A “caffè doppio” consists of two shots of espresso, providing a stronger coffee experience.
This drink is perfect for those needing an extra caffeine boost. Served in a small cup, it delivers a powerful, rich flavor.
Enjoying a caffè doppio means savoring an intense and energizing coffee.
To order it, say, “Vorrei un caffè doppio, per favore.”
Ingredients
2 Espresso Shots
How to order a Caffè Doppio in Italy?
"Vorrei un caffè doppio, per favore."
History and Origin
The doppio – meaning “double” in Italian – is simply two shots of espresso pulled into one cup. While single shots have been the Italian standard since the late 1800s, the doppio gained popularity in the mid-20th century as coffee culture spread globally. In Italy, ordering a doppio is still somewhat uncommon – most Italians prefer to simply order two separate coffees throughout the day rather than one large one.
The doppio became far more popular outside Italy, especially in the United States and Australia, where it forms the base for most specialty coffee drinks. What Starbucks calls a “double shot” is essentially an Italian doppio.
How It’s Made
A doppio uses the same technique as a regular caffe but with double the amount:
- 14-16 grams of finely ground coffee (vs 7-8 for a single)
- Water temperature: 90-96 C
- Pressure: 9 bars
- Extraction time: 25-30 seconds
- Volume: 50-60ml (vs 25-30ml for a single)
The result is a larger cup of espresso with roughly double the caffeine – around 120-160mg per serving.
How to Order Caffe Doppio
Say: “Un caffe doppio, per favore” (oon kaf-FEH DOP-pyoh, pair fa-VOR-eh). Some bars may also understand “un doppio” on its own. Don’t be surprised if the barista raises an eyebrow – it’s not the most common order in traditional Italian bars.
For more ordering tips, see our complete guide to ordering coffee in Italy.
When and Where Locals Drink It
In Italy, the doppio is more of a “I need extra fuel today” order rather than an everyday habit. You’ll see it ordered more often in northern cities like Milan, where the pace of life is faster. Students during exam season and professionals pulling long hours are the most common doppio drinkers.
Doppio vs Other Italian Coffees
Think of Italian espresso sizes as a spectrum:
- Ristretto – less water, more concentrated (~15-20ml)
- Caffe – the standard single shot (~25-30ml)
- Doppio – double shot (~50-60ml)
- Lungo – longer extraction, more water (~50-70ml but weaker than doppio)
The key difference between a doppio and a lungo is that the doppio uses more coffee, while the lungo uses more water. The doppio is twice as strong; the lungo is more diluted.
How to Make Doppio at Home
With an espresso machine, simply use a double portafilter basket with 14-16 grams of coffee. With a Moka pot, use a larger 4-6 cup size and pour the full amount into one cup.
- Use 14-16g of finely ground coffee
- Tamp evenly with about 15kg of pressure
- Extract for 25-30 seconds
- You should get about 50-60ml of coffee with a thick crema layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a doppio just two espressos?
Technically yes – it’s a double shot pulled at once through a double portafilter basket. It’s the same coffee-to-water ratio as a single shot, just doubled.
Is a doppio stronger than a regular caffe?
Yes, it has roughly double the caffeine (120-160mg vs 60-80mg). The flavor intensity is the same since the ratio doesn’t change.
How much does a doppio cost in Italy?
Usually 1.50 to 2.50 euros – roughly 50-80 cents more than a single caffe.
