Below are the best how many oz is a double shot of espresso topics edited and compiled by Family Cuisine
Espresso has developed a reputation as the ultimate “booster” for those in need of a caffeine fix. Many people imagine espresso to be stronger, more powerful and way more caffeinated than drip coffee.
In reality, things aren’t quite that straightforward.
Still, the fact remains that espresso is a small, intense beverage, and it’s easy to get carried away and consume more than you should.
So, how many shots of espresso is too much? In this article, I’ll try to answer that question. I’ll also address the question you all want to ask: can too many shots of espresso kill you?
Table of Contents
First Some Good News: Health Benefits of Espresso
Before we get too deep into a discussion about how much caffeine you should or shouldn’t be consuming each day, let’s look on the bright side. As it turns out, drinking a moderate amount of espresso can be good for you.
I should qualify that by reminding you that I’m talking about straight, unadulterated espresso. No sugar, no milk and definitely no syrup and whipped cream.
Although we refer to coffee beans, what we’re actually dealing with is the seeds of coffee cherries. They may look like beans, but that’s where the similarity ends. Just like flax and sesame seeds, coffee beans are packed full of nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and vitamins, as well as antioxidants and healthy fats and oils.
Unlike other preparation methods, espresso really gets the most out of coffee beans’ healthy properties. Thanks to the extreme pressure involved in espresso extraction, more nutrients are released. Plus, there’s no filter, so more of these extracted nutrients end up in your cup.
Let’s have a look at the benefits of drinking espresso on a daily basis:
- Lowered risk of diabetes. Ceratin compounds found in espresso can help improve insulin sensitivity in many people, allowing cells to deal with sugars more efficiently.
- Lowered risk of developing some cancers. There are some pretty awesome antioxidants in espresso that stop free radicals from attacking the body’s cells. This can help prevent cancers of the colon, pancreas, liver and skin.
- Lowered risk of heart disease. Those antioxidants take the main stage again, helping stop cholesterol molecules from turning into artery cloggers. On the flip side, too much espresso can put stress on your heart. More on that later.
- Improved concentration and memory. Drinking the right amount of espresso boosts dopamine production in your brain. You’ll be focused, alert and driven to succeed. Your mood will improve, too, essentially making you a nicer person to be around.
- Happier tummy. Although coffee can cause an upset stomach, many people will benefit from drinking espresso after a big meal. A shot of espresso has anti-inflammatory properties that’ll prevent bloating and discomfort.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?
I know you’re expecting me to give you a straight answer here, but the truth is, there’s no straight answer. You may find a definitive verdict on how much caffeine is in an espresso shot elsewhere, but think about it this way: does every cafe prepare espresso in exactly the same way, with exactly the same beans?
When considering Arabica vs Robusta coffee beans, the difference in caffeine content is huge, and there are many roasters out there who like to add Robusta beans to their espresso blends.
Not only that, caffeine levels can vary substantially between different Arabicas.
There are just so many variables, including elevation, varietal and even which side of the field the coffee was harvested from. Once we start talking about roast, shot volume and extraction time, things get even more ambiguous.
For the purposes of this article, I’ll use the results from my laboratory caffeine test. I used the same coffee beans for each preparation method:
- Ristretto (15 milliliters): 63 milligrams caffeine
- Espresso (25 milliliters): 68 milligrams caffeine
- Super automatic espresso (25 milliliters): 68 milligrams caffeine
What’s important to note from these results is that we’re looking at the amount of caffeine by serving size. We’ll see why that’s so important a bit later.
Espresso vs Coffee: Which Has More Caffeine?
Now that we’re throwing “coffee” into the mix, I’ll refer to my scientific caffeine study again. I found that the preparation method plays a huge part in determining how much caffeine is in your morning cup of joe.
For example, an 8-ounce cup of drip coffee contains 116 milligrams of caffeine, whereas the same serving of French press coffee clocks in at 223 milligrams. When we tested an 8-ounce glass of cold brew coffee, the numbers were through the roof at 280 milligrams.
Although espresso has way more caffeine than any other preparation method by volume, the small serving size results in less caffeine intake. Plus, do you only drink a single 8-ounce cup of pour-over coffee in the morning? I seriously doubt it. It’s more likely to be a larger cup and I’ll bet you go back for a second helping.
So there you have it. There’s much more caffeine in coffee than there is in a humble shot of espresso. Get ready for the catch, though: drinking a shot of espresso is a risky proposition for the caffeine-sensitive. You’re going to feel more of a jolt, simply because you consume espresso quickly.
We tend to enjoy a cup of coffee over the space of half an hour, or so, which gives our bodies time to slowly process the caffeine. A shot of espresso is a super-fast delivery vehicle for a decent amount of caffeine, and you’re going to get buzzed.
How Many Shots of Espresso Is too Much?
In order to answer the question of how many shots of espresso is too much, I think I’d better stand aside and let some real scientists do the talking. Let’s see what the FDA has to say about how much caffeine we should all be taking on board:
“For healthy adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams a day — that’s about four or five cups of coffee — as an amount not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects.”
OK. from our study, that would actually equal three or four cups of drip coffee and four or five shots of espresso. The FDA goes on to say:
“However, there is wide variation in both how sensitive people are to the effects of caffeine and how fast they metabolize it (break it down).”
I guess what we can take away from this is that it’s going to be difficult to determine how many shots of espresso is too much.
Everyone is different and therefore we all react to caffeine in different ways.
What’s most important is that we pay attention to what our bodies are telling us. Personally, if I’m feeling shaky and nauseous after that second shot of espresso, I’m going to assume that three shots of espresso is too much on that particular day.
I know you’re desperate to know how many shots of espresso can kill you. Depending on many factors, a lethal dose of caffeine is between 5,000 and 10,000 milligrams. That’s roughly between 75 and 155 shots of espresso.
Conclusion: When to Cut Yourself Off
If a lethal dose of caffeine is 10,000 milligrams and there are 63 milligrams of caffeine in a ristretto espresso, you’d have to consume over 150 shots of espresso in quick succession for a fatal dose of caffeine to accumulate in your bloodstream.
Here’s the thing, though: your stomach just wouldn’t be able to hold all that liquid. You’d end up vomiting, passing out or both before you could reach the end. Still, even at relatively low levels, caffeine can produce some pretty nasty side-effects:
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Anxiety and hallucinations
- Stomach ache
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
I’m sure, like me, you’ve felt a little over-caffeinated at some point in your coffee-drinking career. It isn’t a pleasant sensation, and drinking more coffee certainly doesn’t help.
So for anyone who is priming their super automatic espresso machine and thinking of challenging themselves to an espresso shot-drinking competition, read the list of side-effects again and reconsider.
Espresso Shots FAQ
What’s your experience? How many shots of espresso is too much for you? I love reading your comments and suggestions, so keep them coming!
Top 17 how many oz is a double shot of espresso edited by Family Cuisine
How Many Ounces in a Shot of Espresso?
- Author: coffeeaffection.com
- Published: 12/12/2021
- Review: 4.71 (577 vote)
- Summary: · There you have it: a shot of espresso is one fluid ounce. If you opt for a double, you’ll get two ounces, and a ristretto is half an ounce. Now
- Matching search results: Here’s the thing, though: your stomach just wouldn’t be able to hold all that liquid. You’d end up vomiting, passing out or both before you could reach the end. Still, even at relatively low levels, caffeine can produce some pretty nasty …
How Many Ounces Are in a Double Shot of Espresso?
- Author: coffeeze.com
- Published: 04/13/2022
- Review: 4.39 (388 vote)
- Summary: · Many curious coffee drinkers have a question: How many ounces are there in a double shot of espresso? Stick on as we tackle the metrics in
- Matching search results: Back to the metrics, a single shot of espresso requires 7-grams of fine espresso coffee, which will yield 30-milligrams of espresso. A double shot will double the coffee serving to 14-grams and yield 14-milligrams of the drink. A simple conversion …
Single vs Double Shot Espresso: The Comparison
- Author: wokelark.com
- Published: 04/22/2022
- Review: 4.21 (275 vote)
- Summary: · A double espresso shot is prepared with 14 to 16 grams of coffee and yields 50 ml to 60 ml (2 fl. oz.) of espresso. The standard espresso coffee
- Matching search results: Knowing the differences between ‘solo’ and ‘doppio’ is quite useful, even if you aren’t planning on making espresso at home. After all, this knowledge will explain what goes into your caffeinated beverage when you order a latte at your favorite …
All Things Espresso – Sweet Maria’s Coffee Library
- Author: library.sweetmarias.com
- Published: 08/29/2022
- Review: 4.18 (233 vote)
- Summary: · An Espresso is a small, concentrated coffee beverage, 2.5 ounces or less for a double espresso, served in a demitasse cup
- Matching search results: You need good, even, fine grind to produce good espresso. Actually, the finest grind will usually not produce the best crema- the water does need to percolate evenly through the compressed cake of coffee. A slightly coarser grind aids in even …
How Many Ounces In A Shot Of Espresso?
- Author: bestcoffeehut.com
- Published: 10/17/2022
- Review: 3.8 (278 vote)
- Summary: One shot of espresso has 7 grams of small pieces of ground coffee beans. It produces approximately 30 milliliters of espresso, which is equivalent to one liquid
- Matching search results: You need good, even, fine grind to produce good espresso. Actually, the finest grind will usually not produce the best crema- the water does need to percolate evenly through the compressed cake of coffee. A slightly coarser grind aids in even …
How many ounces in a shot of espresso?
- Author: maestrihouse.com
- Published: 05/22/2022
- Review: 3.67 (553 vote)
- Summary: · A double shot of espresso is one shot pulled via a double basket; for example, 14-17 grams of coffee in the double basket equals 2 ounces, but
- Matching search results: You need good, even, fine grind to produce good espresso. Actually, the finest grind will usually not produce the best crema- the water does need to percolate evenly through the compressed cake of coffee. A slightly coarser grind aids in even …
Proper Size of a Double Espresso – Home-Barista.com
- Author: home-barista.com
- Published: 02/17/2022
- Review: 3.45 (370 vote)
- Summary: It includes the crema. A double espresso is approximately two ounces in 25-30 seconds from the time the pump is engaged. A double ristretto is
- Matching search results: You need good, even, fine grind to produce good espresso. Actually, the finest grind will usually not produce the best crema- the water does need to percolate evenly through the compressed cake of coffee. A slightly coarser grind aids in even …
How Many Ounces is a Shot of Espresso? Learn Now The Pro Tips!
- Author: baristas-choice.com
- Published: 02/27/2022
- Review: 3.35 (599 vote)
- Summary: · An espresso shot is about 0.84 ounces or up to 25 ml of liquid coffee. A double shot of espresso is 1.7 ounces or 50 ml. This coffee volume has
- Matching search results: Take a second to wipe the edges of the filter. Next, run a bit of water through your machine’s group. Put the portafilter on the group. Press the button and let the machine extract your coffee into a porcelain espresso cup. Following these tips, …
What is Doppio? Is It Just A Double Espresso? – HomeGrounds

- Author: homegrounds.co
- Published: 06/03/2022
- Review: 3.17 (550 vote)
- Summary: An Americano is made by pulling a shot of espresso into a 6-8 oz glass and topping it with hot water. As a result, it has a much less concentrated coffee taste
- Matching search results: Take a second to wipe the edges of the filter. Next, run a bit of water through your machine’s group. Put the portafilter on the group. Press the button and let the machine extract your coffee into a porcelain espresso cup. Following these tips, …
How Much is a Shot of Espresso? [More Measurements Inside]
- Author: taylorlane.com
- Published: 07/13/2022
- Review: 2.99 (171 vote)
- Summary: · A single shot of espresso requires approximately seven to nine grams of ground coffee and produces one fluid ounce. A double shot of
- Matching search results: The Golden Ratio is a standard set forth by the Specialty Coffee Association. Yet, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone or every brewing method. If you prefer a more robust cup, you can use more beans and less water. If you like your coffee …
How Many Ounces In a Shot of Espresso?
- Author: coffeeecho.com
- Published: 01/17/2022
- Review: 2.89 (101 vote)
- Summary: · A typical shot of espresso contains about 1 ounce (30 ml) of coffee. … So if you’re ordering a double shot of espresso, expect to receive
- Matching search results: A double shot of espresso uses the same ratios as a single shot — but doubled! That’s two ounces of water and 14 grams of coffee. The caffeine in an espresso shot increases your energy levels, but it can also make you feel more anxious or jittery if …
Espresso – Blue Bottle Coffee
- Author: bluebottlecoffee.com
- Published: 08/11/2022
- Review: 2.66 (120 vote)
- Summary: For a double shot, grind between 18–21 grams of coffee into your basket. The proper grind is crucial to a balanced, delicious shot of espresso. It might be
- Matching search results: A double shot of espresso uses the same ratios as a single shot — but doubled! That’s two ounces of water and 14 grams of coffee. The caffeine in an espresso shot increases your energy levels, but it can also make you feel more anxious or jittery if …
How Much Is A Double Shot Of Espresso? Size & Weight
- Author: coffeeimproved.com
- Published: 10/17/2022
- Review: 2.63 (138 vote)
- Summary: A double shot of espresso weighs around 2 fl. Oz. Or 60 grams in most coffee shops. Small variations are always possible. A double espresso is simply twice
- Matching search results: While we’re talking about fluid ounces here, most baristas will measure the weight of the liquid in the cup. The volume is not a good indicator since espresso often has crema (coffee foam) on top. And foam isn’t always the same weight per volume. So …
Single VS Double Espresso Shots: What’s The Difference?
- Author: javapresse.com
- Published: 08/24/2022
- Review: 2.57 (165 vote)
- Summary: 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
- Matching search results: I love that it’s possible to have this much diversity in how we pull shots without losing quality. I enjoy the intense, small shots. I enjoy the smoother, bigger ones as well. As long as the flavors are ripe, crisp, and balanced, who cares what they …
How Many Ounces In a Shot of Espresso?
- Author: espressocoffeeguide.com
- Published: 07/04/2022
- Review: 2.46 (193 vote)
- Summary: A shot of espresso is considered to be one (fluid) ounce, while a double shot is two (fluid) ounces. A fluid ounce is 30 mL (as opposed to an ounce by
- Matching search results: A double shot should take between 20-30 seconds to brew. Most machines are calibrated to apply a given amount of pressure (measured in “bars”) to a given volume of water, which is resisted by the espresso in the portafilter. An espresso that is …
Single vs. Double Espresso Shots: The Differences Explained
- Author: beanground.com
- Published: 04/11/2022
- Review: 2.35 (141 vote)
- Summary: 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. You can probably
- Matching search results: Any coffee scale will be better than no scale. However, for home use or anyone on a tight budget, I recommend the Timemore black Mirror coffee scale. It comes with all the functions you’ll need, and I have found that it fits perfectly on nearly …
How Many Ounces in a Shot of Espresso? Single, Double, and More
- Author: easytoespresso.com
- Published: 05/01/2022
- Review: 2.25 (72 vote)
- Summary: · A standard espresso shot is 1 fluid ounce (30 mL). Double and triple shots are 2 and 3 ounces, respectively. Ristretto shots and lungo shots are
- Matching search results: It’s not clear why they decided to go with a shorter shot. As far as anyone can tell, it seems like they are brewing it like ristretto, so all they’ve done is add less water. My guess would be that the sweeter taste of ristretto matched better with …