A “cafe double” is a strong French coffee drink made with two shots of espresso. It is perfect for those who need an extra boost of caffeine or enjoy a more intense coffee flavor.
History and Origin
The cafe double is simply a doubled version of the standard French cafe (espresso). It has been on French cafe menus for as long as espresso machines have been present in France – since the early-to-mid 20th century. The concept is straightforward: take the basic espresso and make it twice as much. In Italy, the equivalent is called a caffe doppio, and it carries the same idea. The cafe double became increasingly popular as people wanted more caffeine and more volume without switching to a diluted drink like a cafe allonge.
How It’s Made
A cafe double is made by pulling two shots of espresso into a single slightly larger cup. This means using roughly 14-18 grams of finely ground coffee (double the single dose) and extracting about 50-60 ml of espresso. The brewing time remains the same as a single shot – about 25-30 seconds – but the machine uses a double portafilter basket to handle the extra coffee. The result is twice the volume, twice the caffeine, and a deeper, more robust flavor. Some cafes simply pull two single shots back-to-back into the same cup, which achieves a similar result.
How to Order
In France, say: “Je voudrais un cafe double, s’il vous plait” (zhuh voo-DREH uhn ka-FAY DOO-bluh, seel voo PLEH). You can also say “un double” or “un double express.” Most French cafes will understand this order without any confusion. If you want to make sure, you can specify “deux cafes dans une tasse” (two coffees in one cup), though this is unnecessarily wordy.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The cafe double is not as common an order as a single cafe, but it is far from rare. You will see it ordered by people who need serious caffeine – early mornings after late nights, afternoon energy slumps, or before a long drive. Students and professionals are more likely to order a double than the older generation, who tend to stick with single espressos consumed more frequently throughout the day. It is available at virtually any cafe, brasserie, or restaurant in France.
Variations
You can combine a cafe double with other modifications. A double creme adds steamed milk to the double shot. A double noisette adds just a dot of milk. A double allonge dilutes the double shot with extra water for a larger, milder drink. Some people order a double serre – two shots of restricted espresso – for the ultimate concentrated coffee experience. The cafe double serves as a base that can be customized in the same ways as a single espresso.
Cafe Double vs Caffe Doppio
The French cafe double and the Italian caffe doppio are essentially the same drink – a double espresso. The main differences are cultural. In Italy, the doppio is ordered less frequently because Italian coffee culture revolves around multiple quick single espressos throughout the day rather than one large dose. In France, the double is a perfectly normal order without any cultural baggage. The preparation and taste are virtually identical, though French cafes may use a slightly darker roast.
How to Make a Cafe Double at Home
If your espresso machine has a double portafilter basket (most do), simply load it with about 14-18 grams of finely ground coffee and pull a standard extraction. The shot should take about 25-30 seconds and produce roughly 2 ounces of espresso. If you are using a Moka pot, fill the basket completely with ground coffee and use the full water chamber. For an Aeropress, use about 17 grams of coffee and brew at espresso strength, then top up with a second brew if needed. Serve in a slightly larger espresso cup or a small coffee cup.
Ingredients
2 Espresso Shots
How to order a Cafe Double in France?
"Je voudrais un cafe double, s'il vous plait."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cafe double?
A cafe double is a French double espresso – two shots of espresso served in a single cup. It has twice the caffeine and volume of a regular cafe (single espresso).
Is a cafe double the same as a doppio?
Yes, they are the same drink. Cafe double is the French term, while caffe doppio is the Italian term. Both refer to a double shot of espresso.
How much caffeine is in a cafe double?
A cafe double contains roughly 120-160 mg of caffeine, compared to 60-80 mg in a single espresso. The exact amount depends on the beans and extraction.
Can I order a cafe double with milk?
Yes. Ask for a “double creme” for a double espresso with steamed milk, or a “double noisette” for a double espresso with just a touch of milk.
