RISTRETTO COFFEE: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO BEST PREPARE IT

Today we’re talking about ristretto coffee , a variation of the classic espresso that is unjustly characterized by a series of false myths and beliefs that we will try to clear through customs. The point is that to make a ristretto coffee it is not enough just to let a smaller quantity of coffee flow into the cup than for an espresso. You need to know the type of blend, the temperature of the water and even the pressure at which it will extract the coffee from the ground.

What restricted coffee is not

First, as we have already explained in our in-depth study on the different types of coffee, we would like to clarify what ristretto is not . First of all, ristretto and short are not the same thing, even if this opinion is widely held. Then you have to evaluate the method with which it will be prepared because the arm of the coffee machine has nothing to do with the mocha or coffee pods.

How do you prepare the ristretto coffee?

If you have a professional espresso machine you will need to enter the usual amount of coffee you use for normal coffees. Then it will be recommended to press the powder slightly more, to prevent too much water from passing through and the coffee will slip from the dense and dark spout, slightly more than normal. 

At this point you will have to reduce the extraction by a few seconds, being careful not to exceed 20 milliliters of drink in the cup. Here, this will be a perfect ristretto!

With the moka the situation changes even if, in principle, the result to be obtained is the same: a smaller quantity of coffee with a more intense flavor and aroma than espresso coffee . To proceed, just insert less water into the compartment below, applying slightly more pressure than usual on the powder.

Then just start the mocha on a low heat , so that the coffee will rise more slowly and extraction will take place more intensely. With coffee pods, on the other hand, the result depends on the type of machine you use. It must be said that the most recent ones allow you to choose the desired coffee format and, therefore, you just need to insert the capsule and wait for the machine to stop.

Why enjoy a small coffee?

What are the advantages of restricted coffee ? Why might you prefer it to regular espresso? Surely the first good reason concerns the intensity of the flavor and aroma which, for restricted coffee, are decidedly more marked. It is usually the ideal drink after a large meal since it will help with digestion. Furthermore, the bitterness and the concentration of caffeine will give the coffee a lighter pleasantness and the sensation of greater digestibility . There are also those who believe that it can help counteract bad breath or the feeling of skidding if you lift your elbow too much.

Usually the restricted coffee, unlike the short one, is drunk without any accompaniment. This means no biscuits, chocolates or teaspoons of sugar and sweetener are allowed. This is why it is not recommended to drink a strong coffee in the morning, accompanied by a fragrant filled brioche that would go better with an espresso, a macchiato or a cappuccino.

Ristretto coffee does not contain more caffeine than the others

It is a common opinion that a strong coffee in the morning is an incomparable concentrate of energy but this is not exactly true. In fact, reducing the duration of the extraction also reduces the quantity of caffeine in the cup which, accompanied by a dessert, would in fact cancel the exciting reaction that follows.

Even if coffee is a noble drink, however, variations are allowed based on our habits and tastes. After all, everyone has their own morning rituals , so revisits are welcome as long as they don’t concern erroneous beliefs like the ones we explained to you today. 

Ristretto coffee, also in capsules

Ristretto coffee is certainly one of the most suitable types for true coffee lovers, for all those who demand the maximum in terms of aromas and flavors from every single cup: for this reason we have created our dedicated Ristretto line.

Available for all the main systems (Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, A Modo Mio, Caffitaly, Espresso Point, Ese, Uno System), in the DolceVita Espresso restricted coffee capsules you will find the full character of selected Robusta origins from Africa and the Asia combined with a light touch of Arabica, which give Ristretto a strong flavour, a persistent cream and subtle toasted and cocoa notes: unique and selected blends to enjoy the pleasure of a good ristretto in every situation and not just at the bar!