How To Make Ristretto With Nespresso Essenza Mini

Want to brew a nice cup of Ristretto from your Nespresso Essenza Mini but need to know how? Then Welcome to the perfect guiding post.

Hi Coffee Lovers!

I can guess you love making different espresso drinks rather than just brewing two given beverage options (Espresso & Lungo) by Nespresso machines. Just like me, I love experimenting with machines to explore different coffee types. 

As you have already known, Ristretto is not provided in the factory settings of Nespresso Essenza Mini, but it does not mean you can’t make one. I will guide you on how you can program your machine settings so that with just a single press, you can enjoy a hot shot of freshly brewed Ristretto.

• If you are planning to buy Nespresso machines but need enlightenment, my recommendation for it will be the Best Nespresso Machines guide post.

Keep in mind the safety precautions of Nespresso Essenza Mini; let’s start the process.

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make Ristretto With Nespresso Essenza Mini 

As you see on the top of the machine, there are only two buttons (Espresso & Lungo), which means you have to program the machine to Ristretto settings. For this, you have to sacrifice one beverage button. I would recommend going for the button you use less; it could be either Espresso or Lungo, depending upon your choice. Once you have decided on the button upon which you will induce Ristretto settings, then start the following procedure.

Instructions: 

1. Turn the machine ON by pressing any beverage button, i.e., the Espresso or Lungo button.

2. The button’s LEDs will start blinking continuously for approx. 25 seconds.

3. After this, the LEDs will stop blinking. It means the machine is heated up and is ready to use.

4. Fill the machine’s tank with fresh drinking water.

5. Lift the lever, insert the ristretto coffee capsule, and close it.

6. Place a cup under the coffee outlet.

7. Now you have to press the decided button (whose settings you want to change).

8. Press and hold the decided button until the cup is filled up to 25 ml. Once the 25 ml amount is achieved, release the button.

9. The machine from now on will remember this volume setting, and whenever you press the decided button, Ristretto volume coffee will be served.

10. Lastly, remove the used capsule by lifting and closing the lever (the used capsule will fall into the capsule container).

Tips:

1. During the machine’s heating phase, you can press the Ristretto button (the button upon which you have just placed the Ristretto coffee Settings) as well, and when the machine is ready, it will automatically brew you a Ristretto shot.
2. To stop the coffee flow mid-way, press the Ristretto setting button again. To continue the flow after the pause, again press the Ristretto setting button.
3. You can brew another Ristretto shot from the same capsule by pressing the Ristretto setting button after one shot has already been poured (without removing the capsule). However, the second shot will be less intense than the first one.

Video On How To Make Ristretto With Nespresso Essenza Mini 

You can also check out the video on How to Make Lungo with Nespresso Essenza Mini if you love watching the steps instead of reading.

Video Link: How To Make Ristretto Using Nespresso Machine →

Guide On How To Make Ristretto With Nespresso Essenza Mini 

This guide will help you in knowing more about your Ristretto coffee and its relation with other coffee types, such as Espresso and Lungo, and how it’s different from them. So keep reading.

How To Make A Ristretto?

To make Ristretto using a Nespresso machine like Nespresso Essenza Mini, follow the steps below.

Instructions:

1. Turn your machine ON by pressing any beverage button.
2. The button’s LEDs will start to blink.
3. Wait for the machine to heat up.
4. It will take approx. 25 seconds to heat up 
5. Fill the tank with potable water.
6. Insert the coffee capsule into the capsule compartment.
7. Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
8. It’s time to change the settings.
9. Press and hold the decided button (whose setting you want to change) until the placed cup is filled up to 25 ml. 
10. Let go of the hold once 25 ml of coffee has been poured into the cup
11. Ristretto settings have been set in the machine’s memory.
12. The machine from now on will remember this volume setting, and whenever you press the decided button, Ristretto volume coffee will be served.
13. Lastly, remove the used capsule by lifting and closing the lever (the used capsule will fall into the capsule container).

Is Lungo The Same As Ristretto?

Both are different in their water-to-caffeine ratio, their texture, intensity, strength, and quantity. Lungo water-to-caffeine ratio is 3:1-4:1, meaning 18 g of coffee is used for 72 g or 2.52 ounces of water in making a Lungo shot. While the Ristretto shot, the water-to-caffeine ratio is 1:1, meaning 18 g of coffee is used for 18 g or 0.63 ounces of water in making a Ristretto shot. Ristretto is more intense and strong than Lungo. Lungo is 110 ml or 3.72 ounces, while Ristretto is 25 ml or 0.84 ounces.

What Is The Ratio Of Ristretto?

The water-to-caffeine ratio of a Ristretto shot is 1:1. It shows 18 g of coffee is used for 18 g or 0.63 ounces of water in making a Ristretto shot. The same amount of water and coffee grounds are used under specific pressure in making a Ristretto shot. 

Is Nespresso Ristretto Strong?

Yes, indeed, Ristretto is a strong coffee type. As the same amount of coffee and water is used in making a Ristretto shot, its flavor becomes stronger and more intense. Further, Ristretto gains its strong flavor from Best South American and East African Arabicas with hints of zing and Robusta.

What Is Ristretto Vs. Espresso Vs. Lungo?

Ristretto is 25-30 ml shot. The water-to-caffeine ratio of a Ristretto shot is 1:1 (18 g of coffee is used for 18 g or 0.63 ounces of water for producing a Ristretto shot). An espresso shot is 40 ml or 1.35 ounces, while a Lungo shot is 110 ml or 3.72 ounces. The ratio of caffeine in both coffees (Espresso & Lungo) is the same. The thing that varies is water concentration. For Lungo, the water-to-caffeine ratio is 3:1-4:1 (18 g of coffee is used for 72 g or 2.52 ounces of water in producing a Lungo shot), and for Espresso is 2:1 (18 g of coffee is used for 36 g or 1.27 ounce of water in producing an Espresso shot). Intensity and strength wise, if we see, Ristretto is the strongest, then comes the Espresso, and lastly, Lungo, which is less intense and strong.

Can I Make A Ristretto In An Espresso Machine?

Yes, you can surely make a Ristretto shot in an Espresso machine. The question is how? I’m gonna answer you here below.

1. Turn ON the machine by pressing either the Espresso button or the Lungo button.
2. The machine’s LEDs will start to blink.
3. Wait for the machine to heat up.
4. It will take approx. 25 seconds.
5. Fill the water tank with potable water.
6. Insert the coffee capsule into the capsule compartment.
7. Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
8. It’s time to change the settings.
9. Press and hold the decided button (whose setting you want to change) until the placed cup is filled up to 25-30 ml. 
10. Let go of the hold once 25-30 ml coffee has been poured into the cup
11. Ristretto settings have been set in the machine’s memory.
12. The machine from now on will remember this volume setting, and whenever you press the decided button, Ristretto volume coffee will be served.
13. Lastly, remove the used capsule by lifting and closing the lever.

Which Is Stronger, Ristretto Or Espresso?

Espresso’s water-to-caffeine ratio is 2:1, while Ristretto’s is 1:1. Espresso uses more water than coffee, while Ristretto uses the same amount of coffee and water, which makes Ristretto more strong and more robust than Espresso. The amount of Ristretto is a bit less than Espresso. Espresso is 40 ml, while Ristretto is 25-30 ml.

Is Ristretto Weaker Than Espresso?

No, Espresso is 40 ml while Ristretto is 25-30 ml in which Ristretto’s water-to-caffeine ratio is 1:1 while Espresso is 2:1. Espresso uses more water than coffee while Ristretto uses the same amount of coffee and water.

What Volume Is Ristretto & Espresso Shot In Nespresso Machines?

The volume of one shot of Ristretto is 25-30 ml with a water-to-caffeine ratio of 1:1, and the volume of one shot of Espresso is 40 ml with a water-to-caffeine ratio of 2:1.

Conclusion

Nespresso machines are designed to give more in a compact size with less struggle. Even though you will not find the Ristretto button but you can still program the water volume according to the ristretto size, and using the Ristretto coffee pods can enjoy a new coffee taste.

I hope after following the instructions, you will be able to brew yourself a nice cup of Ristretto. Till next time, GoodBye. 

Want to know more about the Nespresso Essenza machine, like its review and how you can use it, then go check out Nespresso Essenza Mini Review and How to use Nespresso Essenza Mini guides.

FAQs

How Do You Make Ristretto Shots With Nespresso Essenza Mini?

To make a Ristretto using Nespresso Essenza Mini, follow the below steps.

1. Turn your machine ON.
2. The machine’s LEDs will start to blink.
3. Wait for the machine to heat up.
4. It will take approx. 25 seconds to heat up.
5. Fill the tank with potable water.
6. Insert the coffee capsule into the capsule compartment.
7. Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
8. It’s time to change the settings.
9. Press and hold the decided button (whose setting you want to change) until the placed cup is filled up to 25-30 ml. 
10. Let go of the hold once 25-30 ml coffee has been poured into the cup.
11. Ristretto settings have been set in the machine’s memory.
12. The machine from now on will remember this volume setting, and whenever you press the decided button, Ristretto volume coffee will be served.
13. Lastly, remove the used capsule by lifting and closing the lever (the used capsule will fall into the capsule container).

How Do You Make A Ristretto With A Nespresso Machine?

To make a Ristretto with a Nespresso machine, you have to program the machine’s volume. To do this, follow the steps below;

1. Turn the machine ON by pressing any beverage button, i.e., the Espresso or Lungo button.
2. The machine’s LEDs will start blinking continuously for approx. 25 seconds.
3. After this, the LEDs will stop blinking. It means the machine is heated up and is ready to use.
4. Fill the machine’s tank with fresh drinking water.
5. Lift the lever, insert the coffee capsule, and close it.
6. Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
7. Now you have to press the decided button (whose settings you want to change).
8. Press and hold the decided button until the cup is filled up to 25-30 ml. Once the 25-30 ml amount is achieved, remove the button hold.
9. The machine from now on will remember this volume setting, and whenever you press the decided button, Ristretto volume coffee will be served.
10. Lastly, remove the used capsule by lifting and closing the lever (the used capsule will fall into the capsule container).

Does Nespresso Essenza Mini Have Ristretto Coffee Drinks?

Nespresso Essenza Mini doesn’t specifically have the Ristretto button as it has for Espresso and for Lungo, but you can program the machine’s water volume to Ristretto size to brew a Ristretto shot. 

What Size Is Nespresso Ristretto?

Ristretto is lesser in quantity than Espresso and Lungo. One Ristretto shot is about 25-30 ml, in which the coffee-to-water ratio is 1:1.