How do I make a red eye coffee at home?

The red eye is a classic coffee drink designed for those who need an extra kick of caffeine. It is essentially a 'supercharged' cup of coffee, combining the brewing methods of drip coffee and espresso. The name is said to refer to the 'red-eye' flights that keep passengers awake through the night, and the drink serves a similar purpose for the coffee drinker.

To make one, start by brewing your favorite drip coffee as you normally would. While the coffee is brewing, prepare a single shot of espresso. Once both are ready, simply pour the espresso shot directly into the cup of drip coffee. The result is a drink that has the volume of a standard mug but the added intensity and caffeine content of an espresso shot.

Variations of this drink exist for those who need even more energy. A 'black eye' consists of two shots of espresso added to drip coffee, while a 'dead eye' or 'triple red eye' uses three shots. When preparing these, consider the flavor profile of both the drip coffee and the espresso. Using a light-roast drip coffee with a dark-roast espresso can create an interesting contrast, but many people prefer using a consistent roast profile across both to ensure the flavors complement each other rather than clashing.

In practice, the red eye is a great way to utilize leftover espresso or to customize your morning routine. Because you are combining two different extraction methods, you get the best of both worlds: the smooth, clean body of a drip coffee and the concentrated, syrupy intensity of espresso. Just be mindful of the caffeine content, as this drink is significantly more potent than a standard cup of coffee.