Last Updated on October 14, 2022
Do you love a strong cup of coffee? Really strong, potent coffee?
If so, you’re going to want to learn all about black eye coffee. This unique drink is made with two different types of coffee, and it packs a punch when it comes to caffeine content.

In this blog post, we’ll answer the question, What is black eye coffee? And we’ll also discuss how much caffeine is in this drink, how to make it, and a recipe for creating your own version of this potent cup of java.
By the way, if you click on a link and then decide to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
How did black eye coffee get its name?
There are a few stories about how the Black Eye Coffee drink got its name, but the most likely story is that it was named after the owner’s black eye.
The story goes that the owner was in a fight and got a black eye. He then went into the coffee shop and asked for a cup of coffee with two shots of espresso, which is what we now know as a Black Eye.
Another story says that the name came from the dark circles that coffee drinkers often have under their eyes.
Most likely, the name refers to the appearance of the coffee, which has a dark circle around the edge where the espresso was added. Whatever the name, this method is a great way to get a boost of energy from your coffee.
Other names for Black Eye Coffee
Black Eye Coffee has a number of alternative names, and some depend on where you are in the country. It may also be prepared slightly differently as far as the ratio of espresso to brewed coffee.
You might hear the name Shot Put, Sling Blade, Gold Nugget, Hammer Head, or Shot in the Dark when referring to black eye coffee.
What is in Black Eye Coffee?

Black Eye Coffee only has two ingredients: brewed coffee and espresso. That’s it! No sugar, no cream, no flavoring. Just two types of coffee, combined in perfect harmony.
The result is a rich, full-flavored cup of coffee that delivers a powerful punch of caffeine. If you’re looking for an energizing cup of coffee to start your day or you need a super mid-day boost, Black Eye Coffee could be the right choice.
And because it only has two simple ingredients, it’s easy to make at home. All you need is a coffee maker and an espresso machine. No espresso machine? No worries, I’ll give you the option of using a different brewing method. More about that in a minute.
What does Black Eye Coffee Taste Like?
If you’ve never had black eye coffee, you might be wondering if it tastes bitter. The answer is that it can depend on how it’s prepared. Black eye coffee is made by adding a double espresso shot to a regular cup of drip coffee.
This can make the coffee more bitter. The bitterness can be altered, though, depending on the coffee roast used for both the espresso and the brewed coffee.
Keep in mind that the reason you and other coffee addicts want to drink Black Eye coffee is for the potent punch of caffeination, with flavor being secondary.
How much caffeine is in Black Eye Coffee?
A Black Eye Coffee contains a double shot of espresso and a cup of normal drip coffee. That’s about 320mg of caffeine. To put that in perspective, the FDA says 400mg is safe for most adults to consume in a day.
So, Black Eye Coffee is a pretty big caffeine punch – but it’s also a delicious way to get your morning started. If you’re looking for an extra boost of energy, Black Eye Coffee may be the drink for you.
Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation. too much caffeine consumption can lead to side effects like jitters, anxiety, and insomnia.
Are there any calories in Black Eye coffee?
Black eye coffee actually contains very few calories. In fact, a typical serving of black eye coffee contains less than five calories.
This is because black eye coffee is made with a double shot of espresso and a cup of brewed coffee. The espresso provides a boost of energy without adding any calories, while the brewed coffee adds a rich flavor without adding any additional fat or sugar. As a result, black eye coffee is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a low-calorie high octane beverage option.
Red Eye, Dead Eye, or Black Eye? Which “Eye” is for You?

Red Eye, Black Eye, and Dead Eye coffee all refer to a cup of coffee with an added shot of espresso.
A Red Eye is a cup of regular drip coffee with one espresso shot added in.
A Black Eye has two espresso shots added to a regular cup of brewed coffee.
And finally, a Dead Eye is three espresso shots (a triple shot) added to regular coffee.
So, the main difference between these types of coffees is the number of shots of espresso that are added. If you’re looking for an extra-extra boost of energy, then you might want to try a Dead Eye.
But if you’re not a fan of ultra-strong coffee, then you might want to stick with a Red Eye or consider giving the Black Eye a try. Any of these java drinks will give you a jolt, though, so consume responsibly!
How to Make Black Eye Coffee at Home
If you don’t have an espresso machine at home, don’t worry! You can still make black eye coffee using a regular coffee maker. To start, brew coffee using your preferred method. For me, it’s always a pour over. The crisp, clean taste just can’t be beat. Once the coffee is finished brewing, pour a cup, about 6 ounces, and then add two shots of espresso.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make espresso using a stovetop Moka pot or by using a French press. Not sure how to do that? No worries, learn how right here
Once you’ve added the espresso, give the coffee a good stir and enjoy! Experiment with the strength and amount of brewed coffee until you find that taste that works for you.
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Can you adjust the ratio of espresso to coffee?
You can absolutely adjust the ratio of espresso to coffee in a Black Eye to make the drink less strong. A typical Black Eye contains a double shot of espresso and a cup of brewed coffee, but you can easily adjust the amount of espresso to suit your taste.
If you want to make a weaker drink, start by reducing the amount of espresso to 1 shot (a Red Eye Coffee), or even ½ a shot.
You can also experiment with different coffee roasts and/or brewing methods for the coffee, such as using more water for a more diluted cup.
Remember that you can always add more espresso or brewed coffee if you find the drink is too weak, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect ratio for you.

What can you add to Black Eye coffee?
There are a few things you could add to your black eye coffee in order to enhance the flavor or create a different taste altogether.
For example, you could add some sugar or other sweeteners to make the coffee sweeter. You could also add milk or cream to make the coffee richer and Creamier.
Alternatively, you could add some spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to give the coffee a more robust flavor.
Finally, if you want to make a stronger coffee, you could add an extra shot of espresso (a Dead Eye coffee). Ultimately, it’s up to you what you add to your black eye coffee, so experiment and find what you like best!
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for an extra jolt of energy, try adding two or three shots of espresso to your next cup of brewed coffee for a Black Eye, Red Eye, or Dead Eye Coffee.
You can adjust the amount of espresso depending on how strong you want the drink to be, and experiment with different ingredients such as sugar or spices to enhance the flavor. Enjoy!


Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕