Recipe: Ristretto
Espresso is at the heart of many Starbucks® beverages. You probably know that you can adjust the number of shots in your espresso drink or choose a decaf option. But, do you know the difference between a traditional espresso shot and a ristretto shot?
Ristretto means “restricted” in Italian. In the context of coffee, ristretto indicates to a short (restricted) espresso shot, meaning that the barista only pulls the first portion of a full-length espresso shot. Ristretto is made of the same Starbucks ® Espresso Roast used for complete espresso shots, but less hot water is driven through the ground. The result shows a smaller, more concentrated serving with a sweeter, richer flavour.
Traditionally, Ristretto refers to a short shot of espresso coffee produced with the usual amount of ground coffee but extracted in the same amount of time using a finer grind with about half the amount of water. This generates a concentrated amount of coffee per quantity. Just pulling a standard shots brief could be mistaken as a Ristretto, but it’s not a Ristretto, it’s just a softer shot. The converse of a ristretto is a lungo, which is usually twice the amount of the shots. Ristretto implies ‘abbreviated’ or ‘narrow’ in Italian, whereas lungo implies ‘lengthy.’ The French counterpart of a ristretto is café serré.
Extraction is the reason a subtle change in technique makes a significant difference in taste and texture. Ristretto shots contain more of the flavour compounds that dissolve most quickly from coffee grounds. Arrested extraction makes ristretto more full-bodied and less bitter than fully extracted espresso.
And we are sure the fantastic Ristretto (Nespresso) – version of this beverage will spark your taste buds.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 90 g ice cubes
- 40 ml Ristretto coffee
- 90 ml of cold water
- Two small slices of ginger (2g.)
Directions:
- Add 90 g (3 large ice cubes or 9 small ones) in a recipe glass
- Pour the coffee directly on the ice cubes
- Add 90 ml of cold water
- Sprinkle with sliced ginger
- Serve and enjoy!
