Let’s discuss espresso recipes and clear up some frequently misunderstood terms.
To begin, ristretto is a type of espresso shot that employs the same amount of coffee grounds as a regular shot but with less water. As a result, it produces a more potent and concentrated shot with a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:1. Regular shots, on the other hand, have a 1:2 ratio, while lungo shots have a 1:3 ratio.
When it comes to espresso shots, the number of shots typically refers to the amount of coffee grounds used in the puck. A single shot usually consists of 6-8 grams of coffee, while a double shot ranges from 12-18 grams and a triple shot typically includes 19-24 grams.
Here is a table I found on https://www.home-barista.com/
When making coffee, I usually prefer double shots (18g), which is commonly used in modern coffee and provides a good body and decent strength for milk-based drinks. It’s important to remember to use the right size basket that corresponds to your recipe.