Tag: Espresso extraction

Despite its more intense and concentrated flavor, a ristretto shot actually contains slightly less total caffeine than a standard espresso shot. This counterintuitive fact stems from the brewing process itself, which controls the extraction of flavor compounds and caffeine.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a standard double shot of espresso contains roughly 125 to 130 milligrams of caffeine, though the amount can vary widely. This concentrated, 2-ounce serving is the foundation for many popular coffee drinks and delivers a quick, potent energy boost.

While traditional Italian espresso often used a 14g dose, today's specialty coffee standard for a double shot typically calls for 16 to 18 grams of finely ground coffee. This shift reflects an evolution towards more balanced, sweeter, and consistently reproducible results for home and professional baristas alike.

According to coffee experts, intensity is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the coffee world, often confused with high caffeine content. Intense espresso is a term that describes a sensory profile marked by a strong aroma, full body, and robust flavors, rather than just a high dose of caffeine.