Last Updated on February 7, 2025 by Karen
This red-eye coffee recipe will give you the caffeine boost you need with a bold, flavorful blend of espresso and regular coffee – perfect for coffee lovers seeking an extra kick of energy.
Whether you’re rushing to work or on preparing for the dreaded red eye flight, there’s no better way to wake up than with a strong cup of coffee the next day. A classic red eye coffee, a drink known for its high caffeine content, is a combination of a cup of regular drip coffee and a shot (or two) of espresso, making it an ideal choice for those who need an extra caffeine boost. The robust flavors make the red eye coffee drink a popular choice for those who love coffee.
This simple yet powerful coffee drink is a favorite for coffee enthusiasts and home baristas alike. It is a secret menu hack for Starbucks, as well as specialty coffee shops and coffee bars that serve espresso drinks. In this post, we’ll show you how to make the perfect red-eye coffee drink, giving you that extra boost of energy to tackle anything that comes your way.
What is The History of Red Eye Coffee?
The history of red-eye coffee is thought to have originated as a solution for travelers and workers in need of an extra caffeine boost. The term “red-eye” likely comes from the bloodshot eyes many people get after long, sleepless nights, especially those on red-eye flights. Combining regular drip coffee with one or two shots of espresso, this high-caffeine drink became a favorite for those needing to stay awake after an overnight journey or long shifts.
Over time, red-eye coffee gained popularity in local coffee shops, especially on the West Coast, where coffee culture thrived in the 1980s and 1990s. Variations like the “black-eye” coffee (with a double shot of espresso) further expanded its appeal. Today, the red-eye coffee is a staple for coffee lovers looking for a powerful caffeine boost and bold coffee flavor, often found on the secret menu at coffee shops.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Red Eye Coffee Recipe
Regular Brewed Coffee
The foundation of red-eye coffee is a strong cup of normal drip coffee or black coffee, which provides a smooth base for the drink. You can use your preferred coffee machine, whether it’s a drip coffee maker, French press, or moka pot. The flavor of the regular brewed coffee, especially if you use dark roast coffee beans, creates a robust flavor profile that balances out the boldness of the espresso. You can also use instant coffee if you don’t have regular coffee.
Espresso (Single or Double Shot)
A shot (or two) of espresso is what gives the red-eye coffee its extra kick of caffeine. Espresso has a deep, rich taste and a concentrated caffeine content that provides a significant energy boost. Depending on your personal preference and caffeine tolerance, you can go with a single shot for a mild boost or a double shot of espresso (also known as a black eye coffee) for more of a caffeine punch.
Hot Water
Hot water is essential for brewing both the coffee and espresso. It is the medium in which coffee grounds and espresso are extracted, providing the base liquid for your drink. The hot water is used to brew the regular coffee, and you will also need it for the espresso shots.
Optional: Simple Syrup, Brown Sugar, or Milk
While the main ingredients are coffee and espresso, some people like to add a bit of sweetness to their red-eye coffee. You can stir in some simple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the bitter flavors. If you’re looking for a creamier taste, a splash of milk or cream can help mellow out the bold flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Red Eye Coffee
Brew Your Regular Coffee:
Start by brewing a cup of drip coffee. You can use your preferred method, such as a drip coffee maker, French press, or even a moka pot. For the best flavor, go for a dark roast coffee, which will add a deep, bold flavor to complement the espresso.
Brew the Espresso:
While your coffee is brewing, it’s time to prepare the espresso. Use your espresso machine or choice of espresso makers to brew a single shot (or double shot for a black-eye coffee) of espresso. Espresso has a high concentration of caffeine, so it packs a punch. This extra shot of espresso will give you a caffeine boost like no other!
Combine the Coffee and Espresso:
Once your coffee and espresso are ready, pour the brewed coffee into your coffee cup. Then, pour the freshly brewed espresso shot(s) into the same cup, creating the red-eye drink. Stir gently to combine the two, ensuring the espresso is fully mixed with the coffee.
Optional: Add Sweeteners or Milk:
If you prefer a sweeter red-eye coffee, add simple syrup, brown sugar, or milk to taste. This will help balance the bitterness of the coffee and espresso, giving you a smooth, flavorful coffee drink.
Enjoy Your Red Eye Coffee:
Now that your red-eye coffee is ready, take a sip and enjoy the bold, rich flavor and the boost of caffeine. Whether you’re gearing up for a long shift or looking for an energy pick-me-up, this coffee drink is sure to deliver!
Tips for the Perfect Red Eye Coffee
Adjust the Number of Espresso Shots
The main difference between red-eye coffee and black-eye coffee is the number of espresso shots added. A single shot of espresso in your regular coffee is a classic red-eye, but if you’re in need of extra caffeine, try a double shot for a black-eye coffee. You can also experiment with other variations like the green-eye coffee, which adds an extra shot of espresso to a cold brew coffee for a bold and refreshing twist.
Use Freshly Ground Coffee Beans
To achieve the best flavor, always use freshly ground coffee beans. Grinding your own coffee ensures the freshest taste and allows you to control the coarseness of the grind, which is key for making a perfect cup of coffee with any brewing method. Fresh coffee beans will make a significant difference in the overall taste of your red-eye coffee.
Perfect Your Brewing Method
The brewing method you use for the regular coffee affects the flavor of your red-eye coffee. A cup of filter coffee brewed in a drip coffee maker will have a smooth, clean taste, while a French press or moka pot will bring out more of the bold and rich flavors of the coffee beans. Each brewing method has its own characteristics, so experiment with what suits your taste best.
Watch Your Caffeine Intake
While red-eye coffee is great for a caffeine boost, it’s important to keep track of how much caffeine you’re consuming, especially if you’re sensitive to it. A red-eye drink typically contains around 120 mg of caffeine per shot of espresso, so if you add a double shot, you’ll get a total of 240 milligrams. Be mindful of your caffeine intake to avoid negative effects such as jitteriness or a “crash” later in the day. To decrease the amount of caffeine, but still get that red eye drink coffee taste, you can opt for decaf coffee.
What is the difference between red-eye coffee and black-eye coffee?
The main difference between red-eye coffee and black-eye coffee is the number of espresso shots added. A red-eye typically has one shot of espresso, while a black-eye contains two shots for a higher caffeine content.
What is a “red-eye flight”?
A red-eye flight refers to a flight that departs late at night and arrives early the next morning. The term “red-eye” is often associated with the need for a caffeine boost, which is why the red-eye coffee drink, known for its high caffeine content, shares the name.
How do I make a stronger red-eye coffee?
To make a stronger red-eye coffee, simply increase the number of espresso shots. You can also experiment with different types of coffee beans, such as using a dark roast for a bolder flavor, or try brewing your coffee with a moka pot for a more concentrated brew.
Red-eye coffee is the perfect drink for coffee lovers and coffee enthusiast who need a serious caffeine boost. Whether you’re facing a long shift at work, preparing for a red-eye flight, or just need an extra kick to get through the day, this simple yet powerful coffee drink will provide all the energy you need. With its bold, robust flavor and high caffeine content, this cup of red eye coffee is sure to become your new favorite go-to drink. So next time you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, make this red-eye coffee recipe and enjoy a strong, flavorful cup that will keep you going!
