What Actually Is a Ristretto and Why Is It So Popular?

Let's dive into the world of Ristretto, a name echoing restraint and precision. It earned its title from the practice of grinding coffee even finer than espresso, causing the water to slow down and create a liquid that's only half the volume of an espresso.

Modern Ristrettos have evolved a bit. Many now use the same grind size as espresso but stop the shot a bit earlier, around 20-23 seconds. This results in a more concentrated liquid, as you extract more soluble coffee materials in the initial stages. But what's the secret behind a good Ristretto? It's not necessarily for sipping solo like an espresso. However, with a lighter roasted bean, a double Ristretto can punch through milk, giving you a stronger coffee taste compared to a single shot of espresso. The shorter extraction time gives Ristretto a thicker, oilier body compared to espresso. Due to its restricted brewing, Ristretto doesn't boast as much complexity as Espresso, but its intensity sets it apart.

Originally invented to counter the bitterness of dark roasted beans, Ristretto provided a more pleasant drinking experience. However, in today's world of medium and light roast coffees, it's not recommended, as these beans aren't roasted to be bitter, and using Ristretto might mean missing out on some complexity compared to espresso. Experiment with Ristretto to unlock its potential and embark on a unique coffee adventure.

🔎 Cafe In The Spotlight

Five Elephant Coffee & Cakes

📍Reichenberger Str. 101, 10999 Berlin, Germany

The Five Elephant is a well-known specialty coffee chain in Berlin. If you live in or are visiting Berlin, Germany, this place should be a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. This Cafe will promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking the finest in specialty coffee. Whether you're savouring a meticulously brewed espresso or indulging in a perfectly crafted cappuccino, the rich flavours and aromatic delights offered here will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression

👨‍🍳 Recipe of the week

Classic Vienna

f you're feeling nostalgic and want to transport yourself back to the 70s, a classic cup of Vinnie should be your morning coffee choice.

Here is how you make it:

1. Preheat your espresso machine. 

2. Grind and dose 23g of coffee into your portafilter. 

3. Tamp flat and even, then place the portafilter in your espresso machine. 

4. Fill a medium sized glass or cup with hot water, about 80% of the cups volume.

5. Place the glass on a scale on your espresso machine under the portafilter and tare the scale to zero. 

6. Extract a 33 - 35g shot of freshly roasted white horse coffee over the water.

7. Grab a table spoon and gently pour fresh cream over the top of the espresso shot, to achieve a layer effect.

8. Dust with cocoa if you like, and that’s pretty much it.

⚙️ My Coffee Gear

Coffee Machine: Breville Barista Pro

Dosing Cup: Crema Dosing Cup

WDT Tool: Cheap WDT Tool

Coffee Scale: Hario v60 Drip

Aeropress: Aeropress Brewer

Hario V60: Hario V60 Dripper

Kettle: Brewista Kettel

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