Red Eye

Coffee-espresso boost

The Red Eye, named after late-night/early-morning flights, is a potent combination that emerged from American coffee culture's desire for maximum caffeine impact. This drink combines the smooth, full-bodied character of drip coffee with the intense concentration of espresso, creating a powerful beverage that's become a favorite among students, professionals, and anyone needing an extra boost. The name itself refers to the exhausting overnight flights that leave passengers with characteristic red eyes, suggesting this drink's purpose as the ultimate wake-up call.

The preparation involves adding a shot of fresh espresso to a cup of drip coffee, creating a drink that's significantly stronger than either component alone. The result is a complex beverage that combines the subtle, nuanced flavors of filter coffee with the rich, concentrated punch of espresso. Some variations, known as 'Black Eye' (two shots) or 'Dead Eye' (three shots), increase the espresso content for an even more powerful caffeine kick. The drink maintains the volume and sippability of drip coffee while significantly amplifying its intensity and depth of flavor.