How much instant coffee is 1 shot of espresso? Your complete guide

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

An ounce of true espresso contains approximately 63 milligrams of caffeine, while a serving of instant coffee (one teaspoon dissolved) holds only around 30 milligrams. This difference explains why simply dissolving instant granules won't produce the same intense shot, leaving many to wonder how much instant coffee is 1 shot of espresso.

Quick Summary

This guide details the recommended ratios for making a concentrated instant coffee shot that mimics espresso, covering dosage, preparation, and flavor considerations. It compares the caffeine and taste profiles of instant versions versus authentic machine-brewed espresso, explaining why they differ. The article also provides tips for achieving better flavor and incorporating the instant shot into your favorite coffee drinks.

Key Points

Standard Ratio: A good starting point for an instant espresso shot is 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder mixed with 1 fluid ounce of hot water.
Caffeine Content: An instant espresso shot typically contains less caffeine per ounce than a true, machine-brewed espresso.
Flavor Profile: Instant espresso alternatives offer convenience but lack the complex, robust flavor and authentic crema of true espresso due to differences in the extraction process.
Enhanced Results: For a superior flavor, use premium instant espresso powder instead of standard instant coffee, and use a small whisk to create a foam that mimics crema.
Versatile Use: The concentrated instant coffee shot is not just for drinking; it's also excellent for use in iced lattes, cocktails, and baking to enhance chocolate flavors.
Personal Preference: You can and should adjust the ratio of powder to water to match your desired strength and flavor intensity.

The Fundamental Difference: Instant Coffee vs. True Espresso

The most significant distinction between instant coffee and machine-brewed espresso lies in the extraction process. Authentic espresso is created by forcing hot, pressurized water through a finely ground, compacted coffee puck. This intense, high-pressure method rapidly extracts a concentrated shot with a complex, robust flavor profile and a delicate layer of crema. Instant coffee, by contrast, is brewed coffee that has been dehydrated into granules or powder through processes like freeze-drying. This powder is designed to dissolve in hot water, a process that lacks the pressure, speed, and flavor depth of true espresso extraction.

Crafting an Instant Espresso Shot

While you can't perfectly replicate a true espresso without specialized equipment, you can create a highly concentrated instant coffee shot that works well for lattes, cappuccinos, or a quick boost. The key is to use less water than you would for a standard cup of coffee.

The Instant Espresso Recipe

To create a single instant espresso shot (roughly 1 fluid ounce):

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder (dark roast is often recommended for a bolder flavor) and 1 ounce of hot water (not boiling).
Method:
1. Add the instant coffee powder to a small mug or cup.
2. Pour a small amount of the hot water over the powder.
3. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until the powder is completely dissolved and a bit of foam (faux crema) appears on top.
4. Add the remaining hot water while continuing to stir briefly.

Instant vs. True Espresso: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To understand the trade-offs, let's break down the key differences in a table:


Feature	Instant Espresso Shot (Alternative)	True Espresso (Authentic)
Brewing Method	Powder dissolved in hot water.	Pressurized hot water forced through fine grounds.
Flavor Profile	Intense and bold, but can sometimes be simpler or harsher due to processing.	Rich, complex, and aromatic with specific flavor notes.
Caffeine Content	Approximately 30-60mg per shot (1-2 tsp) depending on the brand and dose.	Around 63mg per fluid ounce, though can vary.
Crema	Faux foam created by stirring vigorously.	A reddish-brown, natural emulsion of coffee oils and gases.
Cost	Very affordable, costing pennies per serving.	Significantly more expensive due to equipment and fresh beans.
Convenience	Fast and simple, requiring only hot water and a spoon.	Requires specialized espresso equipment and more preparation time.

Maximizing Your Instant Espresso Experience

To get the most out of your quick-fix espresso alternative, consider these tips:

Use High-Quality Instant Powder: Not all instant coffees are created equal. Opting for a premium instant espresso powder, like Nescafe Gold Espresso, can yield a smoother, richer result. Some high-quality instant coffee powders may also offer a better flavor.
Adjust Your Ratio: Don't be afraid to experiment with the ratio of powder to water. For a milder shot, use slightly less powder; for a stronger, more concentrated flavor, increase the amount to 3 teaspoons for 1 ounce of water.
For Baked Goods: For baking, use instant espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavors without adding excess liquid. It provides a concentrated coffee flavor that elevates brownies, cakes, and cookies.
Create Your Own Crema: Use a handheld milk frother or a small whisk to create a thicker, more authentic-looking foam for your instant shot. The added air helps mimic the texture of true crema, which is a hallmark of proper espresso.
Mix Cold and Hot: For iced drinks, dissolve the instant powder in a very small amount of hot water first to ensure there are no clumps, then pour over ice and add cold milk or water.

Conclusion

Ultimately, understanding how much instant coffee is 1 shot of espresso is about acknowledging that you're creating a concentrate, not a perfectly authentic replica. While it lacks the complexity, intense flavor, and genuine crema of machine-brewed espresso, an instant shot is an incredibly useful, affordable, and convenient alternative. By using the right ratio and high-quality instant powder, you can create a perfectly serviceable and delicious base for lattes, cocktails, and baking, proving that a quick fix can still be a satisfying one.

Check out more about how instant coffee stacks up against regular coffee on Healthline for a deeper dive into the health benefits and differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant espresso powder is typically more concentrated and finely ground than standard instant coffee granules, resulting in a stronger, darker flavor. For baking, instant espresso powder is often preferred.

While some instant coffees will dissolve in cold water, using hot (but not boiling) water is recommended for the most thorough dissolution and to help release more aroma and flavor.

For a double shot, use 4 to 6 teaspoons of instant coffee powder with 2 fluid ounces of hot water, adjusting the ratio for your preferred strength.

An instant espresso shot will not have a true crema. However, you can create a faux crema by vigorously stirring or whisking the instant coffee and hot water mixture to incorporate air and produce a layer of foam.

No, you should never put instant coffee in an espresso machine. Instant coffee is already processed and would not produce the desired result. Espresso machines are designed for finely ground, roasted coffee beans.

Brands like Nescafe Gold Espresso, Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee, and Illy Intenso Bold Roast are often recommended for creating a quality instant espresso alternative.

Yes, a concentrated instant coffee shot is an excellent and convenient base for coffee-flavored cocktails like an espresso martini, where you can mix it with vodka and coffee liqueur.