It's no secret that coffee is our passion. We owe many fantastic milk-based coffee creations to the versatile espresso, so it's no surprise that the espresso doppio, or double espresso, is so popular. In this week's blog post, we're focusing on the perfect preparation of a double espresso and presenting two delicious recipes using two shots of espresso. Enjoy!
Fact check: Double espresso vs. large espresso. What's the difference?
Before we dive into the preparation, let's first clarify the difference between a double espresso and a large espresso. This knowledge will not only help you better understand the nuances of a double espresso, but it will also give you a nice conversation starter.
A double espresso, also called an espresso doppio, is simply twice the amount of espresso grounds and water compared to a single shot. So, two espressos. This makes the flavor even more intense and robust!
The large espresso, on the other hand, is better known as an Americano . So, do you know what a large espresso is now? It's made by diluting two espressos with hot water and serving it as black coffee in cafes and restaurants. The name Americano, by the way, comes from American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II, who found espresso simply too strong. The cafe owners then diluted their espressos and named their creation after the soldiers – and the name has stuck ever since!
Choosing the right beans and grind size
for the Espresso Doppio
To prepare a perfect double espresso, you definitely need the right coffee beans and must know how finely the coffee grounds should be. Depending on what you intend to do with your double espresso – whether you drink it straight or use it in a coffee-milk drink, and of course your personal preference – a medium to dark Italian roast is recommended. This allows the aromas to develop intensely and gives you a full-bodied and robust flavor.
The grind size is crucial for a successful espresso doppio extraction. Since a double espresso is prepared using a portafilter, the coffee grounds must be very fine. The hot water is forced through the portafilter under high pressure, and excessively coarse grounds would dilute the espresso. An optimal grind, therefore, allows for a slow extraction, resulting in a creamy espresso.
And how much coffee powder do I need for the perfect double espresso?
As a general rule, you'll need about 14-18 grams of ground coffee for a double espresso. Experiment a little and you'll easily find your perfect recipe that exactly matches your idea of a perfect double espresso. A watery-looking and tasting double espresso indicates that you're using either too little coffee or that the grind is too coarse. It might also be a combination of both, and you'll need to adjust your recipe. Conversely, if your double espresso tastes bitter, you may be using too much coffee or the grounds may be too fine. In this case, your double espresso is over-extracted, and too many bitter compounds have been released. Aim for a water temperature of approximately 92°C to 96°C to achieve the perfect brewing temperature. Otherwise, the coffee grounds will easily burn, and your two espressos will taste burnt.
Preparing a double espresso
with the portafilter
This brewing method gives you absolute control over the brewing process, as every setting can be checked and individually adjusted. Here's a simple guide for your espresso doppio:
- Start your espresso machine and make sure the brewing unit is at the correct temperature.
- Grind your coffee beans to the perfect fineness and put the powder into the portafilter.
- Press the powder down evenly and reattach the portafilter to the machine.
- Start the brewing process. This should take about 30-35 seconds and extract about 50-60 ml of espresso.
- Enjoy your perfect espresso doppio!
And how can I make a double espresso?
Prepare without a portafilter?
For this you will need a stovetop kettle and a stove.
- Grind your coffee beans beforehand.
- Place your coffee powder in the designated filter and smooth it out.
- Now fill the base with water up to the safety valve.
- Place the filter in the base and screw on the top attachment.
- Place on the stovetop and now wait…
- The espresso is now bubbling beautifully out of the riser tube of the espresso maker!
If you want to learn more about the stovetop kettle and how it works If you would like to find out more, click here.
Here are two more delicious recipes:
Double Espresso Affogato
This is a delicious coffee specialty that is very suitable as a dessert for all those who cannot decide between espresso and ice cream after a meal.
You will need: 2 espressos, high-quality vanilla ice cream and, if desired, chocolate chips.
-
Put the vanilla ice cream in a pretty glass.
-
Pour the double espresso over the ice. This will melt and create a delicious vanilla-coffee mixture.
-
Optional: Garnish with chocolate chips.
-
Non-optional: Enjoy!
Double Espresso Martini
This recipe is for all those who don't want to miss out on their espresso even at after-work events in the evening.
You will need: 60ml vodka, 30ml coffee liqueur, espresso doppio, ice cubes and 2 coffee beans
-
Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
-
Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso doppio into the shaker one after the other and seal it carefully.
-
Now shake vigorously.
-
Pour the espresso martini through a strainer into a martini glass and garnish with the coffee beans.
-
Enjoy!
As you can see, a double espresso is incredibly versatile and one of the most important recipes in the world of coffee. Understanding how the quality, quantity, and grind of the coffee interact to recreate the perfect double espresso at home is essential. If you still have questions, feel free to join our barista course . Here you'll learn the basics of coffee and practice pouring latte art with single and double espressos. Then you can enjoy your new cocktail at home!
Thanks for reading and see you next time.
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
How to make a double espresso - tips for perfect preparation
It's no secret that coffee is our passion. We owe many fantastic milk-based coffee creations to the versatile espresso, so it's no surprise that the espresso doppio, or double espresso, is so popular. In this week's blog post, we're focusing on the perfect preparation of a double espresso and presenting two delicious recipes using two shots of espresso. Enjoy!
Fact check: Double espresso vs. large espresso. What's the difference?
Before we dive into the preparation, let's first clarify the difference between a double espresso and a large espresso. This knowledge will not only help you better understand the nuances of a double espresso, but it will also give you a nice conversation starter.
A double espresso, also called an espresso doppio, is simply twice the amount of espresso grounds and water compared to a single shot. So, two espressos. This makes the flavor even more intense and robust!
The large espresso, on the other hand, is better known as an Americano . So, do you know what a large espresso is now? It's made by diluting two espressos with hot water and serving it as black coffee in cafes and restaurants. The name Americano, by the way, comes from American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II, who found espresso simply too strong. The cafe owners then diluted their espressos and named their creation after the soldiers – and the name has stuck ever since!
Choosing the right beans and grind size
for the Espresso Doppio
To prepare a perfect double espresso, you definitely need the right coffee beans and must know how finely the coffee grounds should be. Depending on what you intend to do with your double espresso – whether you drink it straight or use it in a coffee-milk drink, and of course your personal preference – a medium to dark Italian roast is recommended. This allows the aromas to develop intensely and gives you a full-bodied and robust flavor.
The grind size is crucial for a successful espresso doppio extraction. Since a double espresso is prepared using a portafilter, the coffee grounds must be very fine. The hot water is forced through the portafilter under high pressure, and excessively coarse grounds would dilute the espresso. An optimal grind, therefore, allows for a slow extraction, resulting in a creamy espresso.
And how much coffee powder do I need for the perfect double espresso?
As a general rule, you'll need about 14-18 grams of ground coffee for a double espresso. Experiment a little and you'll easily find your perfect recipe that exactly matches your idea of a perfect double espresso. A watery-looking and tasting double espresso indicates that you're using either too little coffee or that the grind is too coarse. It might also be a combination of both, and you'll need to adjust your recipe. Conversely, if your double espresso tastes bitter, you may be using too much coffee or the grounds may be too fine. In this case, your double espresso is over-extracted, and too many bitter compounds have been released. Aim for a water temperature of approximately 92°C to 96°C to achieve the perfect brewing temperature. Otherwise, the coffee grounds will easily burn, and your two espressos will taste burnt.
Preparing a double espresso
with the portafilter
This brewing method gives you absolute control over the brewing process, as every setting can be checked and individually adjusted. Here's a simple guide for your espresso doppio:
And how can I make a double espresso?
Prepare without a portafilter?
For this you will need a stovetop kettle and a stove.
If you want to learn more about the stovetop kettle and how it works If you would like to find out more, click here.
Here are two more delicious recipes:
Double Espresso Affogato
This is a delicious coffee specialty that is very suitable as a dessert for all those who cannot decide between espresso and ice cream after a meal.
You will need: 2 espressos, high-quality vanilla ice cream and, if desired, chocolate chips.
Double Espresso Martini
This recipe is for all those who don't want to miss out on their espresso even at after-work events in the evening.
You will need: 60ml vodka, 30ml coffee liqueur, espresso doppio, ice cubes and 2 coffee beans
As you can see, a double espresso is incredibly versatile and one of the most important recipes in the world of coffee. Understanding how the quality, quantity, and grind of the coffee interact to recreate the perfect double espresso at home is essential. If you still have questions, feel free to join our barista course . Here you'll learn the basics of coffee and practice pouring latte art with single and double espressos. Then you can enjoy your new cocktail at home!
Thanks for reading and see you next time.
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team