Starbucks Espresso Shots: Sizes, Types, and Caffeine Content
Are you an espresso lover wanting to explore more of what Starbucks offers?
You’ve come to the right place!
This article talks about everything, from how many shots of espresso there are in your iced coffee, the roast options, and the different ways it’s made!
Overview of Starbucks Espresso
Espresso is a shot of concentrated caffeine that’s meant to be sipped slowly.
It’s the basic form of coffee, the starting point of every Starbucks cup.
What Are the Starbucks Espresso Shots Sizes and Caffeine Content?
Generally speaking, a shot of espresso should be 1 fluid oz., but you can expect a different shot standard from Starbucks espresso drinks.
Also, note that the caffeine mentioned is only for the standard shot and may vary depending on your preferred roast and espresso shot type.
For example, a blonde roast will have more caffeine than a standard shot dark roast, while a decaf roast will have far less caffeine.
Now let’s break down the options!
Solo
The SOLO contains 1 espresso shot which has 5 calories and has 75 mg of caffeine content. It has 0.75 fluid ounces.
Doppio
The DOPPIO contains two shots, has about 10 calories, 150 mg of caffeine, and totals 1.5 fluid ounces.
Triple
The TRIPLE has 15 calories, 3 espresso shots, 225 mg of caffeine, and is 2.25 fluid ounces.
Quad
The QUAD is the biggest espresso size with 4 shots, 20 calories, 300 mg of caffeine, and 3 fluid oz.
What Are the Starbucks Espresso Shots Options?
Let’s look at the different types of Starbucks espresso shots: Traditional, Ristretto, and Long shots.
Standard Shot
The traditional Starbucks espresso shots are pulled over 18 to 30 seconds on the espresso machine.
This espresso shot has that rich, bold flavor you know and love.
Almost all Starbucks drinks are made with this type of espresso shot.
Ristretto Shots
The word ristretto means “restricted,” which baristas do when making their ristretto shot.
Instead of the traditional 18 to 30-second pull time, the ristretto espresso pull time is “restricted” and cut short.
This ristretto method then results in a shot that has less water, which then produces a sweeter shot flavor and richer espresso texture.
And because it has less water than regular shots, it produces a more concentrated espresso quality.
Ristretto shots also have less caffeine than regular shots, which Starbucks uses to make their Flat White Drink and the Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice drinks.
In the coffee world, the ristretto espresso shot usually has a pull time of no more than 14 seconds.
Long Shot
Now that you have met the ristretto or short shots let’s look at the long shot! The long shot has a longer pull time than the regular shot and uses more water.
And because this espresso shot has more water, it results in a thinner, less concentrated, and slightly more bitter coffee.
Related Reads: Long Shot Compared To Ristretto, Starbucks Caffeine Content
What Are the Espresso Roasts Starbucks Offers?
There are three types of roast options that Starbucks espresso shots use:
Blonde Roast
Also known as Light or Medium roast, the blonde roast of Starbucks espresso shots has a soft, sweeter, and more complex flavor.
It also has a more balanced taste and has more acidity and caffeine than a dark roast. But, It’s still delicious when paired with milk!
Starbucks sources its blonde roast beans from Latin America and East Africa.
Signature Dark Roast
Out of the three types, this roast is the default of almost all Starbucks drinks.
Unless you specifically ask for a different roast type, your barista will use a dark roast for your espresso shots.
This espresso is stronger and bolder than the blonde roast and has a smoky, caramelized sugar flavor and slightly more bitter taste.
Starbucks from Latin America and Asia sources dark roast espresso beans. A single shot of espresso made with it has 75 mg of caffeine.
Decaf Roast
Lastly, we have the decaf espresso beans. This roast will never be used in your Starbucks drinks unless you specifically request it.
It’s best for those who never want to leave the coffee world but still need their sleep, as a single shot of espresso has only 10 mg of caffeine!
You can expect almost the same flavor as its dark variant, which is smoky and caramelized. The beans are also sourced from Latin America and Asia.
The Best Starbucks Espresso Drinks
Here’s a list of a few drinks from the Starbucks menu with lots of espressos!
1) Doppio
Let’s start with the star! You already know the Starbucks Doppio. It’s just a double shot of espresso at 1.5 fluid oz., nothing more!
2) Caramel Macchiato
The Starbucks caramel macchiato is a classic favorite for those who want their coffee sweet and with cream.
It’s brewed with an espresso shot, milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. Then it’s topped with more caramel sauce!
This Starbucks drink is available in both hot and iced. You can also order it upside down if you wish!
3) Espresso Con Panna
If you’d like to capture the rich caffeine of a 1.5 fluid oz espresso without adding more water, you might want to try the Starbucks Espresso Con Panna.
It’s your favorite hot doppio espresso with soft, delicious whipped cream!
4) Flat White
This Starbucks drink uses double ristretto shots, steamed milk, and a layer of milk foam for that creamy coffee goodness!
5) Cappuccino
In search of a creamy, milky Starbucks coffee?
Starbucks Cappuccino is made with rich espresso under a thick foam of milk!
6) Eggnog Latte
If you’re in search of a special holiday cup among the espresso drinks on the Starbucks menu, this is it!
This Starbucks coffee drink is a blend of ristretto espresso, eggnog, and some nutmeg for that perfect holiday nostalgia!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
More questions? We have the answers here!
Does Starbucks Sell Just Espresso Shots?
Yes!
You can order any of the four sizes of espresso shots from all Starbucks stores, just like any other Starbucks drink. You can usually find them at the bottom of the regular menu.
If it’s not on the menu, just ask your barista!
Also, remember that the default espresso drink will be a dark, regular shot unless you specifically tell your barista what you want.
How Many Shots of Espresso Are in a Starbucks Drink?
It depends on the size of your Starbucks drink.
A tall size has only one espresso shot, and a Grande has two shots (with the Americano and shaken espresso having a triple shot).
Meanwhile, a HOT Venti size has the same two espresso shots, with the Americano having four shots.
Since cold drinks include ice that will eventually water down your drink, COLD Venti coffees get a triple shot.
Shaken espresso drinks get an additional shot, totaling four shots of espresso.
Related Read: Drink Sizes At Starbucks
How Much Is 2 Shots of Espresso at a Starbucks store?
The price of a Doppio can vary depending on the location of your Starbucks store, but you can usually expect to purchase it at $3.00 and contain 1.5 fluid oz.
What Does Upside Down Shot Prep Mean?
The upside-down shot prep is just one of the unique coffee services that Starbucks stores offer.
The difference between the original and upside-down recipe is that your coffee drink is prepared in the opposite order of the original Starbucks recipe.
Let’s take the Caramel Macchiato, for example. The usual method is vanilla syrup mixed with espresso, milk, and ice, and finally topped with caramel sauce.
It will be reversed for the upside-down prep, starting from the caramel and ending with the vanilla and espresso.
With an espresso drink, upside-down means the milk is poured into the cup first, and the espresso shots last.
Conclusion
And that’s it for Starbucks espresso! The espresso shots are some of the most popular drinks to get in the market, and rightfully so!
Everyone will have a memorable experience with these shots, and it’s no wonder why it is one of Starbucks’ recommended beverages to intake!
Thank you for reading, and we hope this article has been helpful and informative.
