Canonical: https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/double-ristretto/
Language: en

Classic Coffee Drinks

 

# Double Ristretto

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Ristretto Hot Coffee Espresso No Milk

 

Active time: approximately 3 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

**A ristretto** is defined here by the smaller beverage yield from the listed dose. Stop the shot at **the recipe**’s target weight instead of letting the machine run as if you were making a longer espresso. The extraction time can change as you adjust the grind, so weigh the cup rather than relying on the clock alone.

## Key takeaways

- A ristretto is defined here by the smaller beverage yield from the listed dose.

- If the shot tastes sharply sour or finishes too quickly, try a finer grind in a small step.

- The recipe uses the same dry coffee dose as a classic espresso but stops at a smaller liquid yield.

 

![Two dark espresso shots with a layer of crema.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/two-fresh-espresso-shots.avif)

Two dark espresso shots with a layer of crema.

## Ingredients

 

- **18 g finely ground coffee**
 
- enough brewing water to produce 20–25 g coffee.

 

## Method

- Use a portafilter machine and prepare **the grounds** as for espresso.

- Stop at **20–25 g yield** and adjust **the grind** if the result is sour or bitter.

- On an automatic **machine**, use a dedicated **ristretto** setting if available.

 

### Adjust the grind by taste

 

If the shot tastes sharply sour or finishes too quickly, try a finer grind in a small step. If it tastes harsh or dry, a coarser setting may help. Keep **the dose** steady while testing so you can tell what **the grinder** change did.

 

The result is concentrated, so serve it in a small warm cup and taste it before adding water or milk. For a longer shot, **compare** [classic **espresso**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-espresso/) and [home-style lungo](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/home-style-lungo/).

## What the shorter yield changes

 

The recipe uses the same dry **coffee dose** as a classic espresso but stops at a smaller liquid **yield**. That makes the shot more concentrated by volume; it does not guarantee extra sweetness or remove bitterness. Taste it on its own before deciding whether to add water or milk.

 

### When the shot needs adjustment

 

If **the yield** arrives very quickly and tastes sharp, a slightly finer grind may slow the flow. If the shot drips slowly and tastes dry, try a small coarser adjustment. Keep the dose and target yield steady while testing. Automatic machines may have a dedicated ristretto button, but their programmed dose and timing can differ from this portafilter recipe.

 

Use a small cup and serve soon after extraction. For a longer drink, compare [classic espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-espresso/) or [home-style **lungo**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/home-style-lungo/).

When tasting the shot, notice whether the concentrated flavor stays sweet or turns dry as it cools. A smaller yield can make both pleasant and unpleasant notes more obvious. If the cup is too intense for sipping, a splash of hot water can make it easier to drink, but that creates a longer drink rather than changing **the ristretto** itself.

## A tip for serving

Weigh the coffee in the cup. **The small yield** matters more than a fixed number of seconds; adjust the grind so **the short shot** tastes balanced.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [milk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

## Related recipes

- [Classic Caffè Latte](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-caff-latte/)

- [Classic Cappuccino](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cappuccino/)

- [Classic Cortado](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cortado/)