What Is A Doppio Espresso? All About A Java Jolt Explained

Content Summary

Not all breakfasts are made equal, and some mornings, you just need something strong to kickstart your day. That's where doppio espresso comes in. It's a secret weapon that takes your coffee game to the next level.

So, buckle up and join us as we dive into the world of doppio espresso and how to make a doppio.

What Is A Doppio?

A doppio is simply two shots of espresso, and it’s sure to give you that extra bit of caffeine-fueled energy you need to tackle your day.

It’s usually served in an espresso cup or a little short glass, but some people like to enjoy their doppios in larger sizes such as an 8oz mug or 12oz glass.

As with all espresso drinks, the ratio of coffee grounds to water will vary depending on each person's taste preferences. Generally speaking, however, a doppio will typically contain about 18-20 grams of ground coffee for every 30ml of water.

What's In A Name

The humble 'doppio' hails from the land of art, culture, and all things stylish – Italy. In Italian, the word 'doppio' translates to 'double'. So, when the word doppio is paired with 'espresso,' you have a double espresso on your hands.

A doppio is essentially two shots of espresso, served in a demitasse (an adorable little coffee cup widely used in Europe).

A Jolt Of Java

A doppio espresso or double espresso is just like a regular espresso, but as you may have guessed, twice as strong. This drink contains twice the amount of caffeine as an ordinary single shot and often has more intense flavor notes due to its increased strength.

Balancing The Act

Achieving the right balance of bitterness, sweetness, and acidity begins with selecting a quality coffee bean with flavors that suit your palate.

The grind size should be just right – not too fine, which can make your coffee bitter, and not too coarse, which can make it weak. The right grind size will allow you to pull an exquisite shot with a lovely crema on top.

Essential Equipment

A decent quality home espresso machine should do the trick. Just make sure it's properly maintained and serviced as necessary to ensure your machine remains a smooth, doppio-producing machine!

How To Make A Doppio

All you need is an espresso machine and the proper ingredients—ground coffee beans and filtered water—and you'll be able to whip up this delicious drink in minutes!

First, grind your medium-roast coffee beans, making sure the grind size is appropriate for espresso.
Weigh out around 18-20 grams of ground coffee (or the equivalent of two shots).
Add the coffee to your espresso machine's portafilter basket and lightly distribute it, ensuring the coffee is evenly spread in the basket.
Tamped the coffee down firmly but not overly hard, maintaining an even surface.
Attach the portafilter to the espresso machine and set an espresso cup beneath the spouts.
Start brewing and watch as two glorious shots of espresso flow into the cup – a total of 2 ounces or 60 milliliters, depending on the specifics of your machine.

And voila! You've just made yourself a delicious double shot of espresso! Enjoy!

👉

Check out our full guide on: How To Make An Espresso

Doppio FAQs

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about doppios:

What is the strongest espresso?

The strongest espresso is the doppio, made with two shots of espresso. This drink packs twice the amount of caffeine as a regular single shot and is sure to wake you up! The intensity of flavor notes in a doppio is also more pronounced due to its double strength.

What is the weakest espresso?

The weakest espresso is a single shot, which contains around 9-10 grams of ground coffee for every 30ml of water. This short drink offers a milder flavor and less caffeine than a double shot.

A single shot is the ideal starting point for those who are new to espresso drinks or don't enjoy the intensity of a doppio. It's also called a "short" espresso.

Double espresso vs doppio?

The terms double espresso and doppio are often used interchangeably to describe a two-shot espresso. The two drinks are essentially identical, so you can use either phrase to ask for a stronger espresso. However, doppio has become the more widely accepted term in specialty coffee culture.

👉

Tips & Tricks

Adding a little bit of warm milk to your doppio can help you achieve the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and acidity.
If you don't have an espresso machine, you can still get a strong shot of coffee with an Aeropress or Moka pot.
Don't forget to clean and maintain your coffee equipment after each use. This will help keep your machine in tip-top condition and ensure every cup of coffee you make is delicious!