A double espresso, also known as a doppio in Italy, is exactly what you'd expect: an espresso where you double the amount of coffee and water, but without sacrificing flavor or intensity. The result is a strong, aromatic coffee with a rich mouthfeel and depth, ideal for those who finish a regular espresso too quickly or simply want more intensity.

However, a double espresso isn't "just two cups in one": other brewing factors come into play. Think of the grind size, tamp pressure, extraction time, and especially the amount of coffee in the portafilter. A doppio is therefore a self-preparation, not a quick fix for a too-small espresso.

How do you make a double espresso?

For a double espresso, use a double basket (filter basket) in the portafilter and a slightly larger dose of coffee:

• 14–18 grams of coffee in the portafilter
• approx. 50–60 ml final volume in the cup
• Extraction time: 25–30 seconds (same as a single espresso)

Coffee specialists often work with a so-called 1:2 ratio. This means you get about twice as much espresso in grams as the weight of your coffee dose. For example: 18 grams of coffee → 36 grams of espresso in the cup. In practice, this can vary. Need a stronger brew? Switch to 1:1.5. Want a lighter and fruitier brew? Then a 1:2.5 or 1:3 ratio might be a good option.

Taste and experience

A good doppio tastes like an espresso, but with more body, more flavors, and more aromatic layers. If you get it right, you won't simply get a strong coffee, but an espresso that offers more depth and depth.

• complexity in the bean
• balance between sweet, sour and bitter
• aftertaste and mouthfeel

While a regular espresso can sometimes be harsh, a doppio often feels more full and rounded. Especially with specialty coffee and single-origins, a double espresso can reveal more character because you have more extraction surface to work with.

Is a double espresso stronger?

Yes and no.
A double espresso contains more caffeine than a single espresso, but not necessarily twice as much. It depends on:

• coffee type (arabica vs robusta)
• branding
• amount of coffee in grams
• the brewing method

So a double espresso can taste less intense than a single espresso, but it does contain more caffeine. Confusing? A bit, but that's precisely why coffee lovers find it so interesting.

Double espresso vs lungo vs ristretto

The biggest misconception is that a doppio falls into the same category as a lungo or ristretto, but that's not true. They have different proportions:

So a doppio is defined by the amount of coffee, not the volume of water.