What is a Ristretto?

A ristretto is a short espresso shot pulled to about 0.75 oz using the same amount of ground coffee as a regular shot but only half the water. The word means "restricted" in Italian, referring to the restricted water volume.

The result is sweeter, more concentrated, and more complex than a regular espresso because the bitter compounds at the tail end of the extraction never develop.

Ristretto vs espresso: same coffee, half the water, completely different flavor

During espresso extraction, the first compounds to come through are the sweet and fruity ones. The bitter, astringent compounds come later. A ristretto stops the extraction before those arrive. A regular espresso captures some of both. A lungo captures more of the bitter end.

Most flat whites are made with a ristretto base for this reason. The sweeter, concentrated shot holds up better against steamed milk than a regular espresso.

"A ristretto stops before the bitter compounds arrive. You drink the best part of the shot and leave the rest behind."

Where to order a ristretto

Specialty shops are the right place. Chains pull standard espresso parameters and rarely offer ristrettos as a menu option. At Verve Coffee Roasters or Heart Coffee, asking for a ristretto will get you a knowing nod.

In Portland and Seattle, ristretto is often the default pull at high-end shops. The barista may not mention it on the menu, but it is how they are dialing in their espresso.

Related: What is a lungo?, 12 best espresso drinks, What is a flat white?