what are ristretto shots

Ristretto shots are a type of espresso that is made with the same amount of coffee as a traditional espresso shot but with less water, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated flavor. The term "ristretto" means "restricted" in Italian, and it refers to the short (restricted) shot of espresso, where the barista pulls only the first portion of a full-length espresso shot. This results in a smaller, more concentrated serving with a sweeter, richer flavor compared to a traditional espresso shot. Ristretto shots contain more of the flavor compounds that dissolve most quickly from coffee grounds, making them more full-bodied and less bitter than fully extracted espresso.