“I take double espressos for breakfast. It cures my headache, gives me a nice feeling, and allows me to jump start my day with calm nerves.”
When you go to a coffee shop and want to order an espresso, you may get stuck between espresso and doppio espresso. As you do not know the difference between them, or may be unaware of the notable features of doppio, so you just order a regular espresso shot to get your caffeine fix.
In this article, I will tell you about the characteristics of doppio espresso, how it is better than the regular espresso, how to brew it at home, and much more. So, keep scrolling down!
Contents
What is doppio espresso?
Espresso is a single straight shot with a nice crema. Doppio stands for double in Italian. So doppio espresso means double shot of espresso. Doppio espresso does not require milk and serves as a base for many beverages such as cortado, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, etc. So, if you want a long drinking experience with a great taste, doppio is the best option.

Why is it called doppio?
It is comical and confusing to refer to classic Italian espresso beverages in the United States. Many words that we see in coffee shop’s menus these days came via Starbucks. In the 1980s and 1990s, Starbucks popularized the term “doppio” in Seattle and is still used these days. If you use the word double in Seattle, baristas will make sure that you did not mean two doppios.
If you use the word doppio outside the Starbucks and the professional barista hears you, he may think of the following things:
- You may come from Seattle.
- You may require some serious coffee.
So, the special word is used to describe the specific coffee drink to clear the ambiguities.
What is the Italian and modern doppio ratio?
In Italy, 14 grams of coffee grounds are used to produce a 60 ml drink. It is simply the doubling of solo espresso ratio i.e. 7 grams of coffee grounds for 30 ml shot. The 60 ml doppio has a layer of crema so if you weigh it after the crema disappears, you will get 40-50 grams of espresso. So, in Italy, the doppio ratio is 1:3.
Outside of Italy, doppio contains various ratios and is more concentrated than the traditional Italian espresso. Some cafes use 1:2 while others use extreme low or high ratios i.e. 1:1.2 or 1:2.8. These ratios are measured in grams-to-grams.
So, the doppio varies in taste from one cafe to another. Today’s cafes use different coffees, equipment, and ratios, leading to diverse global coffee culture.
What is iced doppio espresso Starbucks?
Starbucks iced doppio espresso is an iced coffee having two shots of espresso. It cools you down in blazing summers and offers you an enjoyable coffee experience.
Origin of doppio espresso
Doppio is derived from Latin and is a combination of three Latin words; Dous, Plus, and Pleo, creating the word “Duplus”. When this word is translated into Italian, the word becomes doppio. It is pronounced as “DOH-pee-oh,” meaning “double” in Italian. In Italy, the professional baristas describe a single espresso shot as solo and a double shot as doppio.
How to brew a doppio coffee at home?
If you have an espresso machine or even Moka pot, you can easily brew a doppio espresso at home. Let’s brew it with an easy method.
Ingredients
Ingredients | Quantity | Get them |
---|---|---|
Ground coffee beans | 16-20 grams | Get it on Amazon |
Tools
Tools | Quantity | Get them |
---|---|---|
Espresso machine | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Double portafilter basket | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Coffee grinder | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Espresso cup | 1 | Get it on Amazon |
Instructions:
- Add coffee grounds in the double portafilter basket.
- Tamp it well.
- Insert the portafilter in the lock position.
- Extract a 2 oz doppio shot with your espresso machine, it will take 25-30 seconds.
- Enjoy your drink.
Note:
- You can brew doppiowith a Moka pot, French Press, or drip percolator.
- Garnish it with whipped cream, cocoa powder, or other favorite seasonings for more iconic flavors.
Features of doppio espresso
I have discussed notable attributes of doppio espresso that differentiate this drink from other coffee types. These features will help you to know whether it is worth the purchase, whether it will satisfy your taste, and much more. Let’s go!
Features | Detail |
---|---|
Taste | Rich and strong |
Calories | 6 |
Caffeine | 100-260 mg |
Texture | Smooth and creamy |
Availability | Everywhere in cafes |
1. Taste
Doppio is stronger than the regular espresso shot and has rich flavors. If you want a wake-up hit, order a doppio espresso. If you want to know its exact notes, it will depend on the types of coffee beans you used such as fruity, floral, earthy, chocolatey, etc.
2. Calories
The single espresso shot has three calories, so doppio will have 6 calories. It is safe to use in a diet and does not cause heart or blood pressure diseases.
3. Caffeine
A single espresso shot contains 50-80 mg caffeine while doppio contains 100-160 mg caffeine content. It offers you a strong caffeine kick, allowing you to kick-start your day with a clear head.
4. Texture
Doppio has a nice persistent crema that gives your drink a nice look. It has a smooth texture and rich character that offers you a pleasant mouthfeel. Adding milk makes it creamier and more smooth.
5. Availability
You can order doppio from any cafe or coffee shop by just asking the barista for doppio espresso, doppio, double shot, or double espresso. You can also brew it at home with one ingredient and make your day pleasant.
How to brew doppio espresso with different machines?
You can brew doppio espresso with an espresso machine, French Press, Moka pot, or AeroPress easily in your home’s comfort. Let’s scroll and clear the fog!
1. Espresso machine
If you are using an espresso machine, you will need more coffee grounds than the regular shot and a double portafilter basket to brew a doppio shot. For brewing:
- Add coffee grounds in the double portafilter basket, tamp it, and place it in a lock position.
- Place a cup under the coffee outlet and extract 2 oz doppio coffee.
- It will take 25-30 seconds as the hot water has to pass through the coffee grounds under high pressure.
- Enjoy your drink.
2. AeroPress
If you do not have an expensive or fancy espresso machine, you can extract espresso shots with AeroPress. It is one of the versatile and affordable coffee makers, offering you a delicious coffee cup each time. For making doppio with AeroPress, the steps include:
- Heat the water to about 205 degrees Fahrenheit or 96 degrees Celsius.
- Insert the paper coffee filter in the basket of your AeroPress.
- Pour a little hot water over it to pre-wet the filter.
- Add ground coffee beans.
- Pass the hot water through these grounds within 30 seconds.
- Stir it and place a plunger piece on top of it.
- Enjoy your doppio shot.
Similarly, you can brew a doppio with other brewing machines quickly in the comfort of your home.
Similarities between doppio and espresso
Before talking about the differences between doppio and espresso, let’s have a look at their similarities.
- Espresso and doppio use the dark-roasted coffee beans.
- Both beverages require finely ground beans.
- Both offer low acidity, delicious flavors, and heavy mouthfeel.
Difference between doppio and espresso
What is solo vs doppio? They key differences between doppio and a regular espresso shot include:
Features | Doppio | Espresso |
---|---|---|
Espresso shot | Double | Single |
Volume | 60 ml | 30 ml |
Amount of coffee grounds | 14-20 grams | 7-10 grams |
Strength | More | Less |
Consistency | More consistent | Less consistent |
Taste | Robust and bold | Slight notes |
Calories | 6 | 3 |
Caffeine content | 100-160 mg | 50-80 mg |
Doppio vs Americano
Both are espresso based beverages but are different from one another in such a way that:
Features | Doppio | Americano |
---|---|---|
Espresso shot | Double | Single |
Process | Hot water is passed through coffee grounds at a high pressure. | A shot of espresso is extracted in a 6-8 oz glass and is topped with hot water. |
Strength | More | Less |
Taste | Robust and bold | Less bold notes |
Calories | 6 | 3-6 |
Caffeine content | 100-160 mg | 50-80 mg |
Doppio vs Ristretto
They key differences between doppio and ristretto include:
Features | Doppio | Ristretto |
---|---|---|
Coffee to water ratio | 1:1.5-1:2 | 1:1 |
Extraction time | 25-30 seconds | 15 seconds |
Strength | Slightly less | More |
Concentration | Low | High |
Taste | Strong and bold | More robust and rich |
Calories | 6 | 1 |
Caffeine content | 100-160 mg | 60-80 mg |
What is the difference between doppio and macchiato?
The difference between doppio and macchiato include:
Features | Doppio | Macchiato |
---|---|---|
Espresso shot | Double | Single |
Ingredients | Two shots of espresso | Single espresso shot, steamed milk, and milk foam |
Strength | More | Less |
Taste | Robust, bitter, and bold | Sweet and slight notes |
Calories | 6 | 130 |
Caffeine content | 100-160 mg | 80-120 mg |
The verdict
Doppio is similar to regular espresso shot in many aspects but it is also different from it and other beverages in many ways. It offers you a long drinking experience with two shots of espresso and robust notes. With an espresso machine, double portafilter basket, and high amount of coffee grounds (16-20 grams), you can easily brew doppio in your home’s comfort easily. So, grab a cup and start brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between double espresso and doppio?
Doppio is similar to double espresso as it stands for two shots of espresso. Doppio serves as a base for many beverages such as cortado, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, etc. It offers robust flavors and high caffeine content.
Is doppio stronger than espresso?
Doppio contains two shots of espresso, so it is stronger than the regular espresso. Moreover, it also contains high caffeine content and is more consistent than the regular espresso shot.
What is Starbucks doppio espresso?
Starbucks offers iced doppio, meaning a double shot of espresso (doppio) is poured over ice. This chilled and mellowed espresso with a touch of milk and sweetness offers you a delicious coffee experience.
What are three shots of espresso called?
Three shots of espresso is called triplo or dead eye. You can extract three espresso shots with your espresso machine by adjusting the coffee grounds. It will give you a strong drink and offer you a long drinking experience.
What does doppio taste like?
Doppio is a strong double shot with concentrated taste and aroma. It offers a balanced acidic, sweet, and bitter taste. The individual flavor notes depend on the type of coffee beans you used and can vary from fruity, nutty, floral, earthy, chocolatey, etc.
How to make doppio at home without a machine?
You can make doppio with French Press, Moka pot, AeroPress, etc. Simply add coffee grounds in your desired tool and pass hot water through it. Enjoy your double shot.
How do you drink doppio?
You can enjoy it as a black coffee or enhance its taste with a splash of milk, whipped cream, ice, sugar, or other favorite syrups. You can also garnish your drink with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or spice powder for a more iconic taste.
Is a doppio 2 shots?
Yes, doppio is a double shot of espresso. Doppio means double in Italian and offers a long drinking experience (60 ml) with robust notes and strong body.
How many shots of espresso would you get if you ordered a doppio?
You will get two shots of espresso if you order a doppio, doppio espresso, double espresso, or double shot. Doppio is a 60 ml drink with high caffeine, strong body, and bold flavors.
What are the 3 types of espresso?
Espresso serves as a base for many beverages such as latte, macchiato, cappuccino, Americano, mocha, iced doppio, etc. Extract a single or double shot of espresso, top it off with frothed milk, ice, or other favorite seasonings, and enjoy your desired drink.
What is 2 shots of espresso with milk called?
You can brew a variety of coffee types with two shots of espresso and milk such as latte, macchiato, cappuccino, flat white, etc. Extract two shots of espresso, mix it with milk, garnish your drink with your favorite seasonings, and enjoy.
How strong is a doppio?
Doppio is highly concentrated and has a strong taste. It contains 100-160 mg caffeine, offering you a strong caffeine kick for the day.
What coffee drink is the strongest?
Ristretto is a highly concentrated and stronger drink. It contains high caffeine content and bold flavors that offer you a wake-up call. Moreover, if you brew espresso or other coffee beverages with dark-roasted coffee beans, you will get a strong coffee.
What is stronger than doppio?
Ristretto is stronger and more concentrated than doppio. It has more robust and bold notes, offering you a strong kick for the day.
Do Italians drink doppio?
Yes, Italians drink doppio. It is one of their popular drinks and uses a 1:3 coffee to water ratio. Doppio is also derived from the Italian word meaning double. Italians drink it when they want an extra jolt of caffeine.
Is doppio good for health?
Yes, doppio is good for health because it:
- Decreases the risk of diabetes
- Reduces the risk of stroke
- Cures depression
- Boosts energy
- Enhances memory
- Acts as antioxidants
- Helps in weight control