Ristretto, espresso, expresso… how do you like your coffee? We’ll help you find your way around by explaining the difference between ristretto and espresso and even expresso. Because yes, there are many variations of our favorite beverage!
Do you want an expresso or an espresso?
Well OK, no one will blame you if you get it wrong… the confusion is so common (and easy to make!).
Let’s start by giving credit where credit is due: even though the reputation of espresso was built in Italy, the idea of using steam through the coffee grind was born by a Frenchman in the 19ᵉ, Louis-Bernard Rabaud. The first modern espresso machine was born in the 20ᵉ century, espresso was officially born.
The two terms expresso and espresso refer to this short, intense, foam-covered coffee made under high pressure and served in a 40 ml cup. Espresso comes from the Italian word “esprimere” which means “to express”: the term is used in Italy and among the English speaking.
In the rest of Europe, the term “expresso” is derived from the Anglicism “express” in reference to the speed of its preparation.
Coffee lovers sometimes drink a double espresso: there is just twice as much coffee or 80 ml.
What is a ristretto?
The volume of an espresso (or expresso) is 40 ml, other capacities are also possible. This is the difference between the ristretto and the espresso.
The ristretto is a shorter and stronger coffee with intense and powerful aromas. Its volume is 25 ml maximum; it is perfect at the end of lunch or for a quick coffee in your favorite bar. Highly concentrated in taste, it delights the aficionados.
And you, are you more ristretto or espresso?