Red Eye Coffee: Definition, Types, Caffeine, and Brewing Guide
Updated - Team Colipse
Red Eye coffee is a bold American drink that blends drip coffee and a shot of espresso to boost caffeine and energy. The term “Red Eye” coffee is named after overnight flights because it symbolizes the fatigue and red eyes passengers often experience. Different types of Red Eye coffee refer to shot count. A Red Eye has one espresso shot, a Black Eye has two, and a Dead Eye has three. The Red Eye coffee delivers bold flavor, heavy body, and rich mouthfeel that’s deeper than drip coffee or an Americano. Red Eye coffee typically contains 160–200 mg of caffeine, though the exact amount varies based on brew strength and espresso shot size. To make Red Eye Coffee at home, brew 6–8 oz of drip coffee and add a 1–1.5 oz shot of espresso made from fresh medium to dark roast Arabica beans. When compared to other drinks, Red Eye coffee is stronger than an Americano or cold brew and differs from a Black Eye by using one espresso shot instead of two.
What is Red Eye Coffee?
A Red Eye coffee is a strong drink made by combining drip coffee with a shot of espresso for extra energy. Drip coffee is brewed by gravity into a standard 8 oz (237 ml) cup, while espresso uses high pressure to produce a concentrated 1 oz (30 ml) shot. The traditional Red Eye coffee unites both methods in a single, bold beverage. Variations like “black eye” or “dead eye” use two or three shots respectively. This extra shot boosts caffeine and creates a stronger flavor than drip alone. It appeals to people who need more caffeine than regular coffee offers but find espresso too small.
Red Eye coffee supports productivity and reflects how Americans use coffee for energy, unlike Europe’s focus on flavor and relaxation. This coffee emerged during the 1990s coffee boom through word of mouth in local shops, often ordered as “coffee with a shot” or a “shot in the dark.” Red Eye coffee appeared on Starbucks’ secret menu, but it was created by everyday coffee drinkers—not invented by big chains. By the late ’90s, it was a common off-menu order across U.S. cafes.
What Does Red Eye Coffee Mean?
The term "Red Eye" in coffee refers to the red, tired eyes of sleepless travelers. The Red Eye is named after overnight “red-eye flights” that leave passengers tired, bloodshot, and needing strong coffee to stay awake. Some versions claim flight attendants made the Red Eye in-flight by mixing leftover coffee with espresso once available on planes. An alternate theory links Red Eye coffee’s name to American diners and red-eye gravy, a Southern sauce made with ham drippings and black coffee. Long-haul truckers may have coined “red eye” to describe dark, strong diner coffee. The following table lists alternative names for Red Eye coffee, along with their associated regions and brief explanations of their origins or meanings.
| Name | Associated Region / Brand | Notes & Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Shot in the Dark | Pacific Northwest, Mountain Southwest | One of the most common alternative names is used interchangeably with Red Eye to describe the single-shot version. |
| Depth Charge | Caribou Coffee (Minnesota) | Famously trademarked by Caribou Coffee in the early 2000s, the name has been legally enforced through cease-and-desist orders sent to smaller cafes. |
| Sludge Cup | Alaska | The name likely refers to the oil industry or the drink’s dark, thick appearance. |
| Hammerhead | California, West Coast | A common regional name for the drink on the West Coast. |
| Oil Spill | Ulysses, Kansas | The name emphasizes the drink’s dark and potent nature with an industrial tone. |
| Turbo Hot Coffee | Dunkin' Donuts | Dunkin' introduced the official, branded name for the drink in 2006. |
| Eye Opener | General | The name clearly communicates the drink’s primary function using a straightforward description. |
| Foglifter | General | The name suggests the drink’s power to clear a tired mind and cut through mental fog. |
| Devil's Crowbar | General | The name reflects the drink’s powerful, jolting effect on the system with an intense, menacing tone. |
What are the Different Types of Red Eye Coffee?
Different types of Red Eye coffee refer to variations that include extra espresso shots or alternate preparations. A Red Eye has one shot, a Black Eye has two, and a Dead Eye has three. Variants like iced Red Eye and Red Eye lattes also exist, combining espresso with cold or milk-based formats. The most common types are listed below.
- Red Eye Coffee
- Black Eye Coffee
- Dead Eye Coffee
- Lazy Eye Coffee
- Iced Red Eye Coffee
- Red Eye Latte
1. Red Eye Coffee
Red Eye coffee is a strong, caffeinated drink made by adding a shot of espresso to drip-brewed coffee. This is the original and foundational drink from "eye" family. To make it, brew 8 oz of drip filter coffee and add a 1 oz espresso shot. Stir gently to mix. While traditionally served black, it can be customized with milk, sugar, or flavored syrups.
2. Black Eye Coffee
Black Eye coffee is a stronger Red Eye made by adding two espresso shots to 8 oz of drip coffee. Also known as “double shot in the dark” or “Double Red Eye Coffee,” it’s often labeled a Red Eye in shops where double shots are standard.
3. Dead Eye Coffee
Dead Eye coffee is the strongest variation, made by adding three espresso shots to drip coffee. Also known as "Triple Red Eye Coffee," “Green Eye,” “Purple Eye,” or “triple shot in the dark,” it contains 284–287 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup. The name “Dead Eye” signals extreme caffeine intensity, meant for serious alertness. Brew 8 oz of drip coffee, add three espresso shots (3 oz total), and stir to combine. Balance the bitterness with milk, cream, or syrups like caramel if desired.
4. Lazy Eye Coffee
Lazy Eye coffee is the decaf version of a Red Eye, made by mixing decaf drip coffee with one or two shots of decaf espresso. Also called a “decaf Red Eye,” it provides rich flavor without the caffeine kick. The name “Lazy Eye” signals a milder experience for those avoiding stimulation. To make it, brew 8 oz of decaf drip coffee, add 1–2 oz of decaf espresso, and stir. Customize with milk, oat milk, or vanilla syrup for added richness without caffeine.
5. Iced Red Eye Coffee
Iced Red Eye coffee is a cold version of the Red Eye, made by combining cold drip or cold brew coffee with one shot of espresso. To make Iced Red Eye coffee at home, brew 8 oz of drip coffee and cool it, or use cold brew. Pour over ice, add a 1 oz espresso shot, and stir. Add milk, flavored syrup, or sugar syrup to make it less strong.
6. Red Eye Latte
A Red Eye Latte is a latte made by combining a shot of espresso with brewed drip filter coffee and steamed milk. It blends the bold caffeine kick of a Red Eye with the creamy texture of a traditional latte. It offers both strength and smoothness in one drink. To make a Red Eye Latte, brew 6–8 oz of drip coffee and one shot of espresso, pour it into 2–4 oz of steamed milk, and stir.
What Does Red Eye Coffee Taste Like?
The Red Eye coffee delivers bold flavor, heavy body, and rich mouthfeel that’s deeper than drip coffee or an Americano. When made well, the Red Eye coffee delivers a rich caramel, spice, or dark chocolate flavor, but poor preparation turns it into bitter swill with earthy, unpleasant notes endured solely for caffeine. Espresso adds bitterness to sweet drip coffee, creating a layered texture and heavier body. Espresso oils form a thicker, oily layer over the brewed surface. The taste of a Red Eye coffee depends on bean selection, roast level, espresso quantity, and additives. Using the same beans for drip and espresso creates a more balanced flavor, while mixing beans often results in muddiness. Adding milk or sugar can soften the drink’s intensity and improve palatability.
How Much Caffeine is in a Red Eye Coffee?
A Red Eye coffee contains about 160 to 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per serving. This includes roughly 95 mg from an 8 oz cup of drip coffee and 63 to 75 mg from a single 1 oz shot of espresso. A double Red Eye coffee contains about 200–250 mg of caffeine from two espresso shots plus drip coffee. A triple Red Eye can reach 300–350 mg. The exact amount varies by bean type, brew strength, serving size, and other factors like roast level and extraction method.
The caffeine content in Red Eye coffee depends on how the espresso and drip coffee are brewed. For example, a 2007 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology by Ben Desbrow found that a 30 ml espresso shot contains an average of 106 mg of caffeine, with amounts ranging from 68 mg to 144 mg across coffee shops. A 2024 study published in Nutrients by Regina Ewa Wierzejska from the National Institute of Public Health in Poland found that homemade drip coffee prepared with one teaspoon of ground coffee averaged just 23 mg of caffeine per serving. In contrast, takeaway drip coffees averaged around 69 mg per serving, with some reaching over 200 mg.
Caffeine in Red Eye coffee is generally safe for healthy adults if limited to one or two servings per day. Exceeding 400 mg, which is an upper daily limit recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may cause side effects like jitters, anxiety, or heart issues, especially in pregnant people or those sensitive to caffeine.
How to Make a Red Eye Coffee at Home?
To make Red Eye Coffee at home, follow the four steps recipe below.
- Brew a cup of drip coffee: Start by brewing a regular cup of black coffee using your preferred method. Use 6–8 ounces and brew it stronger if you prefer bold coffee, as this forms the Red Eye base.
- Pull a shot of espresso: Use an espresso machine to make a 1–1.5 ounce shot. If unavailable, improvise with an AeroPress or Moka pot to brew strong coffee. The goal is to create a concentrated coffee extract.
- Combine the espresso with the coffee: Once you have brewed coffee in a mug, pour in the hot espresso shot and stir gently. This creates a Red Eye coffee. Use a pre-warmed mug to help the drink stay hot.
- Customize to taste and serve: Drink it straight for the classic Red Eye, or adjust with milk, cream, or sweetener. To make an iced version, use cold brew or iced coffee as the base and pour a cooled espresso shot over ice.
What are the Best Coffee Beans for Red Eye Coffee?
The best coffee beans for Red Eye coffee are specialty grade, medium to dark roast Arabica beans from countries like Colombia, Ethiopia, or Guatemala. Colombian beans from high altitute regions like Huila, Nariño, or Tolima offer a smooth, balanced flavor that complements both espresso and drip coffee. Dry processed Ethiopian beans dry with the fruit intact, allowing sugars and fruit flavors to absorb into the coffee. This method produces bright, fruity notes that add complexity to a Red Eye coffee. Guatemalan beans from Huehuetenango, Antigua, or Cobán add rich, sweet, chocolatey depth that makes the drink bold without adding bitterness. Choose specialty brands like Colipse that roast beans to order. Freshness preserves flavor, aroma, and depth. Beans lose quality within days, so on-demand roasting give you peak taste in every cup.
Where to Buy Coffee Beans for Red Eye Coffee?
You can buy suitable coffee beans for Red Eye coffee from grocery stores, coffee shops, or online retailers. Local roasters offer the fresh beans and can suggest blends for espresso and drip. Specialty coffee stores like Colipse sell roasted to order coffee beans with custom roast levels, grind sizes, airtight packaging, and traceable sourcing to ensure top-tier flavor and consistency. Our coffee beans come in light, medium, and dark roasts, with blends for espresso and single origins for drip. Choose whole bean or ground in coarse, medium, or fine grinds, compatible with drip or espresso machines, or grind fresh before brewing. Our beans start at $20.50 for 12 oz or $46.50 for 2 lb, with free U.S. shipping via USPS or FedEx.
What’s the Best Coffee Shop to Order a Red Eye Coffee?
There isn’t one single “best” coffee shop for a Red Eye as almost any coffee shop can make this coffee. Just ask for a Red Eye or “black filter coffee with an extra shot” and most baristas will prepare it. Local cafes also make Red Eyes on request, even if not listed on the menu. Any shop with quality espresso and fresh coffee can make a good Red Eye. Third-wave cafes may offer better flavor due to bean quality and brewing care. At most cafes, a medium Red Eye costs between $2.50 and $3.50. It’s usually drip coffee plus $0.75 to $1.00 for the espresso shot. At Starbucks, prices vary by size, but a Venti Red Eye typically costs around $3.14, while smaller sizes like a Tall may cost $2 to $2.50.
How does Red Eye Coffee Compare to Other Coffee Drinks?
Red Eye coffee is stronger than most coffee drinks due to its combination of drip filter coffee and an espresso shot. Compared to an Americano, it's bolder with more caffeine. Cold brew is smoother and often less acidic. Lungo is less intense but espresso-based. Cappuccino is creamier and milk-heavy.
What is the Difference between Red Eye and Black Eye Coffee?
The main difference between Red Eye and Black Eye coffee is the number of espresso shots added. A Red Eye has one shot of espresso mixed with drip coffee, while a Black Eye has two, making it stronger and more caffeinated.