Black Eye Coffee: What It Is & How to Make It

If you’re a fan of strong, bold coffee that packs a serious caffeine punch, then Black Eye Coffee might just be your next go-to brew. It’s not for the faint-hearted — this drink is designed for those who need a real energy boost to kick-start their day or power through a long afternoon.

What Is Black Eye Coffee?

Black Eye Coffee is a powerful blend of brewed coffee and espresso shots. Traditionally, it’s made by adding two shots of espresso to a regular cup of drip or filter coffee. The result is a rich, robust drink with an intense flavour and a caffeine hit that’s much stronger than your standard cup.

The name “Black Eye” comes from the two “black shots” of espresso added to the base coffee. It’s similar to a Red Eye Coffee, which uses one espresso shot, and a Dead Eye Coffee, which uses three — but the Black Eye hits that perfect middle ground between strong and extreme.

What Does Black Eye Coffee Taste Like?

Expect a deep, full-bodied flavour that’s both bitter and slightly smoky, depending on the beans you use. The combination of espresso and brewed coffee gives it layers of taste — bold, aromatic, and slightly earthy. It’s not creamy or sweet unless you choose to add milk or sugar; this drink is all about the pure coffee experience.

How to Make Black Eye Coffee

Making a Black Eye Coffee at home is easy — here’s how you can do it.

You’ll need:

Freshly brewed coffee (about 240ml)
Two espresso shots (around 60ml total)
Your favourite mug

Steps:

Brew your base coffee. Use your preferred method — filter, drip, or French press works great.
Pull two espresso shots. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop espresso maker or a strong coffee concentrate.
Combine and stir. Pour the espresso shots directly into your brewed coffee.
Customise (optional). Add milk, cream, or sweetener if you prefer a smoother taste.

And that’s it — your Black Eye Coffee is ready to enjoy.

Tips for the Perfect Black Eye Coffee

Use freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavour and aroma.
Try Arabica beans for a smoother, slightly sweeter taste, or mix with Robusta for extra strength.
Experiment with different brewing methods — pour-over or Aeropress can give your base coffee more clarity.
Avoid over-extracting your espresso shots; short and strong pulls give the best balance.

Is Black Eye Coffee Safe to Drink Every Day?

Because of its high caffeine content, it’s best to enjoy Black Eye Coffee in moderation. One cup can contain over 250mg of caffeine, depending on the beans and brewing method. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider starting with a Red Eye Coffee (one espresso shot) instead.

Final Thoughts

Black Eye Coffee is a bold, energising drink perfect for serious coffee lovers who want something more powerful than the usual morning brew. It’s rich, intense, and easy to make — ideal for when you need that extra kick.

If you’re a fan of strong coffee, explore CoffeeHype to buy freshly roasted Arabica coffee beans and experience the perfect brew from home.