Is there more caffeine in a double espresso? The definitive guide

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a standard 1-ounce shot of espresso contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine. Given this baseline, many wonder, 'Is there more caffeine in a double espresso?' The short answer is yes, a double shot contains approximately double the caffeine, but the full picture is more nuanced when compared to other coffee types.

Quick Summary

A double espresso contains roughly twice the caffeine of a single shot, but a large cup of drip coffee can have more total caffeine due to its volume.

Key Points

Double the Grounds, Double the Caffeine: A double espresso (doppio) uses approximately 14-18g of coffee and contains about double the caffeine of a single shot (solo), which uses 7-9g.
Concentration vs. Total Volume: Espresso has a much higher caffeine concentration per ounce than drip coffee, but a large cup of drip coffee often contains more total caffeine due to its larger volume.
Bean Type is Critical: Robusta beans can contain up to twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. Blends with more Robusta will produce a more caffeinated espresso.
Brewing Matters: Your brewing ratio, extraction time, water temperature, and grind size all play a role in how much caffeine is pulled from the grounds.
The 'Strong' Perception: The perception of a double espresso being 'stronger' is often due to its rapid, high-concentration caffeine delivery, not necessarily higher total caffeine compared to a large brewed coffee.

Demystifying the Double Espresso: Doppio vs. Solo

For coffee lovers, the choice between a single (solo) and double (doppio) espresso is about more than just taste; it's also about the caffeine kick. A single espresso shot is made with about 7–9 grams of coffee grounds, yielding approximately 30 ml (1 oz) of concentrated coffee liquid. On the other hand, a double espresso uses a larger amount of ground coffee, typically 14–18 grams, to produce a 60 ml (2 oz) drink. This difference in coffee volume directly translates to a significant difference in caffeine content. As a rule of thumb, the caffeine in a double shot is approximately double that of a single, averaging around 125–150 mg compared to 63–75 mg.

The Espresso vs. Drip Coffee Caffeine Myth

One of the most common misconceptions is that espresso, due to its strong and concentrated flavor, is always more caffeinated than drip coffee. While it's more concentrated per ounce, a typical serving of drip coffee can contain more total caffeine. For instance, a standard 8-ounce cup of drip coffee has around 95 mg of caffeine, and a 12-ounce cup can reach up to 144 mg, potentially exceeding a double espresso's total caffeine. The perception of strength comes from the speed of consumption. You typically down a 2-ounce double espresso in a few sips, providing a rapid, potent burst of caffeine. A larger drip coffee is sipped over a longer period, leading to a slower and more gradual absorption of caffeine.

Key Factors Influencing Espresso Caffeine Content

While the 1:2 ratio of a single to a double shot provides a good average, the actual caffeine amount can vary widely. The final caffeine content is influenced by several factors during the brewing process.

Coffee Bean Type

Arabica vs. Robusta: The variety of bean plays a massive role. Robusta beans, known for their stronger and more bitter flavor profile, contain nearly twice the caffeine of milder Arabica beans. A double espresso made with 100% Robusta beans will provide a much more substantial caffeine dose than one using Arabica beans.

Brewing Technique

Dose and Yield: The ratio of ground coffee (dose) to liquid espresso (yield) is a critical factor. A standard ratio is 1:2 (e.g., 18g grounds to 36g liquid). Using a tighter ratio can increase concentration and extraction.
Brew Time and Temperature: Both the time and temperature of the water extraction influence caffeine levels. A longer extraction time and hotter water can pull more caffeine out of the grounds. That's why a lungo (long espresso) has more caffeine than a standard shot.
Grind Size: A finer grind provides more surface area for the water to extract caffeine. However, if the grind is too fine, it can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste.

Roast Level

The effect of roast level on caffeine is less significant than bean type. Lighter roasts contain slightly more caffeine by volume because the beans are denser, having lost less mass during roasting. However, if measured by weight, the difference is negligible.

Double Espresso Caffeine Comparison


Beverage	Typical Volume	Grounds Used	Approximate Caffeine	Notes
Single Espresso	1 oz (30 ml)	7-9g	~63-75 mg	High concentration, quick hit.
Double Espresso (Doppio)	2 oz (60 ml)	14-18g	~126-150 mg	Double the amount and caffeine of a single shot.
Drip Coffee	8 oz (240 ml)	Variable	~95 mg	Lower concentration, higher volume.
Cold Brew	8 oz (240 ml)	Variable	~150-200 mg	Higher caffeine due to longer brewing time.

Best Practices for Customizing Your Caffeine Intake

Know Your Beans: If you're sensitive to caffeine, choose a blend with a higher proportion of Arabica beans. If you're seeking a major kick, a Robusta-heavy blend is the way to go.
Adjust Your Dose: For home baristas, weighing your coffee dose is the most accurate way to control caffeine levels. Experiment with the 1:2 ratio to find your perfect balance.
Time Your Brew: Consider a shorter extraction time for a slightly less caffeinated shot, prioritizing flavor notes that are extracted earlier. A longer extraction will pull more caffeine but can also increase bitterness.
Order Intentionally: At a coffee shop, clarify whether you want a single or double shot, as some cafés default to a double for all espresso-based drinks.

Conclusion: The Double Takes the Lead, But Context is King

Ultimately, a double espresso does contain more caffeine than a single shot, thanks to a higher dose of coffee grounds. While it provides a more potent and concentrated experience than a single shot or an equivalent volume of drip coffee, a large cup of drip coffee can contain a comparable or even higher total caffeine content. Understanding the various factors that influence caffeine extraction—from the type of bean to your brewing technique—can help you tailor your espresso experience to your desired caffeine level. For an in-depth, research-based discussion on factors determining coffee caffeine, see this Home-Barista.com discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While a double espresso has a higher caffeine concentration per ounce, a standard 8-12 ounce cup of drip coffee can contain a comparable or greater total amount of caffeine because of its larger volume.

Doppio is the Italian term for a double espresso. It is essentially two standard espresso shots brewed into a single cup.

Yes, but you will need to pull two separate single shots to get the same amount of coffee liquid and caffeine. Some capsule machines, like certain Nespresso Vertuo models, also offer dedicated 'double espresso' capsules and settings.

The caffeine content can vary, but Starbucks typically reports a single shot contains about 75 mg and a double shot has around 150 mg.

Robusta beans have significantly more caffeine than Arabica beans. This is a key factor influencing the final caffeine content of your espresso.

No, this is a common misconception. Lighter roasts actually contain slightly more caffeine by volume because the beans are denser. However, the difference is very small and often negligible, especially if you measure your coffee by weight.

A longer extraction time generally pulls more caffeine from the grounds, as caffeine is a quick-extracting compound. However, this can also increase the bitterness of the shot.