Caffeine in Coffee (Espresso)

Caffeine Content of Coffee (Espresso)

Picture of Coffee (Espresso)

A 1.5 ounce shot of Espresso contains 77 milligrams of caffeine.

In the purest sense, espresso coffee is made from 7 grams of finely ground coffee extracted to 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mls) over about 25 seconds. Espresso is usually topped with a golden creamy color (called the crema).

Of course every barista and every coffee shop has their own particular styles, coffee blends, machines, and even filter basket sizes.

The caffeine content used in the database has been averaged from caffeine testing done on six different espresso servings (each from a different coffee outlet). The caffeine content varied considerably, as did the volume of the serving.

Values ranged from 58 mgs up to 185mg for a double shot.

The USDA value for Espresso coffee is 64 mg caffeine per fluid ounce.

UPDATE: Analysis of 97 different Espresso drinks in Queensland, Australia found a much higher value of 106mg per serve. The range varied enormously (25mg to 214mg). Source: Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology.

Definitions

A single serving of Espresso is called a "shot".
Two servings is called a double shot or Espresso Doppio.
Ristretto - A very short or "restricted" shot.
Espresso con panna - Espresso topped with whipped cream (sometimes called Café Vienne or Vienna).
Espresso a Lungo - A "long" shot or pull. Instead of the traditional 1.5 fl. ounces, the shoty is poured for 2 or 3 ounces.
Espresso Machiatto - The espresso is topped or "marked" with dash of foamed milk.

Other popular drinks such as a cappuccino, caffe latte (or lattè), caffe mocha (or mochaccino) are based on one or two shots of espresso.

Some countries refer to a shot of espresso as a "Short Black", and a longer or double shot as a "Long Black".

Australia and New Zealand typically serve an additional drink called a Flat White - similar to a cappuccino but using only steamed milk rather than any foamed milk.