How many grams of coffee for a double shot?

In the world of espresso, the 'double shot'—or doppio—has become the industry standard, replacing the single shot as the baseline for most cafe menus. While you might see older references citing 14 grams as the golden rule, modern espresso recipes have evolved. Today, most specialty coffee shops and home baristas utilize a dose between 16 and 20 grams. This shift is largely driven by the design of modern portafilter baskets, which are engineered to handle larger volumes of coffee to produce a more complex, full-bodied extraction.

Determining your ideal espresso dose is not just about picking a number; it is about understanding your equipment. The capacity of your portafilter basket is the primary constraint. If you overfill the basket, the coffee grounds will press against the shower screen, potentially causing uneven water flow and channeling. Conversely, under-dosing can lead to a watery, thin extraction that lacks the syrupy mouthfeel characteristic of a well-pulled shot. Many baristas now use a precision scale to measure their coffee grounds weight to the tenth of a gram, ensuring consistency across every pull.

Beyond the dose itself, the relationship between your input and output—the brew ratio—is what truly defines the final cup. A common starting point is a 1:2 ratio, meaning 18 grams of dry coffee should yield approximately 36 grams of liquid espresso. This ratio provides a reliable framework for balancing strength and flavor. However, this is merely a starting point; different roast levels and bean origins may require slight adjustments to the dose or yield to highlight specific flavor notes.

Ultimately, the 'best' dose is the one that tastes best to you. If your espresso tastes sour or thin, you might consider increasing your dose or grinding finer. If it tastes overly bitter or harsh, a slightly lower dose or a coarser grind might be the solution. By keeping your dose consistent and adjusting only one variable at a time, you can master your espresso recipe and achieve cafe-quality results at home.