Unlike traditional coffee, a doppio espresso comes in a much smaller serving and contains a rich, velvety taste that is distinctly characteristic of espresso.
A doppio espresso is simply a double shot of espresso served in a slightly larger cup.
The traditional doppio espresso, a short drink initially popularized in the 1980s, is originally Italian, brewed using fine espresso coffee grounds, and served worldwide in coffee bars and cafes.
Let's go more in-depth now!
Where does the term 'doppio espresso' come from?
The term 'doppio espresso' is originally an Italian phrase that simply means 'double espresso.'
In Italian, the word 'espresso' originates from the Italian word esprimere, which literally means to press out or express.
This may stem from how espresso is made, which uses very finely ground coffee beans to create the rich, creamy texture that is unique to espresso.
A brief history of the espresso
Although espresso was only created in the 19th century, coffee is an age-old concept that has always been culturally significant.
Interestingly, when coffee first arrived in Italy in the late 18th century, the Catholic Church initially claimed that drinking coffee was associated with devil worshippers, and its ability to energize its consumers was widely discouraged among religious citizens.
The very first espresso dates all the way back to the late 19th century (1884, to be exact).
The first mention of this phenomenon came from Angelo Moriondo, who patented the first steam-operated coffee machine.
This machine, created by Moriondo, pushed water through coffee grounds and brewed coffee using a steam mechanism, and was indeed the first machine of its kind to be patented.
However, although this machine signified an apparent breakthrough for coffee lovers throughout Europe, the beverage would require an additional twenty years of development before gaining fame.
In time, the name Angelo Moriondo has disappeared into a faint memory, but in fact, it is he who we must credit for the invention of the coffee machine.
Who were the original creators of the espresso?
After Angelo Moriondo patented his steam-powered coffee machine, two eager inventors emerged: Luigi Bezzerra and Desiderio Pavoni.
Bezzerra and Pavoni were genius marketers who showcased the world's first single-shot espresso machine at a fair in Milan in 1906.
They had improved upon Angelo Moriondo's pressure and steam invention, and their machine created bitter, rich espresso shots, the very first of its kind.
Over time, the popularity of Bezzerra and Pavoni's machines surged, and people across Europe sought to create new and innovative ways to make and enjoy the popular beverage.
After the two coffee entrepreneurs had left their mark with the espresso machine, Pier Arduino followed in their footsteps, marketing the caffeinated beverage as a product of high society.
Finally, in 1938, a barista from Milan named Achille Gaggia developed the espresso machine as we know it today, introducing the popular espresso machines with which we are familiar.
The evolution of the espresso: a worldwide phenomenon
Over the next 100 years, the concept of espresso increased across Europe and beyond. Eventually, as technology improved and more machines were designed, the espresso became one of the most popular beverages of our time.
The more modern equipment needed to make espresso now includes espresso machines powered by pumps, automatic espresso machines, semi-automatic espresso machines, and espresso grinders.
Due to substantial technological advancements, the espresso machine has become one of the most sought-after appliances globally.
Nowadays, the concept of a single espresso (solo) seems insufficient for the busy working person, as it may not provide enough caffeine.
Therefore, the doppio espresso became vastly popular throughout Europe and North America.
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the company that made the doppio espresso so fashionable was the coffee conglomerate Starbucks.
In the early 1990s, in Seattle (the birthplace of Starbucks), the company began to market the drink as a compromise between a single espresso and a whole coffee; a genius move.
The cultural significance of the doppio espresso
It is relatively unsurprising that espresso holds enormous cultural significance in Italy and many parts of Europe and the United States.
However, you may be surprised to learn that the doppio espresso itself is not particularly common in Italy.
On the contrary, Italians tend to prefer a single shot of espresso instead of a double shot.
In the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and many other countries, the doppio espresso remains extraordinarily popular, particularly in areas with Starbucks locations.
Additionally, in many places in central Europe, a double espresso is the norm; therefore, in many cases, you do not have to specify that you wish to have a doppio espresso.
Misconceptions about doppio espresso
Very often, the doppio espresso (or double espresso) is confused with a long espresso. A long espresso (or lungo espresso) is mainly similar to a doppio espresso.
Still, it includes added hot water after the coffee has been made, resulting in a longer drink; hence, the name, of course.
That being said, a doppio espresso requires significantly less water to make than a regular coffee, typically using around 50 ml (1.69 oz) of water.
A little-known fact about the doppio espresso is that it is also the fastest caffeinated beverage to make.
On average, espresso can be brewed in under 30 seconds, while more traditional coffee takes about six minutes to brew.
Furthermore, if you're ever “pressed” for time, an espresso is the way to go.
Another little-known fact is that espresso often tends to be slightly more acidic than traditionally brewed coffee, which is why doppio espressos can be incredibly bitter.
How to make a doppio espresso
The doppio espresso is very simple to make, assuming, of course, that you have the right equipment.
You'll need a decent espresso machine and high-quality ground coffee beans to make it properly.
Before we dive into the how-tos of making espresso, let's discuss the types of coffee grounds you'll need and the available brewing methods.
Espresso grounds
The coffee grounds you need to make espresso are, in fact, the same as those you would need to make a regular coffee.
The only real difference is that the beans you use to make espresso need to be very finely ground to enable the espresso to reach that rich, flavorful spice that is so distinctive of espresso:
When using these fine coffee grounds, an espresso machine is characterized by its use of very high pressure to ensure all that lovely flavor gets into your coffee.
In the average cup of doppio espresso, around 14 g (0.49 oz) of coffee powder is needed, and approximately 50 ml (1.69 oz) of water is used with each serving.
It should go without saying that the best doppio espresso should be made with the best coffee grounds, so if you are making a doppio espresso from the comfort of your own home, be sure to use the freshest coffee grounds possible.
In addition, the coffee beans you use to make the doppio espresso should be slightly darker than those used to make regular coffee, as this extra dark roast:
If you want to learn more about the difference, you can check out the difference between espresso beans and coffee beans in this article.
Espresso machines: how to choose the best machine for your needs
We've all thought it: having an espresso machine at home can be quite literally a lifesaver.
You no longer have to wait in a queue at your nearest coffee bar to get your hands on your morning espresso; now you can have it at home.
With the advancement of technology, there are now numerous brands and types of espresso machines to choose from.
There are some hefty price tags at the top end of the range, to be sure, with the top machines coming at a somewhat eye-watering price of around $1000.
Built-in features such as milk frothers and WiFi controls often hike up the cost of the espresso machine.
However, there are indeed some very affordable machines, and fortunately, there is something for just about every budget.
Additionally, you can be assured that, although an espresso machine may be a significant investment, it will ultimately save you money in the long run.
The best way to choose the espresso machine that is right for you is to determine which features you need in your device.
For example, if you decide to determine the strength of your espresso, this may change the price.
Along the same vein, if you would like a machine that can produce two espresso servings simultaneously, the price will likely be higher.
However, as I mentioned, there are many alternatives available for those with a tight budget.
For example, this DeLonghi Espresso and Cappuccino Machine comes at a very reasonable price.
If you're looking for a touchscreen control panel that allows you to choose between espresso and other types of coffee, then this Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker might be best for you.
Choosing a suitable machine is paramount to the quality and taste of a doppio espresso, so be sure to select the right one for your needs.
Final thoughts
There are so many beautiful things about coffee, but the doppio espresso is most certainly the king of caffeinated beverages.
With its convenient design and budget-friendly qualities, it is not surprising that it is now one of the most popular drinks in the world.
If you like brewing espresso coffee at home, you might want to check out the easy-to-make recipes below!
