer extraction. If it’s too bitter, shorten the extraction time or use a finer grind.

Should You Try a Ristretto Shot?

If you’re looking for a sweeter, more intense espresso experience with less bitterness and a richer aroma, the ristretto shot is a great choice. It’s ideal for those who want to explore different brewing methods and enjoy the full spectrum of coffee flavor in a concentrated form.

Explore our HiBREW espresso machine collection to enjoy the perfect ristretto shot at home.