What is ristretto vs long shot?

Ristretto and long shot refer to two different ways of preparing espresso coffee that involve varying the amount of water used in the brewing process.

A ristretto is a concentrated shot of espresso made with a smaller amount of water than a traditional espresso shot. It is typically made using a similar amount of coffee grounds as a regular espresso shot, but the brewing process is stopped sooner, resulting in a shorter shot with a more intense and rich flavor. Ristretto is often described as having a sweeter, more syrupy consistency and a more pronounced crema.

On the other hand, a long shot is an espresso shot that is made with a larger amount of water than a traditional espresso shot. This results in a milder, less concentrated flavor and a larger volume of coffee. Long shots are brewed for a longer period of time than a regular espresso shot, allowing more water to pass through the coffee grounds and extract more flavors.

In summary, a ristretto is a smaller, more intense shot of espresso with a stronger flavor, while a long shot is a larger, milder shot of espresso with a more diluted flavor. The choice between ristretto and long shot ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired strength and flavor profile of the coffee.