An espresso shot is a small but highly concentrated serving of espresso coffee. Baristas carefully control the amount of coffee, water pressure and extraction time to produce approximately 1-2 fluid ounces of espresso per shot. But the exact amount can vary based on factors like the coffee blend, grind size, dose of coffee and more.
The Standard Espresso Shot is Generally 1-2 Ounces
The standard or normale shot that you would get at a coffee shop or cafe is generally around 1-2 liquid ounces (30-60ml). Here are some more details on typical espresso shot sizes:
- A single espresso shot is typically 1 fluid ounce (30ml)
- A double espresso shot is typically 2 fluid ounces (60ml)
- Some specialty cafes may offer triple shots (3 ounces/90ml) or even quadruple shots for extra caffeine
- Shots that are less than 1 ounce are often referred to as ristretto shots
- Shots that are more than 2 ounces may be referred to as lungo shots
So in summary, a single espresso shot is usually around 1 ounce of concentrated coffee while a double shot, the most common serving, is around 2 ounces.
Shot Size Can Vary Between 0.5-3 Ounces
While 1-2 ounces is the standard espresso shot amount, the actual size can vary quite a bit from cafe to cafe. Here is the typical range you might get:
- Ristretto: 0.5-1 ounce
- Single: 1-1.5 ounces
- Double: 2-3 ounces
- Triple: Around 3 ounces
- Quad: Around 4 ounces
- Lungo: 3-5+ ounces
A ristretto shot, made with less water, produces a more concentrated and intense espresso. A lungo shot is made with more water for a lighter, sweeter flavor. The double and triple shots fall within the norms for a standard amount of espresso.
Factors That Affect Shot Volume
There are a several factors that can affect the final volume of an espresso shot:
- Coffee bean and roast style: Darker, oilier beans tend to pull larger shot volumes.
- Coarseness of the grind: Finer grinds lead to less volume while coarser grinds extract more volume.
- Dose of coffee grounds: More dry coffee in the portafilter basket can increase shot volume.
- Tamping pressure: Firmer tamping can restrict water flow for a smaller shot.
- Water pressure: Higher pressure means more water forced through the grounds.
- Shot time: Allowing a longer extraction before cutting the shot increases volume.
Because of all these variables, shot size can fluctuate considerably between different cafes, baristas and coffees. But most shots will end up in the typical 1-2 ounce range.
A Standard Shot Contains Around 60-100 mg Caffeine
In addition to containing 1-2 ounces of liquid, a standard single or double espresso shot also provides a concentrated jolt of caffeine.
On average, there are about:
- 60-100 mg caffeine in a single 1 ounce shot
- 120-200 mg caffeine in a double 2 ounce shot
However, the caffeine content can range from 50-150+ mg depending on the coffee beans and variety, roast style, shot volume and preparation method.
Comparing to Other Drinks
To put it in perspective, here’s how much caffeine is in some other common coffee drinks:
| Beverage | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso shot | 1 ounce | 60-100 |
| Espresso shot | 2 ounces | 120-200 |
| Brewed coffee | 8 ounces | 70-140 |
| Drip coffee | 12 ounces | 110-165 |
| Starbucks coffee | 16 ounces | 150-360 |
As you can see, even a single 1 ounce espresso shot provides more caffeine than you’d typically find in an 8 ounce cup of regular drip coffee. The highly concentrated but small serving size gives espresso its caffeine punch.
Espresso Has More Caffeine Per Ounce Than Brewed Coffee
In addition to having 60-100 mg of caffeine per standard single shot, espresso actually has a much higher concentration of caffeine per ounce compared to brewed coffee.
There are around:
- 60-100 mg caffeine per ounce of espresso
- 12-15 mg caffeine per ounce of brewed coffee
So while an 8 ounce cup of coffee may have 140mg total, each ounce only has around 15mg. In contrast, each ounce of concentrated espresso can have 60-100mg caffeine.
This is why a 1-2 ounce espresso shot can provide as much or more caffeine than a full mug of coffee. The high concentration plus small serving size gives espresso its caffeine kick.
Why Espresso Has More Caffeine Per Ounce
There are two main reasons why espresso is so much higher in caffeine concentration compared to brewed coffee:
- Finer grind size – The finely ground espresso beans have more surface area exposed, allowing more caffeine to be extracted.
- Pressure – Espresso machines use pressure of 9+ bars to force hot water through the grounds and extract more caffeine.
Automated drip coffee makers don’t grind as finely or utilize pressure. This results in a less concentrated, lower caffeine coffee compared to espresso.
Does Espresso Have More Caffeine Than Coffee?
While espresso has a much higher concentration of caffeine per ounce, a typical serving of regular coffee still generally contains more caffeine overall due to its larger serving size.
For example:
- A 1 ounce espresso shot has around 60-100mg caffeine
- An 8 ounce cup of coffee has 70-140mg caffeine
So while espresso may have 3-4x as much caffeine per ounce, a normal coffee cup still ends up having more caffeine just because it is a larger serving.
However, the difference in total caffeine between a double espresso shot and an 8 oz coffee is fairly small. So espresso shots can provide nearly as much caffeine as coffee in a much smaller volume.
Which Has More Caffeine?
| Beverage | Serving Size | Total Caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso shot | 1 ounce | 60-100 mg |
| Espresso shot | 2 ounces | 120-200 mg |
| Brewed coffee | 8 ounces | 70-140 mg |
| Drip coffee | 12 ounces | 110-165 mg |
As you can see from the table, while a single 1 ounce espresso shot has less caffeine than an 8 ounce brewed coffee, a double shot has a similar amount of caffeine to the brewed coffee.
Ordering Tips for Caffeine
Since espresso shots and coffee can both provide varying amounts of caffeine, here are some tips to get your desired caffeine boost from each:
- For coffee, opt for a smaller 8-12oz for lower caffeine or 16oz size for higher caffeine.
- Choose a coffee blend labeled as “bright” or “energizing” for more caffeine kick.
- For espresso, order a double shot if you want a caffeine punch similar to brewed coffee.
- Try a triple espresso shot for even higher caffeine (around 150-225mg).
- For less caffeine, order just a single espresso shot.
You can also customize and combine coffee and espresso drinks to your preferences. Such as ordering a 12oz coffee with an added shot for extra caffeine.
Factors That Impact Caffeine Levels
As mentioned before, there are many variables that affect the caffeine content in both espresso and coffee, including:
- Coffee bean variety and origin
- Roast style (light vs. dark)
- Brewing method
- Grind size
- Water temperature
- Coffee to water ratio
Understanding these factors can help you choose the right beans, brewing style and customizations to dial in the caffeine strength you desire.
Higher Caffeine Bean Types
Some coffee bean varieties naturally contain more caffeine based on their genetics and origin. Beans with the highest caffeine levels include:
- Coffea Arabicas – Robusta, Caturra, Bourbon
- Coffea Canephoras – Robusta varieties
These bean types can provide 70% or more caffeine than lower caffeine varieties like Arabica.
Darker Roasts Have Less Caffeine
Although darker roasts taste more bitter, they actually have lower caffeine content compared to lighter roasts. That’s because the longer roasting breaks down some of the caffeine molecules. Light roasts have the highest caffeine levels.
Credit: National Coffee Association USA
As you can see in the chart, caffeine content gradually decreases from the light to dark roast.
Watching Your Caffeine Intake
While coffee and espresso can be great for an energy boost, it’s also important not to overdo your caffeine consumption. Health authorities recommend limiting caffeine intake to 400mg or less per day.
Some tips for managing caffeine intake include:
- Limit coffee and espresso drinks to 1-2 per day
- Avoid oversized servings like 20oz+ cups
- Select single shots or smaller sizes later in the day
- Substitute decaf or herbal tea in the afternoon/evening
- If pregnant or sensitive to caffeine, stick to a maximum of 200mg daily
Tracking your intake from coffees, teas, energy drinks and other sources can help you stay within healthy caffeine limits.
The Bottom Line
An espresso shot is concentrated, highly caffeinated coffee served in small 1-2oz portions. The typical espresso shot contains:
- 1-2 fluid ounces by volume
- Around 60-100mg caffeine
- 3-4x more caffeine concentration per ounce than brewed coffee
So while espresso has more caffeine per ounce, a typical 8-12 ounce coffee still generally contains more caffeine overall. Understanding serving sizes and caffeine concentrations helps ensure you get your desired energy boost from either espresso or regular coffee.
