If you’re confused about espresso lungo and ristretto, I’m here to explain everything. Lungo and ristretto are different versions of espresso. Making a larger glass of espresso turns it into a lungo; similarly, preparing a shorter glass means it is a ristretto.
All these flavors use similar coffee grounds and brewing pressure.
What is espresso?
A strong, concentrated coffee flavor is produced by forcing hot water through coffee grounds. A classic espresso forms a thick crema on top.
What is Lungo?
Lungo or long shot is a larger version of espresso, adding more water and requiring more time to brew. Lungo is less concentrated but slightly bitterer than espresso.
What is Ristretto?
Ristretto needs less water and a short pull. It is a more concentrated but less bitter shot. We can call it the smallest shot of espresso.
Check the difference between long black vs Americano.
Lungo vs espresso vs ristretto: what are the differences?
When we create a slight variation in espresso, it creates a different flavor altogether.
Difference in ingredients
Espresso, lungo, and ristretto are all made with similar ground coffee and water.
However, the difference lies in the use of water and the difference in extraction time.
- Espresso
Espresso adds ground coffee to water with a ratio of 1:2. It requires 30 ml of water.
- Lungo
A lungo has 60 ml of water and with a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:3.
- Ristretto
In contrast to lungo and espresso, the ristretto uses only 15 ml of water.
It is made with coffee to water in a ratio of 1:1.
Is there any difference in the brewing process?
There is not much difference in the brewing process. They use similar coffee beans, roast, and grind.
However, the brewing method is slightly different in the use of water and extraction time.
Also, it requires an espresso machine to get quality extraction in all three drinks.
- Lungo brewing
Lungo has a similar brewing process to what we use for espresso or ristretto. However, specifically for lungo, you can use slightly coarser coffee to prevent over-extraction.
It requires 45 seconds to get a perfect extraction.
- Espresso brewing
An espresso drink requires a 30-second extraction process. Less extraction time means more concentrated flavor.
However, different espresso machines may require slightly different extraction times.
- Ristretto brewing
The smallest, more concentrated drink requires less extraction time. It requires 20 seconds to extract.
Breve vs cold brew: Get to know the differences.
Lungo vs espresso vs ristretto: Which drink has the largest cup size?
All three drinks are espresso-dominated with water, so there is not much difference in ingredients. However, the significant difference is the serving size.
- Espresso serving size
Espresso is a balanced drink that is served in a balanced-sized cup.
An espresso shot is typically served in 30 ml. You can use a 60 ml demitasse cup.
- Lungo serving size
Lungo has the largest serving size compared to the other two. It is prepared and served in a 60 ml portion.
You can use a 120 ml cup to serve lungo.
- Ristretto serving size
The shortest drink in various coffee versions. It is prepared in a 15 ml volume and a 30 ml cup.
What is the difference in taste and texture?
There are certain variations in all three; however, these drinks are led by espresso taste and aroma.
- Lungo taste and texture
We can say lungo is the diluted version of espresso. It tastes milder and has a lighter texture. Also, it is slightly less bitter due to a longer extraction time.
Lungo also has some crema on top.
- Espresso taste and texture
Generally, espresso has a well-balanced taste. It features a strong, rich coffee flavor. Additionally, espresso is slightly acidic and bitter.
Espresso is somewhat darker in texture with a creamy layer on top.
- Ristretto taste and texture
Ristretto is sweeter than the lungo and espresso, but it is more concentrated than the other two. It is due to the shorter extraction time.
An espresso comes with rich, bold, and syrupy flavors. It has a thick texture and is less watery.
Lungo vs espresso vs ristretto: which flavor contains less caffeine?
The caffeine depends on the extraction time. The shorter extraction time means less caffeine. So, ristretto contains less caffeine than espresso and lungo.
And lungo consists of more caffeine than the other two. Espresso has a balanced caffeine.
- Espresso consists of 60 to 70 mg of caffeine.
- Lungo comes with 80 to 90 mg of caffeine.
- Ristretto has 40 to 50 mg of caffeine.
| Drink Type | Average Caffeine | Typical Cup Size |
| Ristretto | 40–55 mg | 15–25 ml (0.5–0.8 oz) |
| Espresso | 60–75 mg | 25–35 ml (1 oz) |
| Lungo | 80–100 mg | 60–120 ml (2–4 oz) |
Lungo vs espresso vs ristretto: What are the common uses of these flavors?
If you understand the common uses of these flavors, it will help you make the right shot for a certain flavor.
All three flavors contribute to making other drinks.
- Espresso
Espresso is the base drink for numerous flavors. You can use it to make flavors like latte, Cappuccino, mocha, macchiato, and many other flavors.
Americano is also made with espresso and water.
- Lungo
A lungo, on the other hand, is commonly enjoyed as a longer, milder sipping shot. You can use it as an alternative to Americano if you want a strong espresso characteristic without much water.
- Ristretto
If you prefer a sweeter and smaller shot of espresso, you can make a ristretto. A Ristretto shot can be used in brewing flat white, cortado, macchiato, and cappuccino.
The smallest shot of espresso sits well with steamed and foamed milk.
Espresso vs Americano vs Cappuccino vs Latte: Comparison
Final thoughts: Which flavor to pick?
Ristretto, espresso, and lungo are made with the same ground coffee and almost the same brewing process. However, the extraction time and use of water make them have different flavors.
Espresso is still the most popular and consumed flavor, and it serves as the base for many other drinks.
Ristretto has the shortest shot of espresso with less bitterness.
Lungo or long shot can be used to enjoy a large cup of espresso with more water and caffeine.