Black Eye Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, Recipe, and Origin

A black eye coffee is brewed drip coffee with two espresso shots and about 221 mg of caffeine. Black eye coffee recipes use about 8 fl oz (240 ml) of strong drip coffee. One black eye coffee is safe for most healthy adults, but two exceed the 400 mg daily limit. Close relatives include one-shot red eye coffee and three-shot dead eye coffee. The black eye coffee flavor is bold, intense and noticeably bitter. Common black eye coffee variations include added syrups, sweeteners, milk, ice or decaf coffee. Black eye coffee developed from red eye coffee, though no first maker is documented. People drink black eye coffee for early shifts and long drives, at least 6 hours before bed.

What Is a Black Eye Coffee?

A black eye coffee is a cup of brewed drip coffee with two shots of espresso poured into it. In a black eye coffee, the drip coffee provides the volume and the familiar flavor base.

Inside a black eye coffee, the two espresso shots add concentration, body and extra caffeine. Espresso is made when nearly boiling water is forced under pressure through finely ground, compacted coffee. Brewed coffee is made slowly by drip, filter, French press, moka pot or percolator.

A traditional black eye coffee is served black, with no milk or sweetener. Without milk or sweetener, a black eye coffee tastes mainly of coffee and espresso. The name black eye coffee refers only to the number of espresso shots. Any cup size or bean with exactly two espresso shots in drip coffee counts as a black eye coffee.

How to Make Black Eye Coffee?

To make black eye coffee, add two espresso shots to strong drip coffee and follow the 5 steps below. The espresso shots go in last, so they stay hot and keep their crema.

1. Brew about 8 fl oz (240 ml) of strong drip coffee by any filter method. A strong drip base balances the espresso, while a weak one tastes diluted.
2. Preheat the mug with hot water. A cold cup absorbs heat from the small espresso shots and the drip base, so preheating keeps the drink hot.
3. Pull two espresso shots right before combining. Fresh espresso shots keep their heat and crema, but pulling them requires an espresso machine or a home substitute.
4. Pour both shots into the brewed coffee. Pouring the concentrated espresso into the larger volume starts to blend the layers.
5. Stir gently and serve at once. A gentle stir blends the layers, while a long wait lets the crema fade.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standard drip ratio is 55 g of coffee per 1 kg of water. That equals about 1.9 oz of coffee per 2.2 lb of water. For home drip brewers, the SCA brewing temperature specification is 90 to 96 degrees C (194 to 205 degrees F).

The basic black eye coffee recipe uses a 4:1 ratio of brewed coffee to espresso by volume. That ratio means 8 ounces of brewed coffee to 2 ounces of espresso.

What Is Needed to Make a Black Eye Coffee?

To make a black eye coffee, the shots require an espresso machine, Moka pot or AeroPress, plus a burr grinder. The drip base requires a drip coffee maker, pour-over cone or French press, and a mug and a spoon.

Medium-ground coffee suits the drip base, while finely ground coffee suits the espresso shots. A double espresso uses 14 to 18 g (0.49 to 0.63 oz) of ground coffee. That dose matches the heritage Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) standard. The yield is 50 to 70 ml (1.7 to 2.4 fl oz). That double espresso yield is twice the SCAA single shot of 25 to 35 ml (0.85 to 1.2 fl oz).

A Moka pot and an AeroPress brew a strong, concentrated coffee at far lower pressure than an espresso machine. Moka pot and AeroPress shots have little or no crema. Unlike a standard percolator, the Moka pot never sends brewed coffee back through the grounds. Adler began prototyping the AeroPress in 2004 to reduce acidity and bitterness in coffee. The French press is a brewing device patented by Italian designer Attilio Calimani in 1929.

A burr grinder produces the even, fine ground coffee that espresso shots need. A blade grinder chops unevenly. Shots pulled from blade-ground coffee taste bitter and sour at once.

Which Coffee Beans Are Best for Black Eye Coffee?

The best black eye coffee beans are a medium-dark or dark espresso-roast blend for the shots. Espresso roast beans suit the shots, with a medium roast for the drip base. Freshly roasted whole beans ground just before brewing are the next best choice.

Espresso roast beans are roasted for a concentrated extraction. Medium-dark to dark roasts have the body to balance two shots, while light roasts tend to taste acidic. Medium roast beans keep the drip base smooth, and dark roast beans give the shots a robust intensity.

Robusta (Coffea canephora) in an espresso blend adds body, bitterness and a thicker crema. Arabica (Coffea arabica) tastes sweeter and more aromatic. An arabica blend with some robusta adds extra body and crema to a black eye coffee.

Espresso roast beans need rest, because freshly roasted beans release carbon dioxide for several days. Espresso pulled from beans straight off the roaster extracts unevenly, so roasters rest espresso beans before use. Colipse dark roast espresso beans suit the two espresso shots in a black eye coffee.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Black Eye Coffee?

A black eye coffee contains about 221 mg of caffeine in an 8 fl oz (240 ml) serving. Black eye coffee estimates range from roughly 200 to 350 mg, depending on cup size, beans and shot strength.

Caffeine is a stimulant of the methylxanthine class and the most commonly consumed psychoactive drug globally. Brewed coffee contains 96 mg of caffeine per 8 fl oz (237 ml) serving. Espresso contains 63 mg per 1 fl oz (30 ml) serving. The caffeine in a black eye coffee is the sum of both amounts.

A black eye coffee with a 16 fl oz (473 ml) drip base contains roughly 320 mg of caffeine. Espresso averaged 198.6 mg of caffeine per 100 ml (about 3.4 fl oz) in commercial samples. That level was about four times that of the other coffee drinks tested.

A 2018 study by Antonio Derossi measured 64 mg of caffeine in one espresso cup. The same laboratory analysis found 112 mg in a Turkish cup and 316 mg in an American cup. Published black eye coffee totals are sums of average drip and espresso values, not measurements of a real cup.

Why Does Black Eye Coffee Caffeine Content Vary?

Black eye coffee caffeine content depends on brewing method, coffee to water ratio, cup volume, bean species and roast. Brewed coffee alone varies widely from cup to cup.

A 12 fl oz (355 ml) cup of regular brewed coffee ranges from 113 to 247 mg of caffeine. Temperature, pressure and grind affect the caffeine in a brew as well.

Robusta beans contain about 1.4 to 1.8 times more caffeine than arabica beans. Several studies found caffeine highest in lightly roasted coffee. Caffeine then decreases as the roast darkens.

Espresso servings bought at different coffee shops differed 3 to 4 fold in caffeine. A ristretto, a short shot with less water, extracts less caffeine than a normal shot. A lungo, a long shot with more water, extracts more.

What Drinks Are Similar to Black Eye Coffee?

Drinks like black eye coffee include red eye coffee, dead eye coffee, Americano, long black, Caffè Tobio, latte and cappuccino. The eye coffee drinks form one family, named by the number of espresso shots added to drip coffee.

• Red eye coffee: Red eye coffee is drip coffee with one espresso shot. With one shot less than black eye coffee, red eye coffee tastes milder.
• Dead eye coffee: Dead eye coffee is drip coffee with three espresso shots. Of the three eye coffee drinks, dead eye coffee contains the most caffeine.
• Caffè americano: The Americano is the Italian answer to American-style drip coffee. An Americano is espresso diluted with 150 to 400 ml (5 to 14 fl oz) of hot water, which gives a lighter flavor.
• Long black coffee: The long black coffee is a double shot of espresso poured onto hot water. A long black coffee keeps the crema on top but lacks the drip coffee volume of black eye coffee.
• Caffè Tobio: The Caffè Tobio is a version with an equal amount of coffee to espresso. Caffè Tobio is a brewed coffee and espresso mix outside the eye coffee family, with a stronger espresso share.
• Latte and cappuccino: Lattes and cappuccinos are milk-based espresso drinks. In lattes and cappuccinos, texture matters more than caffeine.

A long black coffee is not the same drink as an Americano. A long black coffee is made by pouring espresso onto hot water. A classic Americano is made by adding the hot water to the espresso. Unlike most espresso drinks, eye coffee drinks are shots in drip coffee, with volume and caffeine instead of milk texture.

What Is the Difference Between Black Eye and Red Eye Coffee?

The difference between black eye coffee and red eye coffee is one espresso shot, two against one. A red eye coffee has about 158 mg of caffeine.

A red eye coffee is brewed coffee with 1 shot of espresso added. Red eye coffee tastes milder and closer to regular coffee, while black eye coffee tastes bolder, more bitter and fuller-bodied.

Attribute	Black eye coffee	Red eye coffee
Espresso shots	Two	One
Caffeine	Higher, from the second shot	About 158 mg
Taste and body	Bolder, more bitter, fuller-bodied	Milder, closer to regular coffee

What Is a Dead Eye Coffee?

A dead eye coffee is drip coffee with three espresso shots added. The dead eye coffee contains one more espresso shot than the black eye coffee.

An 8 fl oz (240 ml) dead eye coffee with three 64 mg shots contains about 288 mg of caffeine. Other names for dead eye coffee include green eye, triple red eye and dripped eye.

Is Black Eye Coffee Safe to Drink?

Yes, black eye coffee is safe for most healthy adults to drink, provided the daily total stays under 400 mg. One black eye coffee contains more than half of that daily amount.

The Food and Drug Administration identifies 400 mg a day as not generally associated with negative effects for most adults. Rapidly consuming around 1,200 mg of caffeine can cause toxic effects such as seizures.

A 2017 review by Daniele Wikoff examined studies published from 2001 to June 2015. In that work, 381 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found no overt adverse effects in healthy adults consuming up to 400 mg daily. The findings included cardiovascular, behavioral, reproductive, acute and bone outcomes. The Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences produced that 2017 review.

The liver enzyme CYP1A2 breaks down most caffeine. Genetic differences in CYP1A2 make some people metabolize caffeine more slowly, so they feel the effects for longer. How much caffeine is too much depends on sensitivity, body weight, medications and medical conditions.

How Many Black Eye Coffees Are Safe per Day?

Healthy adults can safely drink one black eye coffee per day, since two black eye coffees exceed 400 mg. The safe caffeine limit is lower during pregnancy, for children and with other caffeine sources.

Health Canada recommends a maximum daily intake of 400 mg for adults 18 and over. The caffeine limit is 300 mg for people planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding. Children and adolescents are limited to 2.5 mg per kg of body weight (about 1.1 mg per lb).

Health Canada based the children's limit on limited data and applied it to adolescents as a precaution. Healthy older and heavier adolescents aged 14 to 18 may consume caffeine like healthy adults. Children and teens are advised to consume less caffeine than adults.

In 2017, Daniele Wikoff found up to 300 mg a day acceptable for healthy pregnant women. A peer-reviewed study, in line with European Food Safety Authority advice, names a 200 mg daily limit for pregnancy.

Single doses of caffeine up to 200 mg are not a safety concern. That dose equals about 3 mg per kg (1.4 mg per lb) for a 70 kg (154 lb) adult.

Ryan C Emadi in the journal Nutrients linked three to five cups of coffee per day with reduced overall mortality. Tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate and caffeine supplements count toward the same daily total as black eye coffees.

What Are the Side Effects of Too Much Black Eye Coffee?

Too much black eye coffee causes a fast heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, an upset stomach, headache and dependence. Excess caffeine causes each of these side effects.

• Fast heart rate and palpitations: Too much caffeine raises heart rate and blood pressure. High caffeine intake can cause heart palpitations.
• Insomnia: Excess caffeine causes insomnia and disrupted sleep. Insomnia is among the most reported effects in heavy caffeine users.
• Anxiety and jitters: Anxiety, jitters, restlessness and shakiness are common signs of too much caffeine. These signs result from the anxiogenic-like effects of caffeine.
• Upset stomach and nausea: Upset stomach and nausea appear with excessive caffeine intake. Gastrointestinal upset is among the most reported effects in energy drink users.
• Headache: Headache appears with excessive caffeine intake. During withdrawal, headache can return as well.
• Dependence and withdrawal: Daily heavy intake causes physical dependence. Skipping the usual caffeine can then cause withdrawal headache, tiredness and low mood for a few days.

Simone Cappelletti in Current Neuropharmacology named adenosine antagonism, intracellular calcium mobilization and phosphodiesterase inhibition as caffeine mechanisms. Adenosine receptors in the brain are the principal target of caffeine. Coffee and caffeine raise heart contractility and rate, and they stimulate locomotor activity with anxiogenic-like effects. That same work reports that caffeine abuse and dependence are becoming more common and can lead to intoxication.

A 2021 meta-analysis by Ibrahim M Nadeem at McMaster University examined adverse events in adult energy drink users. Jitteriness, restlessness or shaking hands affected 29.8%, insomnia 24.7% and gastrointestinal upset 21.6%.

Nanci S Guest from the University of Toronto linked very high caffeine doses to a high incidence of side effects. One example is 9 mg per kg body mass (about 4.1 mg per lb).

What Does Black Eye Coffee Taste Like?

Black eye coffee tastes bold, intense and noticeably bitter. The black eye coffee gets roasted, chocolatey and smoky notes from the double espresso.

In a black eye coffee, the espresso gives a thicker, fuller body and a richer mouthfeel than plain drip coffee. Espresso-style extractions taste more roasted and bitter, while filter coffee and French press taste more balanced and sweet.

A darker roast level makes a black eye coffee more bitter and smoky. Lighter roasts taste brighter and more acidic.

A black eye coffee tastes sharper near the bottom than in the first hot sips. As the cup cools, acidity and bitterness become easier to taste.

What Are the Variations of Black Eye Coffee?

The variations of black eye coffee are flavored, sweetened, stronger, decaf or half-caf, milky and iced versions. Flavored and sweetened versions are the most common black eye coffee tweaks.

• Flavored black eye coffee: Flavored syrups such as vanilla, hazelnut or caramel and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg go into the cup. The black eye coffee becomes a cafe-style beverage and loses its plain coffee character.
• Sweetened black eye coffee: Sugar or honey softens the strong espresso edge. The sweetened cup is then no longer a traditional unsweetened black eye coffee.
• Stronger black eye coffee: Cutting the drip coffee to 6 fl oz (180 ml), or even 4 fl oz (120 ml), strengthens the espresso flavor. The two espresso shots stay the same, so the black eye coffee holds less volume.
• Decaf or half-caf black eye coffee: Decaffeinated coffee goes into one or both parts. Decaf reduces the caffeine in a black eye coffee but never removes all of it.
• Black eye coffee with milk: Milk or cream goes into the finished drink. The milk softens the bitterness, but the black eye coffee is no longer served black.
• Iced black eye coffee: The black eye coffee goes over ice or onto a cold brew base. Melting ice can thin an iced black eye coffee.

A 2006 study by Rachel R McCusker found 3.0 to 15.8 mg per decaffeinated espresso shot from one outlet. Decaffeinated coffee from 10 outlets contained 0 to 13.9 mg per 16 fl oz serving. A decaf black eye coffee is therefore low in caffeine but not caffeine-free. A half-caf black eye coffee uses decaf drip coffee with regular espresso, or the reverse. That combination reduces the caffeine and keeps the flavor.

Can Milk Be Added to Black Eye Coffee?

Yes, milk can be added to black eye coffee to soften its bitterness, although the caffeine stays the same. Milk, half-and-half and creamer are all options, and plant-based milk suits a dairy-free cup.

Milk or cream reduces the bitterness of black eye coffee and gives a smoother cup. Milk dilutes the black eye coffee and softens the taste but leaves the total caffeine in the cup unchanged.

Can Black Eye Coffee Be Served Iced?

Yes, black eye coffee can be served iced, with hot or iced drip coffee poured over ice. A cold brew base can replace the hot drip coffee in an iced black eye coffee.

Cold brew is coffee made by steeping grounds in water at cool temperatures for an extended period. The SCA describes it as a long, slow, usually immersion brew lasting 4 to 24 hours. Iced coffee and espresso drinks, by contrast, are brewed hot and then chilled with ice.

A cold brew base is smoother and less acidic, which softens the concentrated espresso in an iced black eye coffee. A controlled sensory study supported by the Coffee Science Foundation found some validity to cold brew being less acidic. The choice of coffee affected the flavor more than the brew temperature did.

Using more ice or shots cooled first prevents a watery iced black eye coffee. Hot espresso shots poured straight onto ice melt some of the ice and thin the black eye coffee.

Where Did Black Eye Coffee Originate?

Black eye coffee originated as an extension of red eye coffee, though no first maker is documented. Black eye coffee is red eye coffee with a second espresso shot added.

Red eye coffee is named after overnight red-eye flights whose passengers get little sleep. An older nickname for black eye coffee is double shot in the dark. No source documents a first maker, place or date for black eye coffee. The origin stories remain unconfirmed theories.

Dunkin' uses the name turbo for coffee with added espresso, since coffeehouse chains use their own names. Caribou Coffee, an American coffeehouse chain, holds depth charge as a federally registered trademark.

At Starbucks, a double shot of espresso in the coffee may be termed a black eye. A triple espresso shot at Starbucks is a dead eye coffee.

Why Is Black Eye Coffee Called a Black Eye?

Black eye coffee is called a black eye after the dark ring the two espresso shots leave in the cup. Two other explanations for the name are common.

A second name theory says black eye coffee is so strong it feels like a punch to the face. That punch leaves a black eye. A third explanation links the name to the dark eye circles of people who sleep less to work or study.

When Do People Drink Black Eye Coffee?

People drink black eye coffee for early shifts, long study sessions, night work, deadlines and long drives. The black eye coffee is best in the morning or early afternoon, because a late cup disrupts sleep.

After a black eye coffee, blood caffeine peaks within one hour, and the effects last four to six hours. Taking 400 mg of caffeine 6 hours before bedtime reduced objectively measured sleep by more than 1 hour. Sleep researchers therefore recommend a minimum of 6 hours without substantial caffeine before bed.

Daily black eye coffee drinkers develop tolerance, so the same cup has a weaker effect over time.