Coffee is a beloved beverage that is enjoyed all over the world in many different forms. Three popular variations of coffee that you may come across are ristretto, espresso, and lungo. Each of these drinks is prepared using the same basic ingredients of coffee and water, but they differ in their strength, flavor, and volume.
Ristretto is an Italian term that means "restricted" or "limited." As the name suggests, ristretto is a shot of espresso that is restricted or limited in volume. Ristretto is made by using the same amount of coffee as a traditional espresso shot, but with half the amount of water. This results in a smaller, more concentrated shot of espresso that is stronger and more intense in flavor.
Espresso is the classic Italian coffee drink that is enjoyed around the world. It is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at high pressure. This produces a shot of espresso that is thick, creamy, and full-bodied, with a layer of golden crema on top. Espresso is typically served in a small demitasse cup and enjoyed as a quick pick-me-up.
Lungo, which means "long" in Italian, is the opposite of ristretto. It is made by using twice the amount of water as a traditional espresso shot, resulting in a larger, milder cup of coffee. Lungo has a lighter flavor than espresso and is often enjoyed as a more leisurely drink, as it is less intense than ristretto or espresso.
While all three drinks are made using the same basic ingredients, they differ in their strength, flavor, and volume. Ristretto is the strongest and most intense of the three, espresso is the classic Italian coffee drink with a thick and creamy texture, and lungo is the largest and mildest of the three. The choice between ristretto, espresso, and lungo depends on personal taste and preference, as well as the occasion and time of day.