How Many Shots of Espresso Is Too Much?

Last updated on March 17th, 2025 at 04:52 pm

How many shots are too many?

I’ll admit it: I love coffee. The rich aroma, the bold taste, that first sip of espresso in the morning… it’s pure bliss. But one day, I pushed my caffeine limits a little too far.

I had shot after shot, thinking I was just fueling my day. And that night? My heart felt like it was trying to run a marathon, and sleep? Forget about it. That was my wake-up call (literally). So, how much espresso is actually safe?

In this guide, I’ll break down caffeine limits, potential side effects, and how to enjoy your favorite shots without overdoing it. So let’s start!

Key Takeaways

• Safe Espresso Limit – The FDA recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is about 6 single shots or 3 doubles for most adults.
• Signs of Too Much Espresso – Feeling jittery, anxious, having a racing heart, headaches, or trouble sleeping? These are signs you may have had too much caffeine.
• Espresso vs. Regular Coffee – A single shot of espresso has ~63 mg of caffeine, while an 8 oz cup of drip coffee has around 95 mg—but espresso is stronger per ounce.
• How to Enjoy Espresso Without Overdoing It – Spread out your shots throughout the day, stay hydrated, and consider switching to decaf or half-caf to avoid caffeine overload.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?

Though expresso is known for being strong and intense. Actually, it isn’t as caffeinated as a full cup of coffee. So what’s the difference?

Well, espresso delivers caffeine in a concentrated dose, making it the go-to choice for those who want a quick and energizing shot. Anyway, let’s talk about averages:

Single Shot (1 oz): ~63 mg of Caffeine

A standard single shot of espresso contains around 63 mg of caffeine in just one ounce of liquid. That’s why espresso hits fast. I mean, it’s small but mighty.

While 63 mg may not seem like a lot compared to a full cup of coffee, it’s the density that makes the difference. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even a single shot can be enough to give you that alert and focused feeling.

Double Shot (Doppio): ~126 mg of Caffeine

Most espresso-based drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, are made with a double shot of espresso, also called a doppio.

This means you’re getting 126 mg of caffeine in just two ounces of liquid. If you need a serious wake-up call in the morning, this is where espresso shines.

But be careful, two doubles in a row means you’re already at 252 mg of caffeine. This is more than half of the FDA’s daily recommended limit!

Comparison to Drip Coffee

An 8 oz cup of drip coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, which is more than a single shot of espresso but less than a doppio.

So if you’re sipping on a regular cup of coffee throughout the morning, you’re getting a steady dose of caffeine.

On the other hand, espresso has that caffeine in one quick, concentrated hit, making it perfect for those who prefer their coffee strong and fast.

Factors Affecting Caffeine Content

Not all espresso shots are created equal. Several factors can influence how much caffeine ends up in your cup:

Coffee Bean Type

Robusta beans have almost double the caffeine of Arabica beans. For instance, robusta contains about 2.2–2.7% caffeine, compared to Arabica’s 1.2–1.5% caffeine.

Roast Level

Darker roasts actually have slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts because the roasting process burns off some caffeine content.

Brewing Time

A properly pulled espresso shot (about 25-30 seconds) extracts the ideal amount of caffeine. So, pulling a shot too fast or too slow can impact caffeine concentration.

Grind Size & Pressure

A finer grind and the right pressure (typically 9 bars) ensure proper extraction, which affects how much caffeine makes it into your shot.

How Many Espresso Shots Are Safe Per Day?

While some people can drink shot after shot without breaking a sweat. Others start feeling jittery after just two. So, how many espresso shots are actually safe to drink per day? Let’s check.

FDA Recommendation: 400 mg of Caffeine Daily

The FDA suggests that most adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without experiencing serious side effects. Since a single espresso shot has about 63 mg of caffeine.

In other words, you could theoretically have 6 single shots or 3 double shots before hitting the daily limit. But remember everyone’s caffeine tolerance is different.

Personal Tolerance: It Varies for Everyone

Some people do well on multiple espresso shots daily. Meanwhile, others feel wired after just one.

This depends on factors like body weight, metabolism, caffeine sensitivity, and how often you drink coffee all play a role.

If you find yourself feeling anxious, jittery, or struggling to focus after two or three shots, your body is telling you it’s time to slow down.

Effects of Consuming Too Much Espresso

Drinking too many espresso shots in a short period can cause some not-so-fun side effects, including:

• Anxiety and restlessness – The “caffeine shakes” are real.
• Rapid heartbeat – Your heart might feel like it’s racing.
• Insomnia – Caffeine stays in your system for hours, making it harder to sleep.
• Upset stomach – Too much espresso on an empty stomach can be rough.

Who Should Limit Espresso Intake?

Not everyone should push their caffeine limits. If you fall into one of these groups, cutting back might be a good idea:

• Pregnant women – Experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg per day (about 3 single shots of espresso max).
• People with heart conditions – Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be risky for those with cardiovascular issues.
• Anyone sensitive to caffeine – If coffee makes you anxious or jittery, you might need to stick to 1-2 shots max or try decaf.

Note: At the end of the day, moderation is key. If you love your espresso but start feeling off after a few shots, it’s probably time to cut back. I recommend always listening to your body’s reaction.

Signs You’ve Had Too Much Espresso

I’ll never forget the night I learned my espresso limit the hard way. It was a long day, and I kept refilling my cup—one shot, then another, then another.

By evening, I felt fine… until I got into bed. My heart was racing like I had just run a marathon, and at one point, it felt like it was whispering in my ear (not literally, but you get the idea). Needless to say, I was wide awake, regretting every single shot I had that day.

If you’ve ever felt like caffeine took over your body, you’re not alone. So here’s how to know when it’s time to cut back on the espresso:

Signs You’ve Had Too Much Espresso	What It Feels Like
Physical Symptoms	Racing heart, headaches, nausea, sweating, shaky hands.
Mental Symptoms	Anxiety, restlessness, trouble focusing, feeling “wired.”
When to Cut Back	If you start feeling discomfort, struggle to sleep, or experience caffeine withdrawal when skipping coffee.

Note: Once again, always listen to your body. If you’re getting jittery, anxious, or feeling like caffeine is messing with your sleep. Then it might be time to rethink how many shots you’re having per day.

What Happens If You Drink Too Many Espresso Shots?

We’ve all had those days work is piling up, energy is running low, and a quick espresso seems like the perfect solution. One shot turns into two, then three, and before you know it, you’re buzzing like a live wire.

At first, it feels like superpowers are kicking in. You’re focused, alert, and ready to conquer the world. But then, the crash hits, and suddenly, you’re questioning all your life choices.

Short-Term Effects: The Espresso Rollercoaster

Drinking too many espresso shots in a short period can lead to:

• Jitters, nausea, and a stomach that feels like it’s staging a rebellion.

The fact is espresso is concentrated caffeine, and when you go overboard, your body reacts fast. Some people start sweating, others feel restless, and if you’re really unlucky, your heart starts racing like you just ran a marathon while sitting still.

And don’t even get me started on dehydration. The reason is caffeine is a diuretic. In other words, if you’re not chugging enough water, you might feel extra thirsty or lightheaded.

Long-Term Risks: The Slow Burn of Too Much Caffeine

If you make a habit of downing multiple espresso shots daily, you might run into bigger problems.

• High caffeine intake over time can mess with your sleep, increase blood pressure, and make you dependent on coffee just to function.

That morning pick-me-up turns into an absolute must-have, and skipping it could leave you with withdrawal headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Not exactly the kind of relationship you want with your coffee.

Caffeine Overdose: When It Gets Serious

Now, let’s talk about the extreme cases. When you drink over 1000 mg of caffeine (that’s roughly 16 single shots of espresso), it can actually be dangerous.

You have symptoms of caffeine toxicity such as:

• Vomiting, muscle tremors, irregular heartbeat, and in rare cases, even hospitalization.

While most people won’t come close to that amount, it’s worth knowing that there’s a real limit.

How to Enjoy Espresso Without Overdoing It?

So, how do you keep espresso as your best friend without it turning into an over-caffeinated enemy? Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.

1 – Spread Out Caffeine Intake

Instead of taking multiple espresso shots back-to-back, try spacing them out.

I suggest sipping on a shot in the morning and another in the afternoon. This keeps your energy levels stable without overwhelming your system.

If you slam down three shots in one sitting, you might get a short burst of energy, but the crash later will hit hard.

2 – Alternate with Water

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can dehydrate you faster than you’d think. A trick I use? For every espresso shot, I drink a glass of water.

It keeps me hydrated, prevents dry mouth, and weirdly enough, makes my espresso experience better.

Plus, staying hydrated helps avoid that dreaded caffeine crash and any stomach discomfort from too much acidity.

3 – Monitor Your Body’s Response

Some people can down six shots and feel fine. Others (like me) start feeling jittery after just three. As I said before, listen to your body.

If you notice that espresso is making you anxious, restless, or affecting your sleep, it might be time to cut back.

One trick is to take note of how you feel 30-60 minutes after drinking a shot. If you feel great, you’re good; if you feel off, consider adjusting your intake.

4 – Try Decaf or Half-Caf Espresso

If you love the taste of espresso but don’t always need the caffeine kick, decaf or half-caf espresso is a great option.

Some brands make amazing decaf espresso beans that taste just as rich as the regular stuff. I’ve found that switching my evening espresso to decaf means I can still enjoy it without lying awake at night.

Last Thoughts

Now, I want to hear from you! How many espresso shots do you usually drink in a day? Have you ever had one too many and regretted it? I’d like to read your comment below and with that voilà!