THE ART OF ITALIAN COFFEE: ESPRESSO, RISTRETTO OR LUNGO?

Welcome to EasyGusto, your online destination to discover the secrets of making Italian coffee. As a family business with a passion for quality cuisine, we are delighted to guide you into the fascinating world of coffee.

Coffee is more than just a drink for Italians. It is an art of living, an ancestral tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. Whether you're a seasoned amateur or a curious beginner, dive in with us to explore the different types of Italian coffee.

Espresso, the very essence of Italian coffee

Espresso is undoubtedly Italy's iconic drink. This small shot of concentrated coffee is the result of a careful preparation process, combining the strength of the aroma and the sweetness of the cream.

To obtain a perfect espresso, Italian baristas follow very specific rules. The coffee grind must be fine, the water pressure must be high, and the extraction time must be precisely controlled. The result? An intense, velvety and balanced cup of coffee, with a creamy cream on the surface.

Espresso is often enjoyed on its own, but it can also serve as a base for other drinks such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Each sip reveals the subtle notes of the different coffee blends, providing a unique sensory experience.

The art of grinding

Grinding coffee is one of the most important steps in achieving perfect espresso. Italian baristas generally use a fine, almost powdery grind, which allows for optimal flavor extraction.

This grind level allows hot water to pass slowly through the coffee, extracting all the aromatic compounds and essential oils. The result is a concentrated espresso, with a dense and velvety crema.

Water pressure

Water pressure also plays a vital role in making espresso. Italian espresso machines use high pressure, typically between 15 and 19 bar, to force water through the ground coffee.

This high pressure allows the aromas to be extracted optimally, while creating this famous creamy cream on the surface of the cup. This is what gives espresso its velvety texture and intense taste.

Extraction time

Finally, extraction time is a crucial parameter for obtaining a perfect espresso. Italian baristas generally aim for an extraction time of between 25 and 30 seconds.

This period of time allows complete extraction of the aromas, without burning the coffee. Too short an espresso will taste bitter and acidic, while too long an espresso will be too strong and astringent.

Ristretto, concentrated espresso

Ristretto is a variation of espresso, even more concentrated and intense. As the name suggests, ristretto means “restricted” in Italian, referring to the amount of water used for extraction.

While classic espresso uses around 30ml of water, ristretto only uses 15-20ml. This reduced amount of water allows an even more concentrated version of the coffee's flavors to be extracted.

The result is an extremely intense cup of coffee, with notes of chocolate, caramel and sometimes even red fruits. Ristretto is often enjoyed in small sips, to fully savor its aromatic richness.

Expert Italian baristas use ristretto to create even more elaborate drinks, like caffè corretto (“corrected” espresso with a shot of grappa or cognac) or caffè macchiato (“speckled” espresso with milk foam).

The lungo, the long espresso

Unlike the ristretto, the lungo is a "long" espresso, with a greater quantity of water. While the classic espresso uses around 30 ml of water, the lungo uses between 60 and 100 ml.

This additional quantity of water allows the aromas of the coffee to be extracted in a smoother and more balanced way. The lungo thus has a lighter and less intense taste than traditional espresso.

Some fans appreciate lungo for its sweetness and its more “diluted” side, which is closer to filter or American coffee. However, Italian purists often view lungo as heresy, preferring to focus on espresso perfection.

Conclusion: the importance of know-how

Whether you prefer classic espresso, concentrated ristretto or lighter lungo, the key is to understand the importance of craftsmanship in preparing Italian coffee.

Every step, from coffee grinding to water pressure to extraction time, plays a crucial role in achieving perfect coffee. This is what makes the difference between a simple coffee and a true sensory experience.

At EasyGusto, we are passionate about this quest for perfection. We invite you to discover our selection of premium Italian coffees, as well as our tips and tricks for reproducing the art of coffee at home. Join our community and let yourself be guided into the fascinating world of Italian coffee!