Do you love Starbucks espresso? Coffee is one of the main menus which make it known globally. But do you know what a Starbucks espresso shot is?
Knowing what a shot is essential since you can order a drink comfortably. Whether it’s iced coffee, Macchiato, Latte, or cappuccino, every drink contains a shot or two of espresso.
This write-up will discuss Starbucks espresso shots, quantity, and amount of caffeine. Also, I will discuss the correct lingo for espresso shots.
Espresso shot, what is it?
If you enter Starbucks café and order a drink from the menu, it will probably contain an espresso shot.
But, what is this espresso shot? In simple terms, it’s a shot of concentrated coffee made from a coffee maker machine. Hot water under pressure is passed in finely grounded coffee beans for a short period.
Espresso is usually smaller, stronger, and consumer without additives like sweeteners. The short brewing time and low volume make it called an espresso shot.
The resulting brew is highly concentrated in caffeine and is then used to prepare other coffee drinks like Americano, Frappuccinos, and others.
How does espresso taste?
Its true espresso has a different taste from regular coffee. The brew has a rich flavor due to its concentrated nature and natural coffee bean oil.
How much caffeine is in a shot of Starbucks espresso?
A single espresso shot at Starbucks contains about 75 mg of caffeine. Thus, the more shots, the more caffeine your drink has.
Besides, Starbucks espresso shot calories content is extremely low. A single shot has about 5 calories.
What are Espresso terms, size, and caffeine content?
As mentioned, each espresso shot has about 75mg of caffeine. The table below has the espresso term, caffeine content, and size.
| Espresso shot | Term | Caffeine amount (approx.) |
| 1 shot | Solo | 75 mg |
| 2 shots | Doppio/ Double | 150 mg |
| 3 shots | Triple | 225 mg |
| 4 Shots | Quad | 300 mg |
| 1 shot decaffeinated coffee | Solo/single decaf | 3 mg |
| 1 shot ½ caffeinated | Solo/ single half caf | 80 mg |
How much is a shot of espresso? How many ounces is an espresso shot?
I have been talking about Starbucks espresso shots. But, you might be wondering how much is a shot of espresso.
As stated earlier, a single shot has a small amount of brew. Usually, it is about 0.75 oz. I have summarized the quantity of espresso in different shots through the table below.
| Number of shots | Amount of espresso (ounces) |
| Solo | 0.75 |
| Doppio | 1.5 |
| Triple | 2.25 |
| Quad | 3 |
What are the types of espresso at Starbucks?
Does espresso have variations? This might be one of the most bothersome questions among coffee drinkers. Typically, some drinks are based on espresso.
They contain shot(s) of espresso hence can be offered as variations. The common ones at Starbucks include.
- Espresso/short black: it’s the basic drink for any espresso-based drink. It needs perfection to ensure the best taste and other drink results.
- Doppio/ Double espresso: This is a drink obtained by pulling the espresso shots twice. Every shot needs to be professionally pulled to offer the best flavor as with solo.
- Caffe latte: Known as Latte, it has single shot espresso, steamed milk, and about 1 cm of milk foam. It has a strong espresso taste yet is sweet.
- Short Macchiato: Usually, it’s a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam at the top. With distinctive 3 layers, it’s the uniqueness and identifying feature.
- Long Macchiato: The drink has two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The drink is different from short macchiato since it has double shots of espresso.
- Ristretto: The drink is a short shot of an espresso shot. Since it has less water, it is sweeter and feels more intense. Thus, this is what is a Ristretto shot at Starbucks.
- Long Black/Americano: You might have come across this name. In simple terms, it’s single-shot espresso topped with 2/3 hot water.
Having looked at these types of espressos, you might still be curious to know a long shot at Starbucks. A long shot is similar to espresso-only it takes longer to extract and has more volume.
A long shot, also known as Lungo in Italian, has more brew but less concentrate than espresso.
What espresso does Starbucks use?
Starbucks uses some of the best coffee beans to deliver unmatched espresso drinks. The espresso roast you will at Starbucks include;
Dark roast / signature espresso
These are beans that are used for espresso used in most drinks. Whether it’s Latte, iced black coffee, or others, it’s the type of roast used.
Blonde roast
These are medium roasted coffee beans. Since they have a mild and soft taste, the coffee is common for non dairy milk-based drinks.
Decaf roast
For people who love decaffeinated coffee, Starbucks offers decaf drinks. This coffee has very low caffeine and is excellent for sensitive people to the compound. Therefore, you can still order your best decaf coffee drink at Starbucks.
What is an upside-down espresso shot?
The word upside-down espresso shot is familiar if you regularly visit a Starbucks store. However, what is it? An upside-down shot is where an espresso shot overtops other ingredients.
One of the popular drinks ordered in an upside-down way is the caramel macchiato.
Summary
Understanding what Starbucks espresso shots are, is the beginning for great drinks. While some are confusing due to similarities, each has different quantities and a unique flavor.
Whether you want a drink with single, double, or triple shot espresso Starbucks, there is always one to order. Therefore, next time visiting Starbucks, you can request a drink like a pro using the correct espresso like a barista.
Do you love Starbucks espresso? Coffee is one of the main menus which make it known globally. But do you know what a Starbucks espresso shot is?
Knowing what a shot is essential since you can order a drink comfortably. Whether it’s iced coffee, Macchiato, Latte, or cappuccino, every drink contains a shot or two of espresso.
This write-up will discuss Starbucks espresso shots, quantity, and amount of caffeine. Also, I will discuss the correct lingo for espresso shots.
