Welcome to the world of Red Eye coffee, a potent brew that's sure to jolt you awake! This American coffee classic, also known as a 'Shot in the Dark' or 'Black Eye,' originated in the bustling diners of the 1970s. It quickly became a favorite among night shift workers and students pulling all-nighters, thanks to its powerful caffeine punch.
The Red Eye combines the smooth, full-bodied flavor of drip coffee with the intense, concentrated kick of espresso. The key to a perfect Red Eye lies in the quality of both components. We recommend using a medium to dark roast coffee for the drip base, ground to a medium coarseness. For the espresso shot, opt for a dark roast with chocolatey or nutty notes to complement the drip coffee. The result is a harmonious blend that's both flavorful and invigorating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the Red Eye! Here's why this coffee concoction will become your new favorite:
- Powerful Energy Boost: The combination of drip coffee and espresso provides a substantial caffeine kick to jumpstart your day.
- Rich, Complex Flavor: The blend of two coffee brewing methods creates a depth of flavor that's both bold and nuanced.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the strength by adding more or less espresso to suit your taste preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to make at home or order at your local coffee shop for a rapid energy fix.
Red Eye Coffee
Equipment
- Drip coffee maker or pour-over setup
- Espresso machine or moka pot
- Coffee grinder
- Large mug
- Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 8 oz (240 ml) freshly brewed drip coffee
- 1 shot (1 oz or 30 ml) espresso
Instructions
- Brew 8 oz (240 ml) of drip coffee using your preferred method.
- Pull a shot of espresso using an espresso machine or moka pot.
- Pour the freshly brewed drip coffee into a large mug.
- Carefully add the shot of espresso to the drip coffee.
- Stir gently to combine the two coffees.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Red Eye coffee while it's hot!