Doppio facts for kids
A doppio is a popular type of espresso coffee. It's basically a "double shot" of espresso. This means it uses twice the amount of ground coffee compared to a regular single shot. When you order a doppio, you get about 60 milliliters (which is about 2 fluid ounces) of strong, rich coffee. The word doppio comes from the Italian language and simply means "double."
In most coffee shops outside of Italy, a doppio is the standard size for an espresso. It's often used in barista competitions to judge the quality of espresso because it's a consistent and reliable measure.
What is a Doppio?
A doppio is made using a special part of an espresso machine called a portafilter. This portafilter holds the ground coffee. For a doppio, baristas use a larger basket in the portafilter to fit more coffee.
When the hot water is pushed through this larger amount of coffee, it creates a stronger and larger drink. It's like getting two regular espressos in one cup! This makes it a great choice if you love the strong taste of espresso or need an extra boost.
Doppio vs. Solo Espresso
You might hear about a "solo" espresso. A solo is a single shot of espresso. It was created a long time ago because older espresso machines could only handle a smaller amount of coffee at once.
Today, most coffee shops make doppios as their standard espresso. If someone wants a solo shot, baristas often make a doppio first. They use a portafilter that has two spouts, which means it can pour two streams of espresso at once. They might then only serve one of those streams as a solo. The other stream might be used for another drink or simply not served.
Why is Doppio Standard?
The doppio became the standard because it offers a more consistent and balanced flavor. It's also easier for baristas to make a double shot accurately. This consistency is very important, especially in coffee competitions where every detail matters.
When baristas compete, they often make four single espressos using two double portafilters. This shows how skilled they are at making perfect, identical shots. The doppio has become a symbol of quality and precision in the world of coffee.