How to Make a Basic Single Ristretto from Whole Latte Love

Darren from Whole Latte Love shows you the basics of brewing a ristretto on the Gaggia Classic. A ristretto is a short shot of espresso typically no more than 1 oz. liquid volume.


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[devinguastaferro]

In addition to this being too much volume for a ristretto, the shot was also much too fast, which is even more ironic because he mentions numerous times to "grind finer to slow the shot". I appreciate that this video is for beginners, but then again, its probably even more important to pay attention to detail for a beginner, as now they think what they are looking at is a slower than normal shot, per the commentary, but its actually much too fast even for a normal pull. I think this video should be taken down a reshot, as, essentially, the entire thing is incorrect and no one can actually learn from it.

[MalaysiaBarista]

0:54, in this video you mention ristretto is shorter 20-25 which is roughly correct. normal standard time is 20-30. if you make the grind size finer it will increase the duration. making it a coarser grind reduces the duration.
also you want to get 60-80% of an oz (roughly 20-25 ml, instead of 30)

[Wholelattelovepage]

You are correct. You do not want to use such a fine grind that the machine starts to choke up and doesn’t pump anything out at all. There is definitely a distinct line between grinding too fine or not fine enough for this shot. This is why this can be a difficult shot to produce and requires a great grinder. I used a 7 gram scoop for a single and gave it a level swipe as best I could in this video. To be even more precise, I might also recommend using a scale.

[tricklude]

Wait.. so if you're using a single basket and your yield is 1oz, isn't that just a plain espresso anyway? Ristretto means "restricted" so for a single shot, it should be LESS than 1 ounce. OR, if you use a double basket, it should yield 1.0-1.5 ounces but definitely no more than 2.

You did mention it should be less than 1oz on your description, but the video is showing and saying something different.

[Wholelattelovepage]

Also note, that there are many, many, many variations on the ristretto shot with some baristas using various grams of coffee and differing shot volumes and timing. The type of coffee used can be a big factor in this as well. This video was meant more for the beginner and as a general guideline. I certainly urge you to try variations on this shot to find something that fits your palate. I also encourage anybody else to chime in on how they like to best brew their ristretto.

[jakeelliott]

Great video, I appreciate the content, short and to the point, hope your business is going well brother.

[WasimBarri]

Yep this is a plain espresso with a 22 sec pour NOT a ristretto. Its more common to have a double ristretto. Dose for a double and have 1 oz (30ml) in 25 to 30 seconds by grinding finer. Your video is misleading.

[zenithgreyz]

The goal is to make it SWEEEET! Also, one ounce is double shot ristretto. Starbucks can't ever be consistent and sometimes they are sweet shots but laced with too many drugs so that is why i just bought my 800XL Breville. I looked at the Gaggias before and they looked very ugly, plane jane, goddy, and as big as an elephant.

[streamr]

with using such a fine grind, isn't there a risk of choking your machine and in the long run decreasing the life span of it? Also, how do you know when you scoop out the coffee that it is precisely enough for a single/double? It seems like you are taking a rough spoonful? Thanks.

[cailiwilliams]

It looks like you're pulling a double espresso shot just with lesser coffee. Isn't it meant to be the same amount of coffee but half the water. Meaning you use a full single group handle but with only 15 - 20mls of water through it. I dont understand how the grind has anything to do with it considering you're still pulling a 30ml shot of coffee.

[ccjohncc]

All of these nitwit comments. Great informative video. Ignore the anal perfectionist unrealistic criticism

[nikfish]

ur drinking coffee out of a measuring cup!))))