Here is All You Need to Know About Single vs Double Shot Espresso

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If your everyday caffeine habit has turned into a passion, then you would surely know how complex the coffee world is!  

It is also getting mysterious for people to understand the different types of coffee and espresso as there is a wide range of them. Suppose you’re standing at the coffee shop and the barista asks what would you like to have single shot or double? Then your mind starts racing with questions. What is a double shot, and what are the differences?

Hence, it’s the right time to get into the nitty-gritty of the single vs double shot espresso. In this article, we will cover the key differences between single and double shots along with a brief introduction of espresso.

What is an Espresso?  

Compared with simple coffee, espresso has an intense and rich flavor. An espresso is a method of brewing coffee into a small but potent form known as an espresso shot.

Moreover, many popular espresso coffee drinks such as lattes, iced coffees, and cappuccinos use espresso as a base. The amounts of water and milk vary from type to type.  

What is a Single Shot?

Espresso shots are typically served as a single or double shot. A single shot of espresso uses 7g of ground espresso and brings about 30 ml after extraction (about 1 liquid ounce).

Sometimes baristas take 9g of fine espresso grounds to make a “solo” (single espresso shot).

What is a double shot of Espresso?

People call double shots, doppio.

As the name indicates, the double shot of espresso is twice the amount of ground coffee and water used in a single shot. In simple words, two shots of espresso in one cup.

The double shot of espresso yields (60 ml) of coffee extracted from 14 grams of coffee grounds and contains around 120 mg of caffeine. As a result, doppio has a rich flavor and strong aroma. 

Furthermore, due to the high caffeine content in double shot, coffee drinkers order this more to boost energy. Also, it has become the standard order at the coffee shops.

Without any further delay, let’s talk about single vs double-shot espresso.

Single vs Double Shot Espresso- The Key Differences

If you think understanding which espresso is better and why is easy, then you’re wrong. From filter basket to brewing time there are several main points that distinguish single shot from double shot.

Hence, you must pay heed if you’re unfamiliar with the coffee variations. The differences will help you choose the right one.

1. Brewing Time of Single vs Double Shot Espresso

Extraction time or brewing time is the amount of time it consumes to make an espresso shot. However, if you have an espresso machine with multiple groups, you can brew several espresso shots simultaneously.

A single shot of espresso takes around 25 seconds to brew, so if you have 2 or more groups, you can get 2 or more shots at the same time. While the double-shot espresso extraction time is 50 seconds.

2. Filter Basket Differences in Single vs Double Shot Espresso

Filter baskets plays a major in the espresso machine as it holds the coffee grounds. The size varies due to amount of ground used.

A single shot uses a 7-gm basket, whereas a double shot uses a 14-gm filter basket.

Furthermore, you can’t use a double shot basket for a single shot and vice versa because it won’t fit in the portafilter.

3. Coffee Grounds

The amount of coffee grounds affects the strength and flavour. You must use more grounds for strong aroma and flavour. Likewise, fewer grounds for weaker coffee.

A single shot of espresso contains 7 grams of coffee grounds, while a double shot uses 14 grams of coffee grounds.

This doesn’t mean that a double shot of espresso will be stronger because you still add twice the amount of water.

The roasting time and temperature also determine if coffee would be stronger with more caffeine. Blonde Espresso coffee is stronger since it is roasted at low temperatures and for a short time.

4. Coffee and Caffeine Content

Single shot will be perfect for you if you are sensitive to caffeine. Solo espresso contains 64mg of caffeine while a double shot of espresso has 128 mg of caffeine.

5. Crema – Single vs Double Shot Espresso

The crema in espresso is a foamy, golden-brown thick layer. Crema is present on top of an espresso shot. It’s made up of coffee oils and gases that which the machine releases during the brewing process.

A single shot of espresso has thinner crema as compared to a double shot. This is because there’s less surface area for the crema to build on.

6. Taste

Since the extraction is same, and the shot takes same amount of time there are no major differences in the taste. Although, solo espresso has a milder taste and thin body compared to double shot. On the other hand, doppio has a robust taste with a fuller body.

Therefore, when the baristas are busy, they often use the double shot brewing process to make more coffee at once.

7. Addition of Milk

Espresso and milk have got an unbreakable bond. Putting milk in the espresso shots, changes the entire texture and taste of the drink.

If you like a smooth and sweet drink, then adding milk to the solo espresso will work. On the other hand, milk in the double shot makes the drink bitter and gives a velvety texture.

8. Weight

Since doppio has more caffeine content it’s heavier than solo espresso. The weight of a double shot is 28 to 32 grams whereas a single shot’s weight is 14 to 16 grams.

9. Pricing

The costs vary from café to café. It’s obvious that double shot will always be more expensive. However, there is a little difference in the prices at the coffee shops.

Conclusion

Looking into the comparison of single vs. double espresso shots is important if you’ve decided to learn more about the coffee world.

Understanding the main differences between doppio and solo is helpful even if you aren’t planning on making espresso at home. This knowledge will help you order according to your mood, cravings, and budget if you go to the café.

Well, the final decision regarding whether to take a solo or doppio depends on personal preference and the intended use.