Types Of Espresso Shots: 5 Types You Need To Know

We have all heard about espresso shots but do you know the types of espresso shots you can get in a cafe?

Walking into a café, you can usually hear funny buzzwords like “single shot espresso” or “double shot espresso”. If none of these words makes sense to you, you are at the right place!

In this blog post, we are going to cover all things about the types of espresso shots and how to prepare them the right way. Also, read till the end of the post for a bonus tip where I share how to drink espresso like a coffee connoisseur.

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At a glance: Types Of Espresso Shots: 5 Types You Need To Know

Espresso Shot Types

Here, we are going to explore 5 types of espresso shots which are most common in today’s coffee scene. In general, we name and categorize espresso shot types based on the shot volume and also the shot length.

Shot Volume: Solo, Doppio, Triplo

Shot Length: Ristretto, Lungo

Read on to look at the difference between these various types of espresso shots and how to prepare them the right way!

1. Espresso: Solo

What Is An Espresso?

An espresso is basically an intense concentrated coffee essence. The process of brewing an espresso requires an espresso machine where it uses high pressure water to extract coffee liquid from coffee grounds. 

Because of the brewing pressure, the intensity of an espresso cannot be matched by other coffee brewing equipment. The only equipment that produce comparatively strong coffee is the Moka Pot.

As the process of extracting an espresso shot is not set in stone, we as baristas have the freedom to tweak the recipe to suit our customers’ palate. That said, the standard espresso follows some generic guidelines.

However, the flavor of an espresso is strong and intense, and the mass market does not favor it. Personally, it took me a while to actually appreciate espresso on its own. Fortunately, because of the espresso’s intensity, it serves as a perfect base for many different kinds of espresso drinks. 

Now that we are all filled up with some espresso knowledge, here’s a step-by-step guide to pulling an espresso shot with an espresso machine.

A typical espresso shot size is about 30 ml (1 oz).

Barista Tip: Warm up your espresso machine and flush the grouphead with the portafilter intact with hot water. This way the grouphead and portafilter will be warm and will not take too much heat away from the water during extraction.

2. Ristretto

What Is A Ristretto?

The term “ristretto” loosely translates to “narrow” or “restrict” in English which kind of describes the brewing process for this type of espresso shot. Simply put, a Ristretto is a short shot of espresso. 

This type of espresso got its name because to brew a ristretto, you will need to restrict the amount of water that flows through the coffee grounds. This results in a more concentrated shot of espresso. The industry wide practice to brew a ristretto is to use half the amount of water used for a single espresso shot.

With that in mind, to brew a ristretto, retain the coffee ground mass of 9 grams but now aim to produce 9 grams of liquid coffee with an extraction time of approximately 15 seconds.

Why Restrict Water Flow For Ristretto?

I guess the next question that pops in your mind is, “Why do you reduce the volume of water when extracting coffee?”

In my previous post, I talked about the espresso layers which consist of crema, body and heart. 

The crema is the final layer to be extracted from the coffee grounds and it is the layer which carries most of the aromatics as well as bitter compounds. 

In this context, the aim of the ristretto is to extract an espresso with lesser crema. As a result, it reduces the overall bitterness of the coffee. For this reason, the flavor profile of a ristretto is comparatively sweeter compared to a classic single espresso.

Author’s Note: Ristretto brew ratio is between 1:1 to 1:1.5. So, a shot that weighs 9 grams to 13.5 grams is acceptable for a standard ristretto.

3. Doppio

What Is A Doppio?

The word “doppio” is a literal translation of double in Italian. And so, a doppio basically means a double shot of espresso. 

So what is the difference between single shot and double shot espresso?

The answer is the total volume of espresso. Compared to a single shot of espresso, the doppio has the same aroma and taste but twice the volume.

The double shot espresso is popular to those who prefer to have more than a single serving of espresso in one go. Also, the doppio serves to increase the intensity of espresso based drinks since there is more coffee volume in it now. 

As the doppio is twice the amount of a single shot espresso, the preparation of a doppio simply requires you to double the amount of coffee grounds for a single espresso shot. 

However, you should retain the extraction time and also brew ratio.

4. Lungo

What Is A Lungo?

The name “lungo” is Italian for “long” which indicates one of the characteristics for this type of espresso shot. In other words, a Lungo is a long shot of espresso. 

The preparation of a “lungo” is the direct opposite of how you would prepare a ristretto. So instead of stopping the extraction at 15 seconds, you should let the extraction go on for about a minute. This is roughly twice the time you would take to brew an espresso shot. 

Again, referencing my post on the espresso layers, the extraction of a Lungo means you are extending the extraction beyond the crema layer. Since we know that the crema layer contains the most bitter compounds, the Lungo will definitely reflect this flavor profile too. 

As such, the Lungo might not be everyone’s favorite coffee drink. 

Personally, the type of espresso shot I would go for in the morning is a Lungo made with medium roast Columbian coffee beans. Nothing wakes you up better than a full bodied coffee with the right amount of bitterness. 

Since there is more water, the Lungo is less intense which makes it more palatable in the morning.

Author’s Note: A Lungo shot is sometime confused as a watery espresso. They are in fact very different as the Lungo is a well-extracted coffee while a watery espresso is usually an under-extracted coffee.

5. Triplo

What Is A Triplo?

Triplo literally translates to triple in Italian. 

And yes, you might have guessed it already. A triplo essentially means a triple shot espresso. Hence, the total coffee grounds that you need is three times a single espresso shot. 

That said, we now rarely use the term “triplo” and I have yet to come across anyone who has ordered a triplo.

Furthermore, a doppio is usually enough to give the buzz and satisfaction to anyone who wants to enjoy an espresso. 

Also, portafilter baskets for coffee machines are usually designed for either a single or  double shot espresso. It is quite a hassle for a barista to extract a doppio, reset and extract a single shot espresso.

The final reason why Triplos aren’t popular is due to the espresso’s life span. 

An espresso’s freshness deteriorates rapidly from the point of extraction. That is why it is highly recommended to consume the espresso as soon as possible for maximum flavor.

In the context of a Triplo, the first double espresso will rapidly lose its freshness as it awaits the third shot to be added to it. As a result, the espresso may be deemed dead by the time it reaches the customer.

How To Serve An Espresso?

The proper way to serve an espresso is with a Demitasse Cup.

One does not simply serve an espresso in a tall glass or a plastic cup. As the espresso is a delicate coffee beverage and there is proper etiquette when it comes to serving an espresso. 

If you order an espresso, there are 5 components which usually come along with your espresso. 

1. Demitasse Cup

First of all, the small little teacup where espresso is resting in is called a Demitasse Cup. The word “Demitasse” is of French origin and it literally translates to the term “half cup”.  This is because the cup is half the size of the regular coffee cup. Simple.

The size and volume of a demitasse cup is just perfect to hold a double shot espresso. 

2. Sparkling Water

A glass of sparkling water or just still water will usually be served alongside your espresso. And there are two reasons why baristas pair your espresso with them.

Firstly, espresso is a coffee drink with layers of complex flavors and aroma. Hence, to enrich your espresso drinking experience, baristas recommend that you cleanse your palate before drinking the espresso. This way, you get to experience the espresso with a fresh taste bud. 

Secondly, the sparkling water acts as a palate cleanser again after you are done with your espresso.

This is because the espresso is intense and its aftertaste can linger on your tongue for a while. This may ruin your dining experience if the espresso aftertaste is interfering with other food flavors. 

3. Teaspoon

The third component is the teaspoon which also serves two purposes. 

First, the teaspoon is there as a tool for you to skim off the top most espresso layer; the crema. This is optional if you are fine with the bitter flavors that the crema layer brings.

If not, this leads us to the second use of the teaspoon. Since the espresso has different layers with flavor profiles varying on each layer, you can use the spoon to stir the espresso. 

The act of mixing the espresso layers balances up the flavors of the espresso. 

4. Sugar

As we know it, espresso flavors are intense and complex. So to reduce the intensity and make espresso more palatable, people do usually turn to sugar. Our taste buds do love the taste of sugar.

However, I would highly recommend you to enjoy espresso as it is for the full experience. That said, there are no rules set in stone on the ways to enjoy an espresso. 

5. Lemon Rind

Lastly and also rarely, a lemon rind occasionally gets served with your espresso. 

This is mainly due to the bitterness of the espresso which deters most people from enjoying espresso. Hence, to offset the bitterness, some baristas add lemon rind to balance out the bitterness with acidity for a more pleasant espresso experience. 

So the next time if you notice your barista serving your espresso with these items in place, know that each of these things have been well thought out. 

It all comes together to play a part in enhancing the overall experience of enjoying an espresso. 

How To Drink Espresso Like A Pro?

Speaking from experience, espresso is usually not the most popular drink on the menu. Many claim that the espresso is too bitter or too intense or felt that it simply isn’t worth the money since you get such a small cup of coffee.

Furthermore, the majority of the people that dine in a cafe usually have coffee as a complimentary item to their meal rather than enjoying a cup of coffee by itself. 

With this space, I would like to clear some of these myths and doubts. 

An espresso is a very complex beverage. When this coffee beverage is prepared well, you will get to taste a wide range of tasting notes that will blow your mind like fruity, nutty, and floral. 

Truly an amazing experience. I’d highly recommend that you take the plunge and give espresso a chance. 

And so to prepare you for it, here’s a little step-by-step guide on how to drink espresso like a pro.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Drink Espresso Like A Pro

Step 1: Place your order for an espresso with your barista. If you are lucky, they might have different types of coffee beans that you can select. I’d highly recommend going for fruity ones!

Step 2: Cleanse your palate with sparkling water which is usually served with your espresso. If not, you can request for a glass of water. This is to reset your taste buds and not interfere with the espresso flavor. 

Step 3: Skim of the crema on the top of the espresso. The crema is the golden foamy layer on top of the espresso but also bitter! This step is optional and you can totally leave it if you are fine with it. 

Step 4: Stir your espresso to mix the espresso layers. This will balance up the flavors of the espresso. 

Step 5: Sip the espresso and allow the liquid to coat your tongue. Let your brain register the flavor you are tasting and enjoy it. You can learn more about coffee tasting notes in my other post!

Pro tip! An espresso “life force” rapidly drains the moment it is extracted from the coffee grounds. Don’t let it sit for far too long on your coffee table.

Barista tip! The espresso flavor profile also changes as it cools. I’d highly recommend that you sip it when it’s fresh and warm, and compare its flavor to when the espresso cools a little. 

FAQ On Types Of Espresso Shots

What Are The Types Of Espresso Shots At Starbucks?

There are four types of espresso shots at Starbucks. They are known as the Solo, Doppio, Triple and Quad. As the name suggests, each of these types represents the number of shots of espresso. Solo having a single shot while Quad having four shots of espresso.

What Is Espresso With Milk Called?

Espresso with milk can be called a latte. However, there are many other forms of drink that have espresso with milk. For example, cappuccino, cortado and flat white. The main difference between all these espresso based milk beverages is the milk to espresso ratio. The thickness of foam also defines the type of espresso based milk beverage. 

What Is The Strongest Espresso Drink?

Ristretto. This is because a ristretto is prepared by brewing an espresso shot with half the water volume. Hence, this results in a more concentrated form of espresso shot. Flavor-wise, the ristretto is more intense and less bitter since the bitter flavor compounds are the final bits to be extracted. 

What Is An Espresso With Extra Water Called?

An espresso with extra water is an Americano. In other words, the Americano is simple espresso diluted with water. The ratio of water to espresso is typically 2:1. The drink was invented during World War II where the Americans found the Italian espresso to be too intense. Hence, to make it more palatable, they added water to the espresso. 

Closing Notes

That concludes the different types of espresso shots that you need to know about. Do the words “ristretto” and “lungo” feel less daunting now?

That said, I do encourage you to talk to your barista about these different kinds of espresso shots and coffee drinks they have on the menu. I am 100% sure that they are more than happy to share their knowledge with you.

Who knows, you may even discover a new drink that may be your new favorite. 

If you find this piece of article informational, please do share it with your fellow friends. baristas and home brewers! 

Happy brewing!