Is Cold Brew Stronger Than Shots? Breaking Down the Caffeine Battle

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

A single ounce of espresso can contain around 63 milligrams of caffeine, leading many to believe it's the strongest coffee available. However, when comparing cold brew vs shots, the answer to which is stronger depends entirely on how you measure it: by total caffeine per serving or by caffeine concentration per ounce.

Quick Summary

Deciding which coffee is stronger requires understanding the difference between total caffeine content per serving and caffeine concentration per ounce. Due to larger serving sizes, cold brew often contains more total caffeine than a single espresso shot, while espresso is significantly more concentrated by volume. Brewing methods and other factors also contribute to the final caffeine level.

Key Points

Espresso is More Concentrated: Ounce for ounce, espresso is significantly stronger due to its high-pressure, fine-grind brewing method.
Cold Brew Has More Total Caffeine: A standard 16-ounce serving of cold brew often contains more total caffeine than a single or double espresso shot because of the larger serving size.
Acidity Differs Greatly: The cold brewing process produces a smoother, less acidic coffee, while hot-brewed espresso is more acidic and intense.
Extraction Time is Key: Espresso is made in seconds, extracting flavor quickly, while cold brew steeps for 12–24 hours, allowing for a slower, fuller extraction of caffeine.
Serving Size Matters for Effect: The experience of strength is tied to how you consume it. A single sip of espresso is an intense hit, while cold brew is meant for sipping over a longer period.

Determining whether cold brew is stronger than espresso shots is a classic coffee connoisseur's debate. The confusion arises because "strength" can be interpreted in two ways: by the sheer amount of caffeine in a typical serving or by the density of caffeine packed into each drop of liquid. A closer look at the brewing processes, serving sizes, and caffeine content reveals a clear winner for each definition of strength.

The Brewing Process: A Tale of Two Temperatures

The fundamental difference between cold brew and espresso lies in their brewing methods, which directly influences their final characteristics and strength.

How Cold Brew is Made

Cold brew is an immersion-based process that uses time rather than heat. Coarsely-ground coffee is steeped in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. The result is a concentrate that is then diluted with water or milk before serving. This slow, cool extraction process yields a smooth, less acidic, and naturally sweet beverage. The longer steeping time and higher coffee-to-water ratio often used in cold brewing allow for a more complete extraction of caffeine overall, though at a lower rate than hot brewing.

How Espresso is Made

Espresso, by contrast, is a percolation-based method that relies on heat and high pressure. Finely-ground coffee is tightly packed into a portafilter, and pressurized hot water is forced through the grounds in just 25 to 30 seconds. This rapid, high-pressure extraction creates a small, highly concentrated shot with a layer of reddish-brown foam on top, known as crema. Espresso is known for its intense flavor, complex aroma, and rich, robust profile.

Caffeine Content: Per Ounce vs. Per Serving

When it comes to the caffeine content, the comparison is all about perspective. Espresso delivers a high-intensity burst, while cold brew offers a larger, more sustained dose.

Espresso's High Concentration: A single 1-ounce shot of espresso contains roughly 63 milligrams of caffeine. However, a double shot, or doppio, which is the standard in many cafes, contains about 126 milligrams. Because this caffeine is packed into a very small volume, espresso is far more concentrated per ounce than any other coffee brew.
Cold Brew's High Volume: A typical 16-ounce serving of cold brew, on the other hand, can contain anywhere from 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine or even more, depending on the coffee-to-water ratio and concentration. This is significantly more total caffeine than a double shot of espresso, but it is spread across a much larger volume of liquid.

Taste and Acidity: The Experience Difference

The brewing temperature is the key factor that determines the flavor profile and acidity of each beverage.

Cold Brew's Smoothness: The cold extraction process pulls fewer bitter and acidic compounds from the beans. This results in a remarkably smooth, mellow, and low-acid cup, making it gentler on the stomach for many people.
Espresso's Boldness: The high-temperature, high-pressure extraction for espresso pulls a wider range of compounds, including flavorful oils and acids. This creates a bold, complex, and intensely-flavored beverage with a characteristic sharpness that can be too harsh for some.

A Comparison Table: Cold Brew vs. Espresso Shots


Feature	Cold Brew	Espresso Shot
Brewing Method	Immersion (Steeping)	Percolation (Pressure)
Brewing Time	12–24 hours	25–30 seconds
Typical Serving Size	8–16 ounces	1–2 ounces
Total Caffeine (per serving)	150–300+ mg (often diluted)	~63 mg (single shot)
Caffeine Concentration (per ounce)	~12–19 mg	~63 mg
Acidity Level	Low	High
Flavor Profile	Smooth, mellow, often sweet	Bold, intense, complex, robust
Best For	Slow sipping, large servings, lower acidity preference	Quick energy boost, rich flavor, coffee drink base

Conclusion: Which One Is "Stronger"?

The answer to "is cold brew stronger than shots?" depends on your definition. If you measure strength by caffeine concentration per ounce, then an espresso shot is undeniably stronger. It delivers a dense, potent dose of caffeine in a small volume. However, if your measure of strength is the total caffeine content in a typical serving, then a standard glass of cold brew is almost always stronger than a single or even a double shot of espresso, as it is served in a much larger size. Choosing between the two comes down to your personal preference for flavor, acidity, and the type of caffeine kick you're after—a fast, intense punch from a shot or a smoother, more prolonged lift from a cold brew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Espresso has a much higher caffeine concentration per ounce. While a single ounce of espresso can have approximately 63 milligrams of caffeine, an ounce of cold brew has far less.

Yes, a typical 16-ounce cup of cold brew generally contains more total caffeine (often 150-300 mg) than a single 1-ounce shot of espresso (~63 mg). The larger serving size of cold brew accounts for the higher total caffeine content.

Yes, cold brew is significantly less acidic than espresso. The cold water brewing process extracts fewer of the acidic compounds from the coffee grounds, resulting in a smoother, mellower flavor that is easier on the stomach.

A shot of espresso tastes strong because of its high concentration. The combination of very fine grounds, high pressure, and hot water extracts a dense, robust flavor profile in a very small volume of liquid.

Yes, you can combine the two. This drink is sometimes referred to as a "Shot in the Dark" or a "Red Eye Cold Brew." It will create an extremely strong drink, combining the high total caffeine of the cold brew with the concentrated kick of the espresso.

For those with a sensitive stomach or acid reflux, cold brew is generally the better option. Its low acidity is much gentler on the digestive system than the higher acidity found in espresso.

Yes, their brewing times are vastly different. Espresso is brewed in a matter of seconds (around 25-30), while cold brew requires a long steeping period of 12 to 24 hours.