Types of coffee: from ristretto to cappuccino
Most coffees on a menu are variations on one base: espresso. The difference is how much water runs through it and what you add.
| Coffee | What it is | How much | Ours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | Short, extra concentrated espresso | approx. 20–25 ml | Venezia Ristretto |
| Espresso | The base: hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee | approx. 30–40 ml | Napoli, Espresso Blend |
| Lungo | Espresso with more water run through | approx. 110 ml | Burundi or Kivu |
| Americano | Espresso topped up with hot water | approx. 150–200 ml | Burundi or Kivu |
| Cappuccino | Espresso with equal parts steamed milk and milk foam | approx. 150 ml | Espresso Blend |
| Latte | Espresso with plenty of steamed milk and a little foam | approx. 250 ml | Espresso Blend |
| Filter coffee | Water running slowly through coarser ground coffee | per cup | Burundi or Kivu |
Brewing guide
| Method | Grind | Ratio | Water | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Fine | 18 g coffee for approx. 36 g espresso | 92–94 °C | 25–30 seconds |
| Filter (V60, Chemex) | Medium-fine | 60 g per litre | 92–96 °C | 3–4 minutes |
| French press | Coarse | 60–70 g per litre | 93–96 °C | 4 minutes steeping |
| Moka pot | Fine to medium | Basket full, don't tamp | Start with hot water | Until it gurgles |
Three tips that always help
- Grind just before brewing.
- Use soft or filtered water; hard water flattens the taste.
- Too bitter? Grind coarser or brew shorter. Too sour or thin? Grind finer or brew longer.
Choosing beans? Read Buying coffee beans. A Nespresso® machine? See our capsules.
- Maison Marthe BurundiMaison Marthe / Single origin – Grown by smallholders in Burundi's northern highlands, between 1,700 and 2,000 metres.€19.95 · Pre-order · ships from 15/11/2026
- Maison Marthe DR Congo · KivuMaison Marthe / Single origin – From the volcanic shores of Lake Kivu near Bukavu, where we grow our own coffee.€17.95 · Coming soon
- Maison Marthe Espresso BlendMaison Marthe / Blend – Burundi Arabica with Ugandan Robusta, for more body, a thick crema and a stronger kick.€13.95 · Coming soon
- Caffeluxe Napoli Dark RoastCaffeluxe / Espresso – Dark roast with a deep, bitter-sweet finish.€22.95
- Caffeluxe Venezia RistrettoCaffeluxe / Ristretto – Short, concentrated and full.€22.95