Preparation of espresso doppio coffee

Preparation of espresso doppio coffee

Espresso doppio means “double espresso” in Italian. It is prepared with roughly twice the amount of coffee used for a traditional single espresso, and in many modern coffee shops a doppio is effectively the standard espresso serving.

 

Quick overview: What is an espresso doppio?

  • Preparation: typically 18–20 g of finely ground coffee producing approximately 36–40 g of espresso. The Brew Ratio is around 1:2, with an extraction time of approximately 25–30 seconds.
  • Flavour profile: intense, full-bodied and concentrated. Compared with a single espresso, you get a larger serving of the same style of drink rather than an espresso diluted with additional water.
  • Serving: a doppio is usually served in a preheated 60–90 ml espresso cup and is best enjoyed immediately after extraction.

What do you need for Espresso Doppio?

Choose suitable coffee and equipment for a full-bodied double espresso:

Coffee for espresso Espresso machines Electric coffee grinders Espresso cups

 

How is espresso doppio different from espresso and lungo?

Espresso doppio is essentially a double espresso. It uses approximately twice as much ground coffee and produces roughly twice as much beverage while maintaining a similar Brew Ratio.

A traditional single espresso uses a smaller coffee dose. Its flavour character can be very similar, but a doppio provides a larger serving and generally around twice as much caffeine.

Lungo uses more water passed through the coffee. It has a higher Brew Ratio, a longer extraction and a less concentrated flavour than a doppio.

 

Espresso doppio vs espresso vs lungo

Parameter Espresso doppio Espresso Lungo
Coffee dose 18–20 g 8–10 g 18–20 g
Output weight / volume 36–40 g 16–20 g 50–70 g
Brew Ratio 1:2 1:2 1:2.5–1:3.5
Extraction time 25–30 s 25–30 s 30–40 s
Body / texture Full and concentrated Full and concentrated Lighter and thinner
Flavour Bold, intense and balanced Bold and concentrated Less concentrated, often with more pronounced bitterness
Caffeine Approximately 100–140 mg Approximately 50–70 mg Approximately 110–150 mg

 

Frequently asked questions about espresso doppio

Is espresso doppio simply a double espresso?

Yes. Doppio means “double” in Italian and is normally prepared with a double dose of coffee in a double portafilter basket. It is not simply an espresso with extra water added.

How fine should the coffee be ground and how should it be tamped?

The coffee should be ground finely for espresso. Even distribution in the basket and a level tamp are important. Adjust the grind until the desired Brew Ratio is reached in approximately 25–30 seconds.

Which coffee beans are best for espresso doppio?

That depends on the flavour you prefer. Medium to medium-dark roasts generally provide more body, sweetness and chocolate or nutty notes. Lighter roasts can highlight fruitiness and acidity. Above all, use good-quality, freshly roasted coffee.

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See the author's articles
Dominik Škoda

Owner and director of GourmetKava s.r.o., which has been operating an e-shop with freshly roasted coffee and accessories for alternative coffee brewing for 11 years. As a certified expert and holder of the prestigious international Barista Skill Foundation certificate from The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), he is personally involved in the company's daily operations. He tastes the offered coffees himself. He visits growers in their countries of origin, where he addresses not only the quality of the beans but also fair conditions for the growers and pickers themselves (fair trade). On the website, he acts as an author of educational articles, where he busts coffee myths and teaches proper home brewing. He has long promoted a greener approach to e-commerce. Ing. Dominik Škoda is also a lover of nature, DIY, and music. Under the company's banner, he has also developed his own successful brand of affordable accessories, Kaffia.

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