what is ristretto at starbucks

Ristretto is a short shot of espresso made with the same finely ground beans and less hot water than a regular espresso shot. The result is a smaller, more concentrated serving with a sweeter, richer flavor. 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. Ristretto shots are the base for Starbucks' Flat White and Holiday Spice Flat White, and can be requested in any espresso-based beverage. Lungo, on the other hand, is Italian for "long" and is a shot made by passing more hot water through the grounds, resulting in a weaker taste. Ristretto shots have significantly less caffeine than regular shots