Ahhh…the combinations of regular coffee and espresso. There’s a ton of different coffee’s you can make, but these are simple and effective drinks that can give you the added caffeine if you need it. There’s really three easy variants when adding espresso to brewed coffee. And it’s Red Eye Coffee, Black Eye Coffee, and Dead Eye Coffee.
This isn’t for beginners just starting to drink coffee, but it is super easy to make.
Why Make Coffee with an Espresso Shot Added
When you make coffee with an espresso shot added it’s usually done to increase caffeine intake. It also creates a nice flavor for your coffee. Because of its concentrated nature, adding espresso to black coffee increases the overall caffeine content and provides a bold and rich flavor. The addition of espresso also provides a sweeter and more balanced taste, as well as adding a layer of texture to the drink. Additionally, it can also create a more varied and complex flavor profile. Some people also add espresso to their black coffee to boost the energy level and kick start their day with a more stimulating drink.
What is Red Eye Coffee
Red Eye Coffee is simply a brewed cup of coffee with one shot of espresso added in. Normally, you’ll start with a brewed coffee and than add in the shot of espresso. The crema from the espresso shot will give the appearance of an eye.
But where did the name red eye coffee actually come from? Well, you can look back to the airline industry and the red eye overnight flights. Although red eye coffee was never served on red eye flights these flights are associated with tiredness and fatigue from an overnight trip.
With the added shot of espresso to brewed coffee a red eye coffee adds to the flavor profile and also gives you a bit of a caffeine jolt to help wake you up.
A red eye coffee has several name variations include Sludge Cup, Shot in the Dark, Hammerhead, and Train Wreck.
What is Black Eye Coffee
Much like a red eye, black eye coffee is espresso added to brewed coffee. But instead of one shot of espresso you’re adding two shots of espresso to brewed coffee. Black eye coffee certainly gives you a flavor profile that’s more like espresso and the caffeine will definitely wake you up.
Another name for black eye coffee is a Double Shot in the Dark. They say the name Black Eye Coffee comes from the appearance of the coffee when you put the double espresso shot in the brewed coffee. I’m not sure I buy this, though. When you pour an espresso shot in coffee, which has a crema, you’ll usually end up with a lighter brown color.
What is Dead Eye Coffee (Green Eye Coffee)
Well, we’re going to finish the trend of adding espresso shots in coffee and finish up with dead eye coffee. You might have guessed it – a dead eye coffee is brewed coffee with three shots of espresso added in.
If you’re at all sensitive to caffeine don’t drink dead eye coffee. It packs a powerful punch that’ll make you jittery if you have any sensitivities to caffeine. Another name for dead eye coffee is Green Eye Coffee.
How to Make Red Eye, Black Eye, and Dead Eye Coffee
The steps to make these coffees are really simple if you have the ability to make both brewed coffee and espresso shots.
- Brew a cup of coffee. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a full put of coffee or single cup coffee maker.
- Brew your espresso shot or shots:
- Red Eye Coffee – 1 shot
- Black Eye Coffee – 2 shots
- Dead eye coffee (Green Eye Coffee) – 3 shots
- Pour the brewed coffee in your coffee mug if it’s not already in there.
- Pour your espresso shot (or shots) into your coffee.
- You’re done. Drink and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Red Eye, Black Eye, and Dead Eye Coffee are all coffees combing espresso shots and brewed coffee. They’re super easy to make, and will give you a nice kick of caffeine beyond what your regular brewed coffee can do.
Although the names aren’t a tell tale sign of what the coffee does, except for maybe the red eye coffee, all you need to know that these are mostly the same drinks giving you a caffeine boost if you need it. The only difference between these drinks is the number of espresso shots.