What Is A Red Eye Coffee?

What is a red-eye coffee? A red-eye coffee is a coffee beverage that contains espresso and hot water. It gets its name from the drink’s reddish hue the espresso gives. Red-eye coffees are typically made by adding two espresso shots to Americanos or other brewed coffee drinks.

This article will explore the history of red-eye coffees, how to make them, and some of the different variations you can find in coffee shops.

Origin Of Red Eye Coffee

The red-eye coffee is believed to have originated in Italy in the early 1900s. The first recorded use of “red-eye coffee” was in a New York Times article from 1903. The article described the coffee as “a drink consisting of a cup of hot water with a small quantity of strong black drip coffee and one or two lumps of sugar, added a teaspoonful or so of condensed milk.”

How Brew A Red Eye Coffee

Making a red-eye coffee is simple. All you need is an espresso machine and hot water. To make a red-eye coffee, start by brewing a pot of hot water. Next, add two shots of espresso to the hot water. Finally, stir in sugar and condensed milk to taste.

Different Variations Of Red Eye Coffee

While the traditional red-eye coffee consists of espresso and hot water, there are many different drink variations. Some common variations include:

– Red-eye with cold brew: This variation is made by adding cold brew coffee to hot water instead of espresso.

– Dirty red-eye: A dirty red-eye is made by adding a shot of espresso to a cup of black coffee.

– Reverse red-eye: A reverse red-eye is made by adding hot water to a cup of black coffee.

– Green-eye: A green-eye is made by adding matcha powder to a cup of hot water.

Calories Levels

The calorie content of a red-eye coffee will vary depending on the ingredients used. A traditional red-eye coffee made with espresso and hot water has approximately 5 calories. However, adding milk or sugar will increase the calorie content. For example, a red-eye coffee made with 2% milk and 2 teaspoons of sugar has approximately 70 calories.

How Much Caffeine Does Red Eye Coffee Drink Have?

With espresso and hot water, a red-eye coffee has approximately 96 mg of caffeine. However, the caffeine content will vary depending on the type of coffee used, and the amount of espresso added. For example, a cold brew red-eye coffee has less caffeine than one made with espresso.

Differences Between Red-Eye, Dead-Eye, and Black-Eye Coffee

Red-eye, black eye, and dead eye coffees are all espresso-based coffee drinks. The difference between these drinks is the amount of espresso used. A red-eye coffee has one shot of espresso, a black eye coffee has two espresso shots, and a dead-eye coffee has three espresso shots.

How To Make A Red Eye Coffee

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of hot water
  • 2 shots of espresso
  • Sugar
  • Condensed milk

Instructions:

  1. Start by brewing a pot of hot water.
  2. Next, add two shots of normal drip coffee espresso to the hot water.
  3. Finally, stir in sugar and condensed milk to taste.

How to Store?

Red-eye coffee can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When storing, make sure to label the container with the date made, as the coffee will continue to oxidize and develop a more intense flavor over time.

How is it Best Served?

A red-eye coffee is typically served in a mug. However, you can also serve it in a cup with ice.

what is a red eye coffee

What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking A Red Eye Coffee?

While there are no specific health benefits of drinking red-eye coffee, the drink does contain some important nutrients. For example, a red-eye coffee made with espresso and hot water contains approximately 96 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that has been shown to improve mental alertness and focus. In addition, a red-eye coffee made with 2% milk and 2 teaspoons of sugar contains calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health, and protein is important for muscle growth and repair.

Hazards of Extreme Use?

Drinking too much caffeine can lead to side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness, and insomnia. Therefore, it is important to moderate when drinking red-eye coffee. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is best to avoid this drink.

Pregnant women and young children should also avoid red-eye coffee due to its high caffeine content.

How Does Red Eye Coffee Taste?

A red-eye coffee has a strong coffee flavor with bitterness from the espresso. The sweetness of the condensed milk balances the bitterness. The coffee is also creamy from the milk.

Tips and Tricks

If you don’t have condensed milk, you can use regular milk and sugar.

  • You can also add flavorings to your coffee, such as vanilla extract or chocolate syrup.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor, use more espresso.
  • If you want a weaker coffee flavor, use less espresso.
  • In case you don’t have espresso, you can use instant coffee or brewed coffee. However, the coffee will not be as strong.

Conclusion

A red-eye coffee is a coffee drink made with espresso and hot water. The coffee is strong and has a bitter taste. The sweetness of the condensed milk balances the bitterness. A red-eye coffee also has a creamy texture from the milk. You can make a red-eye coffee at home by adding espresso to hot water and stirring in sugar and condensed milk to taste. You can also add flavorings such as vanilla extract or chocolate syrup. In case you are looking for a stronger coffee flavor, use more espresso. If you want a weaker coffee flavor, use less espresso. Instant coffee or brewed coffee can be used in place of espresso, but the coffee will not be as strong.

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