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Sometimes known as a ‘shot in the dark’, a Red Eye Coffee is a highly-caffeinated concoction which combines the richness of coffee with the boost of espresso. It may have gained a reputation among college students doing all-nighters, hence the name, however, this beverage may pleasantly surprise you with its perfectly-balanced flavours and its ability to provide you with an extra jolt of energy in the mornings. If you’re wondering how to make a red eye coffee at home, keep on reading to find out.

Equipment

In order to make a proper red eye coffee from home, you’ll need the following equipment:

Coffee maker of your choice: this could be your favourite coffee filter machine, Chemex, V60 or Electric machine.
Espresso machine
Coffee grinder - optional, but using whole coffee beans will ensure a more flavourful brew
Mug

Ingredients

In order to make your red eye coffee drink, you will simply need the following ingredients

250ml freshly-brewed filter coffee: choose your favourite coffee beans and brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method
Espresso shot - we recommend that you use the same coffee beans for both your brewed coffee and the espresso shot for a smoother profile with distinct, expressive notes

Preparation

Step 1. Start by brewing a fresh cup of filter coffee using your preferred method. If using a coffee maker, use a dark roast coffee and brew it strong for maximum flavour.
Step 2. While the coffee is brewing, prepare a shot of espresso using your espresso machine and make sure the espresso is hot and freshly brewed for the best results.
Step 3. Once both the coffee and espresso are ready, pour the shot of espresso directly into your mug of brewed coffee. The espresso will sink to the bottom, creating a layered effect.
Step 4. Give your Red Eye Coffee a quick stir to blend the flavours, then taste and adjust the sweetness or creaminess as desired.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy your Red Eye Coffee!

Various tips and curiosities

Like any coffee drink, a Red Eye Coffee can be customised and adjusted based on your preferences. Find some of our recommendations and tips below.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

If black coffee is too strong or bitter for you, you can always add some milk or cream to dilute the strength and make the drink more palatable. Or, add some extra sweetness or flavour by adding a syrup to your Red Eye Coffee.

RED EYE COFFEE VS. BLACK EYE COFFEE

A black eye coffee is a slight variation of the Red Eye Coffee, containing two shots of espresso, rather than the one shot included in the original recipe. The name supposedly comes from the dark and rich colour created by adding an extra espresso shot to the beverage.

TRIPLE RED EYE COFFEE

Not for the faint-hearted, a Triple Red Eye Coffee is a much more extreme variation of the traditional Red Eye Coffee - this time containing three shots of espresso, resulting in a significantly higher caffeine content and a much more intense flavour profile. The Triple Red Eye Coffee packs a potent punch that can keep even the most experienced caffeine lovers buzzing for hours on end.