Most people have no idea what the real differences are between single and double shots. It’s not nearly as straightforward as you may imagine (and coffee shops don’t do a great job at helping you figure it out either).
When I managed a specialty coffee shop, being able to explain the difference to my coworkers was important to me – I wanted them to be skilled and knowledgeable. So I had to work through the differences in detail myself. And I was, frankly, shocked at how complicated it was.
But I don’t say this to scare you away – you’re going to learn much faster than most people because I’m going to explain single vs double shots in two ways:
If you’d like to explore the depths of this question, you can. But if you just want a basic understanding, you can stop after the next section
A double shot in the U.S. may be 2 US fl oz (59.1 ml) or more. However in most of the U.S. 1.5 US fl oz is the standard, with 1.5 US fl oz of 40% A.B.V spirit having the equivalent alcohol of 12 US fl oz (354.9 ml) of 5% beer, and 5 US fl oz (147.9 ml) of 12% wine.
Single VS Double Shots: The Complicated Reality
Ah, where to start…
In the modern specialty coffee industry, espresso ratios get a little funny. Though it wasn’t possible before, better equipment is allowing us to get more creative with how we pull our shots.
For example, the traditional double shot uses 14g of coffee and produces about 60ml of espresso. Seems simple enough, but we don’t like to use volume anymore to measure our shots.
We use mass (weight).
That 60ml of espresso includes a lot of crema, the golden-brown layer of foam that tops a well-pulled shot. When you let the crema fall apart and look at the liquid itself, it could actually just be 40-50ml of espresso.
This inconsistency is why we use scales to measure shots these days. We like to be precise. And that 60ml double shot of espresso? It probably weighs between 30 and 40g (we’ll say 35 for simplicity).
Let’s bring it back so we can stay on the same page:
- 14g of coffee yields 60ml of espresso (2 liquid ounces) – visual measurement
- 14g of coffee yields 35g of espresso (1.2 mass ounces) – scale measurement
See? Both statements are true, but it’s getting hard to communicate what we really mean. There’s communication tension between the traditional measurement method and the more precise modern one.
And this is just the beginning.
Single VS Double Shots: The Easy Explanation
What I’m about to say is a bit of an oversimplification, but it’s suitable for most coffee lovers on a practical level.
Traditionally, a single shot (solo) of espresso uses 7g of espresso-fine grounds and yields about 30ml of espresso (about 1 liquid ounce). Weighing shots is a relatively new practice, so most baristas in the last 80 years or so have just used eyesight to judge when the shot was finished.
Starbucks popularized the double shot (doppio) in America in the 1990’s, though they weren’t its inventors. A double shot uses 14g of coffee and produces around 60ml of espresso (about 2 liquid ounces).
Double shots are now the standard in America and many places around the world. If you ask for a single, the barista will likely pull a double but use a split portafilter to halve the shot for you.
In terms of flavor, not really much changes. The introduction of double shots was really about increasing output and making it easier for busy baristas – but there’s usually not much difference in flavor.
According to coffeechemistry.com, one liquid ounce of espresso can have anywhere between 30 and 50mg of caffeine. That means that a double shot will likely have anywhere between 60 and 100mg.
Well, that’s about it for the simple explanation. And honestly, that going to be enough for most people. But if you’re extra caffeine sensitive or are curious about how this could get more complicated, you’ll want to read on.
Because what happens when you use 20g of coffee to pull a shot? Is it a triple shot?
How many ml is a double shot glass?
FAQ
How many ml is a double shot?
Is a double shot 50 ml?
Is two shots 50 ml?
Is 30ml a single or double shot?
How many ML is a double shot?
Double Shot: For those seeking an extra kick of caffeine or stronger flavors, a double shot may be the way to go. A double shot typically consists of two standard single shots (around 60 ml) poured into one cup, delivering twice the intensity and boldness.
What is a standard double shot size?
Standard Double Shot Size: In general, a standard double shot is considered to be around 60 milliliters (ml). This measurement is commonly used in the world of espresso and represents two fluid ounces. However, it’s important to note that this size may vary depending on regional preferences or specific establishments.
How many ML is a double shot of espresso?
A double shot of espresso requires, yep, you guessed it, 14 grams of finely ground coffee and will produce about 60 ml of espresso (or roughly 2 liquid ounces). So far, it’s all basic math, pretty simple. Double espresso shots are now served as the standard in most cafes around the world. Most machines are set and calibrated to pull two shots.
How much coffee is in a double shot?
A double shot uses 14g of coffee and produces around 60ml of espresso (about 2 liquid ounces). Double shots are now the standard in America and many places around the world. If you ask for a single, the barista will likely pull a double but use a split portafilter to halve the shot for you. In terms of flavor, not really much changes.