Espresso is a cornerstone of coffee, but not all espresso shots are created equal. By simply changing the amount of water, you can dramatically alter the flavor profile of your shot. Here are the three main ways espresso shines.
The Normal Shot
The normal is your standard shot of espresso. The ratio of coffee to water is typically 1:2. This is the baseline against which the other two are measured.
The Ristretto
The ristretto is a favorite among many coffee lovers for its sweeter taste. This lighter yet somehow bolder flavor results from extracting only the first compounds from the espresso grounds. The coffee-to-water ratio sits between 1:1 and 1:1.5. Less water means less bitterness and more concentrated sweetness.
The Lungo
The lungo has a more bitter taste than either the normal or ristretto. Its longer extraction pulls more bitter compounds from the grounds. The coffee-to-water ratio is typically about 1:3. More water, more extraction, more intensity on the bitter end of the spectrum.
The key takeaway: the same coffee, the same machine, but a simple change in water volume produces three distinctly different drinking experiences.