For those who crave a stronger coffee experience, “café solo doble” is the perfect choice. This drink consists of two shots of espresso, providing an intense and robust flavor.
Café Solo Doble is ideal for anyone who needs an extra caffeine boost or simply enjoys a richer coffee taste. It’s a staple in Spanish coffee culture, served in a small cup to be savored sip by sip.
Embracing the café solo doble means indulging in a coffee experience that is both powerful and satisfying. It’s a perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for a bold start to their day.
To order it, you would say, “Me puede poner un café solo doble, por favor.”
Ingredients
2 Espresso Shots
How to order a Café Solo Doble in Spain?
"Me puede poner un café solo doble, por favor."
History and Origin
The cafe solo doble is rooted in Spain’s deep love affair with strong coffee. Spanish coffee culture took shape in the 19th century when cafes became social gathering spots across Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. The cafe solo – a single shot of espresso – became the default order. But for those who needed a bigger caffeine hit or simply loved the bold taste of espresso, the “doble” (double) was the natural next step. Ordering a double espresso in Spain is not seen as excessive or unusual. It is a perfectly normal request, especially among early risers and night-shift workers. The cafe solo doble represents the purest form of Spanish coffee – no milk, no sugar (unless you add it), just two concentrated shots of dark-roasted espresso.
How It’s Made
A cafe solo doble is simply two shots of espresso pulled into one cup. The barista uses the same finely ground, dark-roasted coffee beans used for a standard cafe solo but doubles the dose. The extraction takes about 25 to 30 seconds, producing roughly 2 ounces of intensely concentrated coffee topped with a rich layer of crema. It is served in a slightly larger cup than a single solo – usually a small ceramic cup or a thick glass. No water is added (that would make it a cafe largo), no milk, nothing extra. Just pure, powerful espresso.
How to Order a Cafe Solo Doble
At any Spanish bar, say: “Me puede poner un cafe solo doble, por favor” (meh PWEH-deh poh-NAIR oon kah-FEH SOH-loh DOH-bleh, poor fah-VOR). Some people shorten this to just “un doble.” If you want sugar, it will be served on the side for you to add yourself. For a slightly longer drink, you could ask for “un doble largo,” but at that point you are ordering a different drink entirely.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The cafe solo doble is popular first thing in the morning among Spaniards who need a strong start to the day. You will also see it ordered after heavy meals, especially after a long lunch or dinner when people want a digestive caffeine boost. Night owls and people working late shifts are also fans. It is available at every bar and cafe in Spain. In smaller towns, you might notice older men ordering a doble at the counter, drinking it in two or three sips, and heading on their way. It is the no-nonsense choice for serious coffee lovers.
Variations
The cafe solo doble is about as simple as coffee gets, but there are a few ways to vary it. Adding a drop of milk turns it into a “doble cortado.” Pouring it over ice makes it a “doble con hielo,” which is popular in summer. Some people add a splash of brandy or anise liquor, turning it into a version of the “carajillo.” You can also ask for “un doble descafeinado” if you want the flavor and ritual without the caffeine, though purists might raise an eyebrow.
Cafe Solo Doble vs Doppio
The cafe solo doble and the Italian doppio are essentially the same drink – both are double espressos. The difference is purely cultural. In Spain, the drink is called “cafe solo doble” and is made with Spanish dark-roasted beans that tend to have a smokier, more bitter profile. In Italy, the “doppio” typically uses a medium-to-dark roast with more emphasis on balanced flavor and crema. The Italian version might also be slightly smaller in volume due to different extraction standards. If you have had one, you will recognize the other. They are siblings from different Mediterranean kitchens.
How to Make a Cafe Solo Doble at Home
Use an espresso machine to pull a double shot (about 14 to 18 grams of ground coffee, yielding roughly 2 ounces of espresso). If you do not have an espresso machine, use a Moka pot and fill the basket fully for a stronger brew. Dark-roasted Spanish or Italian coffee beans work best. Serve in a small, pre-warmed cup. Do not add water or milk – the whole point is to enjoy the full intensity of the double espresso. Add sugar only if you like. Drink it slowly or quickly, your choice. There are no rules with a doble except to enjoy it.
FAQ
How much caffeine is in a cafe solo doble?
A cafe solo doble contains roughly 120 to 150 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the beans and extraction. That is about twice what you get from a single espresso shot.
Is a cafe solo doble the same as a double espresso?
Yes. “Cafe solo doble” is simply the Spanish term for a double espresso. It is two shots pulled into one cup.
When should I order a cafe solo doble?
Anytime you want a strong coffee without milk. It is especially popular in the morning and after meals in Spain.
