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How Many Ounces Is a Double Shot Espresso and Alcohol
Confused about how many ounces is a double shot? You’re not alone, as the answer changes depending on what you’re drinking and even where you are. This inconsistency can be frustrating for both coffee lovers and home bartenders.
A standard double shot of espresso, known as a “doppio,” is 2 fluid ounces (oz), or approximately 60 milliliters (ml). This measurement is the accepted industry standard. For alcohol, however, a double shot is less defined and can range from 2 to 3 fluid ounces.
Based on an analysis of current industry standards and real-world pouring practices, this guide provides a clear answer. We’ll break down the precise measurements for both espresso and alcohol. You will discover why your coffee machine might be different and how to get the perfect pour every time.
Key Facts
- Espresso Standard Is Defined: A standard double shot of espresso is precisely 2 fluid ounces (60 ml), a measurement set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
- Standard Coffee Dose: To achieve this 2-ounce volume, a double shot is traditionally prepared with 14 to 18 grams of finely ground coffee.
- Alcohol Volume Varies: Unlike espresso, there is no official standard for a double shot of alcohol, which commonly ranges from 2 to 3 fluid ounces in the U.S.
- Machine-Specific Volumes Exist: Automatic coffee machines often deviate from the standard; for instance, a Nespresso Vertuo double espresso pod produces approximately 2.7 ounces.
- Weight is More Accurate Than Volume: For ultimate precision, professionals measure espresso by weight, using a 1:2 brew ratio (e.g., 18 grams of coffee yields 36 grams of liquid espresso).
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How Many Ounces Is a Double Shot?
The answer depends entirely on the liquid: a double shot of espresso is a standard 2 fluid ounces, while a double shot of alcohol typically ranges from 2 to 3 fluid ounces. This difference is the primary source of confusion. For coffee, the term is precisely defined by industry standards. For liquor, it’s based on common practice, which varies between establishments.
Understanding the “why” behind this difference is key to mastering your drinks at home. The volume of a double shot is influenced by several factors that go beyond a simple measurement. As of 2026, the main variables you need to be aware of include:
- Espresso vs. Alcohol: Coffee has a governing body (the Specialty Coffee Association) that sets standards, whereas the liquor industry does not have a single, universal pouring standard.
- Coffee Machine Type: Automatic machines like Nespresso are often pre-programmed to volumes different from the 2-ounce standard.
- Regional & Bar-Specific Differences: The size of a “shot” of alcohol can change not just from country to country but from one bar to the next.
But why is an espresso shot so precisely defined while a liquor shot isn’t? We’ll explore that next.
What is the Official Standard for a Double Espresso Shot?
According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), a standard double shot of espresso, or “doppio,” is a 2 fluid ounce (60 ml) beverage produced from 14-18 grams of dry coffee grounds. This definition serves as the benchmark for specialty coffee shops and competitions worldwide. It ensures consistency and a shared understanding of what constitutes a proper double shot. This standard is crucial for baristas to dial in their espresso machines for optimal flavor extraction.
Did You Know? 💡
The term “doppio” is simply Italian for “double.” It’s the traditional and professional term used in cafés to refer to a standard double shot of espresso.
How Does the Volume of a Double Shot of Alcohol Compare?
Unlike espresso, there is no official, federally mandated standard for a double shot of alcohol in the United States. The volume is left to the discretion of the bar. However, a common practice is to base it on the size of a single shot. Since a standard single shot in the U.S. is 1.5 ounces, a double is often considered 3 ounces. Despite this, many bars pour a 2-ounce double shot for cost control.
This lack of standardization means the amount of liquor in your “double” can vary significantly. Common interpretations you might encounter include:
- A True Double: 3 fluid ounces (2 x 1.5 oz shots)
- A “Bar” Double: 2 fluid ounces (a convenient and common pour)
- Two Separate Shots: Pouring two individual 1-ounce shots.
Pro Tip: 💭
Next time you order a double, don’t be afraid to ask the bartender what their standard pour is for a single and double shot. This ensures you know exactly what you’re getting.
Why Do Double Shot Ounces Vary By Coffee Machine?
The volume of a “double shot” varies significantly by coffee machine because of pre-programmed settings, internal brand standards, and user-controlled variables. Your home machine’s double shot button is often just a timed water release, not a precise volume measurement. This explains why your experience may not match the 2-ounce official standard.
In our practical experience, understanding your specific machine type is the key to managing shot volume. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from different kinds of machines as of 2026:
| Machine Type | Brand Example | Typical Double Shot Volume (oz) | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Pod Machine | Nespresso (Vertuo) | 2.7 oz | Pre-programmed pod design |
| Commercial Standard | Starbucks | ~1.5 oz | Internal recipe for consistency |
| Home Semi-Automatic | Breville, Gaggia | User-controlled (Target: 2 oz) | Manual/Programmable shot timing |
| Super-Automatic | Jura, Philips | Programmable (Often defaults > 2oz) | Machine settings |
The most significant variation comes from automatic pod machines. For example, a Nespresso Vertuo “Double Espresso” pod is designed to produce 2.7 ounces (80 ml), which is substantially more than the SCA standard. Commercial chains like Starbucks also follow their own internal recipes. A Starbucks “Doppio” is made from two of their single shots, totaling about 1.5 ounces, which is less than the industry standard. For home semi-automatic machines, the power is in your hands; you control the final volume either by manually stopping the shot or by programming the machine’s duration. The portafilter, which is the handle that holds the coffee grounds, must also be the correct double-shot size to hold the required 14-18 grams of coffee.
How Can You Accurately Measure a Double Shot at Home?
The most accurate way to measure a double shot at home is to use a coffee scale and aim for a 1:2 brew ratio. This professional method moves beyond measuring volume (ounces) and focuses on weight (grams), which is unaffected by the espresso’s crema. This is the secret to achieving café-quality consistency with every single shot you pull.
Here’s the method we use, which is considered a barista best practice. It ensures you get a perfectly extracted 2-ounce shot every time.
- Use a Coffee Scale. Place your cup on a digital coffee scale and zero it out. Place the scale on your espresso machine’s drip tray.
- Aim for a 1:2 Ratio. The industry standard brew ratio is 1 part dry coffee to 2 parts liquid espresso. This means for every 1 gram of coffee grounds in your portafilter, you want to extract 2 grams of liquid.
- Pull Your Shot. Start your extraction. For a typical double shot using 18 grams of coffee grounds, you will stop the machine the moment the scale reads 36 grams of liquid espresso in the cup.
- Enjoy a Perfect Shot. That 36-gram liquid output will be almost exactly 2 fluid ounces.
Pro Tip: The 1:2 Brew Ratio ✅
Using 18 grams of dry coffee to produce 36 grams of liquid espresso in about 25-30 seconds is the gold standard for a balanced double shot. If your shot runs too fast, your grind is likely too coarse. If it runs too slow, it’s too fine.
FAQs About how many ounces is a double shot
What is the difference between a double shot and a doppio?
There is no difference; “doppio” is the original Italian term for a double shot of espresso. It is the standard way a barista would order or refer to a double shot in a traditional café setting. Both terms refer to a 2 fluid ounce shot pulled from 14-18 grams of coffee.
How much caffeine is in a double shot of espresso?
A typical double shot of espresso contains between 120 and 150 milligrams of caffeine. This amount can vary based on the type of coffee bean used (Robusta has more caffeine than Arabica), the specific roast level, and the precise amount of coffee grounds in the portafilter.
Is a double shot just two single shots?
Yes, in principle, a double shot contains the volume and coffee equivalent of two single shots. A standard single shot is 1 fluid ounce from 7-9 grams of coffee, so a double shot (doppio) uses twice the coffee (14-18 grams) to produce twice the volume (2 fluid ounces). However, it is almost always pulled as one continuous extraction, not as two separate shots combined.
What is the difference between a fluid ounce and a weight ounce?
A fluid ounce (fl oz) is a measure of volume, while a regular ounce (oz) is a measure of weight. When measuring liquids like espresso, it’s important to distinguish between the two. A fluid ounce of espresso does not weigh exactly one ounce due to its density. This is why professionals prefer to measure espresso by weight (grams) for accuracy.
What is a ristretto vs. a lungo double shot?
A ristretto is a “restricted” shot, and a lungo is a “long” shot, both pulled with the same amount of coffee as a normal double shot. A double ristretto uses the standard 14-18g of coffee but is extracted with less water, resulting in a smaller, more concentrated 1.5-ounce shot. A double lungo uses more water, producing a larger, more diluted 3 to 4-ounce shot.
How many ounces is a shot glass?
A standard U.S. shot glass holds 1.5 fluid ounces, but they are not standardized and can range from 1 to over 2 ounces. This is why using a shot glass to measure a precise 2-ounce espresso shot can be inaccurate unless it has specific measurement lines.
Can I pull a double shot in a single shot basket?
No, you cannot properly pull a double shot in a single shot basket. A single shot basket is physically smaller and designed to hold only 7-9 grams of coffee. Attempting to fit 14-18 grams will lead to a choked machine and a very poor extraction. You must use a double shot basket.
How long should a double shot take to pull?
The ideal extraction time for a standard double shot is between 25 and 30 seconds. This clock starts the moment the pump is engaged. If the shot pulls much faster, it will be sour; if it pulls much slower, it will be bitter. This timing is a key indicator of a proper grind size and tamp pressure.
How many ounces is a double shot at Starbucks?
A Starbucks double shot, or “Doppio,” is approximately 1.5 fluid ounces. This is smaller than the Specialty Coffee Association standard of 2 ounces because it is made by combining two of their standard 0.75-ounce single shots.
Does more water in a shot mean more caffeine?
No, more water does not necessarily mean more caffeine. The majority of caffeine is extracted in the first 15-20 seconds of the pull. Adding more water to create a lungo shot primarily dilutes the coffee and extracts other flavor compounds, but it does not significantly increase the total caffeine content compared to a normal shot.
Key Takeaways: How Many Ounces Is a Double Shot Summary
- The Espresso Standard: A standard double shot of espresso (doppio) is 2 fluid ounces (60 ml), made from 14-18 grams of coffee, according to the Specialty Coffee Association.
- Alcohol is Not Standardized: A “double shot” of alcohol is not officially defined and typically ranges from 2 to 3 fluid ounces, depending on the bar’s standard 1.5 oz single shot.
- Machine-Specific Volumes: Your coffee machine’s “double shot” may not be 2 oz. Nespresso pods (2.7 oz) and Starbucks (1.5 oz) use their own standards.
- Measure by Weight, Not Volume: For true accuracy at home, use a coffee scale. The professional method is to use a 1:2 brew ratio (e.g., 18g of dry coffee yields 36g of liquid espresso).
- Time is a Key Factor: A well-pulled double shot should take approximately 25-30 seconds to extract. This timing is a crucial indicator of correct grind and tamping.
Final Thoughts on Achieving the Perfect Double Shot
Ultimately, the question of “how many ounces is a double shot” reveals an important distinction between following a standard and achieving a result. While the official answer for espresso is 2 fluid ounces, this guide has shown that context is everything. The real power comes from understanding why variations exist and knowing how to take control.
By moving beyond simple volume measurements and embracing the more accurate method of weighing your espresso with a coffee scale, you are no longer at the mercy of your machine’s programming or a vaguely sized shot glass. You have the knowledge and the technique to create a consistent, perfectly balanced double shot every single time.
Last update on 2026-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
