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Navigating coffee shop menus can be tricky, especially with words like espresso and ristretto. If you’re not familiar, you might not get what you expect. So, I’m here to clear up common coffee queries, starting with a simple yet vital question: How many ounces are in a shot of espresso?
Did you know a typical espresso shot is just 1 fluid ounce (30 mL)? For those who love more, double and triple shots pour 2 and 3 ounces. Ristretto and lungo shots spice things up – using the same coffee amount as a single espresso but tweaking the water: less for a stronger ristretto, more for a milder lungo.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into the world of espresso, ristretto, lungo, and more. Plus, I’ll reveal a surprising fact about the size of Starbucks’ espresso shots. Stay tuned!
How Many Ounces Should an Espresso Shot Be?
For a perfect single espresso shot, use 1 ounce (30 mL) of water and 7 grams of finely-ground coffee. Simple and delicious!
When you pull an espresso shot, it might not measure exactly 1 ounce, but it’ll be really close. Why? Because some water always stays behind, soaked into the coffee grounds. Plus, the oils and bits that come out of those grounds add a tiny bit more volume to your drink. It’s all part of the espresso magic!
To make the perfect espresso shot, you can tweak a few things. Each tweak slightly changes how much espresso you get. Some depend on the machine you’re using, but many adjustments can be made every time you brew. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
- Water pressure
- Water temperature
- Pull time
- Coffee-to-water ratio
- Coffee grind size
Even with all the details, the bottom line is a single espresso shot usually gives you 1 ounce of coffee. If you’re after something a bit different, bigger or smaller, stay tuned. We’re diving into the exciting world of espresso variations next!
How Many Ounces in a Double Shot of Espresso (Or a Triple)?
A double shot of espresso is like a single shot’s bigger sibling, pouring at 2 ounces (60 mL). It’s crafted just like a single shot, but everything’s doubled—both the coffee grounds and water. So, you get twice the espresso goodness in every sip!
Just like a single shot of espresso is 1 ounce, a triple shot triples that to 3 ounces, using three times the coffee. And a quad shot? That’s 4 ounces of intense espresso goodness. Thinking of going bigger than a quad shot? It’s rare, but if you’re chasing more caffeine, consider trying stronger coffee beans or whipping up a red-eye coffee instead.
How Many Ounces Is a Ristretto?
Ristrettos and espressos start the same, using equal coffee grounds. However, ristrettos use less water, only 0.4 ounces, compared to espresso’s 1 ounce. This tweak alters the taste, ups the caffeine per sip, and reduces the drink’s size. Interestingly, two ristrettos equal the volume of one espresso shot. Perfect for those seeking a stronger flavor kick!
In Australia, Ristretto is a favorite, not as much elsewhere. It’s the key ingredient in popular Australian coffees like Piccolos and magic coffee.
How Many Ounces Is a Lungo?
Lungos, also known as long shots, take your espresso up a notch by using 1.5 ounces of water instead of the usual 1 ounce. This makes the drink 50% bigger and brings out a bolder, more aromatic taste that’s slightly more bitter. Perfect for those looking to explore beyond the classic espresso!
Dive into the world of espresso with lungo and ristretto! These two espresso shots are unique. Lungos stand out on their own and have become a hit, especially with the lungo-sized Nespresso pods for Nespresso Vertuo machines.
How Many Ounces Is a Starbucks Espresso Shot?
Starbucks’ espresso shots are smaller than what you might expect. While most cafes pour 1-ounce shots, Starbucks serves theirs at just 0.75 ounces. Interestingly, they used to serve the standard 1-ounce shots until around 2016.
Why did they choose a shorter coffee shot? It looks like they’re making it ristretto style, using less water for a stronger taste. This probably makes the coffee sweeter, which might blend well with Starbucks’ flavors. If you know more about this switch, drop a comment below!
What’s Next?
Congratulations on starting your espresso adventure! I’m here to guide you further, so feel free to ask any questions. Plus, if you’re eager to begin brewing espresso at home, check out my top picks for affordable espresso machines. I can’t wait to help you dive deeper into the world of espresso!
Looking for an easy way to make espresso at home? Check out the latest Nespresso machines. I recommend the Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe for beginners. It’s super user-friendly!
