If you were ever wondering how big is an espresso cup this post will help you.
The standard, single-shot size of an espresso cup is typically 2.7 ounces (or 80 milliliters). However, some espresso cups can vary in size, ranging from 1.5 to even 4 ounces.
It’s important to note that the volume of an espresso shot itself is usually around 1 to 1.5 ounces, but the extra space in the cup is needed to accommodate the crema (which is the creamy foam that forms on top of the espresso shot).
Now that you know what the standard size of an espresso cup let’s jump on some different variations as there’s much more to discover than only the single shot size.
How Many OZ of Coffee Fits In An Espresso Cup?
How big is a shot of espresso? It depends! As I mentioned earlier there are some variations on the espresso itself. Let’s just have a deeper look at those examples to see how espresso size may differ.
The most popular single-shot alternatives are:
- Double espresso
- Ristretto
- Double ristretto
- Lungo
Double espresso
Also known as “doppio espresso” is a coffee drink made by using a double shot of espresso in a single cup.
A double espresso is a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger coffee. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.
If you are wondering how big a double espresso is then the answer is that it’s usually 2oz large (60ml)
Ristretto
Ristretto is a coffee drink that is similar to a regular espresso but with a difference in the extraction process. Like an espresso shot, a ristretto shot is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, but with less water and more pressure than a regular espresso shot.
All this results in a smaller and more concentrated shot of coffee that is typically around 0.5 oz (15 ml)
Double Ristretto
A double ristretto is made by using twice the amount of coffee (14-18 grams) as a standard ristretto shot and extracting approximately 1 ounce of coffee. This results in a more concentrated and flavorful shot, with less bitterness and acidity than a regular espresso shot.
Double ristrettos can be enjoyed on their own or used as a base for other coffee drinks such as macchiatos or cortados.
Lungo
Also known as “Americano” coffee. It’s just espresso with a much higher water content. The usual ratio is about 1:2 which means that for 30ml of espresso, you add 60ml of water
The usual espresso-to-water ratio in an Americano is 1:2 which means about 1-2 oz (30 to 45 ml) espresso to 3-4oz (60-100 ml) water.
Have a look side by side at those values in the table I’ve prepared for you:
| Coffee type | Size in oz | Size in ml |
| A single shot of espresso | 1 oz | 30 ml |
| Double espresso | 2 oz | 60 ml |
| Ristretto | 0.5 oz | 15 ml |
| Double ristretto | 1 oz | 30 ml |
| Americano / Lungo | 4 to 6 oz | 90 to 145 ml |
Why Are Espresso Cups So Small?
The answer to this question is in the way how espresso is prepared.
Espresso is a highly concentrated form of coffee, made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure.
Because of the intensity of the flavor, a small amount of espresso is all that is needed to create a satisfying coffee experience.
The next reason is that espresso also has a layer of crema on top, which is also an important part of the espresso experience. The small size of the cup helps to preserve this layer of crema, otherwise, the crema would spread out, become very thin, and quickly disappear.
A lack of crema would cause the espresso to become cold more quickly and to truly enjoy espresso you should taste it with small sips.
Last but not least is tradition. Espresso originated in Italy, where it is typically served in small cups as a quick shot of caffeine. This tradition has carried over into other parts of the world, where espresso is still often served in small cups.
What to Consider When Buying an Espresso Cup?
If you’re new to espresso coffee, you may wonder what to consider when buying an espresso cup. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
Size: Traditional espresso cups (also called demitasse cups) are typically small. If you are just starting your journey with espresso the “single-shot” should be enough for you therefore I’d go with the traditional white espresso cup.
Material: Espresso cups can be made of various materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. Ceramic cups are the traditional ones that will provide the best, flavor-rich experience. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is the most durable material (and is also environmentally friendly according to Eagle Tube). That means when deciding on this option you can make sure it will be a long-lasting experience.
Design: Espresso cups come in various designs and styles, from classic to modern. Consider the overall aesthetics of the cup and how it fits your personal style.
Set or Single Cup: Do you need a single cup or a set of cups? If you frequently entertain guests, a set of espresso cups may be a better choice. But if you’re the only coffee drinker in your household, a single cup may be sufficient.
By considering these factors, you can choose an espresso cup that fits your personal preferences and enhances your espresso-drinking experience.
Some Questions You May Have
How Many Shots of Espresso Will Fit In an 8 oz Cup?
You can fit 5 to 8 espresso shots in an 8oz cup as despite the cup espresso itself is usually around 1 to 1.5 ounces
What Size Cup Should I Get For Double Espresso?
For double espresso, you will be fine with a regular demitasse cup as it is designed for both single and double espresso shots.
How Many Ounces Is a Triple Shot of Espresso?
A triple shot of espresso is 3 ounces (or 90 ml)
My Final Thoughts
Now you know how many ounces is a single, double, or even triple espresso shot. You’ve learned why espresso cups are so small and what to pay attention to when picking a set of cups for your household.
I hope this post was useful for you but let me know if you have any questions that weren’t answered.
