How to Make a Red Eye Coffee (The Ultimate Morning Boost)

Ever pulled an all-nighter and wondered how you’d make it through the next day? When I was in college, studying was never my favorite activity, so I often found myself cramming for exams the night before.

During one particularly grueling finals week, I discovered the magic of Red Eye Coffee. Desperate for something to keep me awake and focused, a friend introduced me to this powerful blend of drip coffee and espresso.

It was a game-changer, helping me survive those overnight study sessions and becoming my go-to morning boost.

The smooth brewed coffee and a strong shot of espresso provided the perfect flavor and caffeine kick I needed.

Now, I want to share how you can make this ultimate caffeine fix yourself so you, too, can conquer those tough mornings or late-night study sessions with ease.

What Is A Red Eye Coffee?

A Red Eye Coffee is a strong caffeinated drink combining a regular cup of drip coffee with espresso.

I first stumbled upon this gem during a hectic week at work, desperately needing more than my usual black coffee to stay awake. Imagine the smooth, rich flavor of brewed coffee matched to the intense, bold punch of espresso—pure magic!

We’ll go more in detail next, but making it at home is easy:

Just brew your favorite coffee and add a shot of espresso. It’s perfect for those days when you need that extra kick to keep going. I’m telling you, once you try it, your regular coffee might start feeling a bit too tame.

Brief History of Red Eye Coffee

It originated in the United States, and the term “Red Eye” is believed to come from those late-night, red-eye flights that leave passengers desperately needing a serious caffeine boost the following day.

Also, the drink quickly gained popularity among truckers and night-shift workers who needed to stay alert during long hours. Over time, it became a mainstream coffee, becoming a favorite for anyone needing a powerful caffeine kick.

Favorite Coffee Brands For Red Eye

When making a great Red Eye Coffee, your chosen beans can make all the difference. Here are three of my favorite coffee brands that consistently work well:

1 – Starbucks Pike Place Roast

Starbucks Pike Place Roast is one of my favorites for a Red Eye. This medium roast offers a smooth and well-balanced flavor, perfect as a base for the added espresso shot.

It has subtle notes of cocoa and toasted nuts, making it a versatile choice that pairs well with the robust espresso. Plus, it’s easy to find, so you can grab a bag whenever needed.

2 – Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend

I often turn to Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend for a bolder, richer flavor.

This dark roast has a deep, complex flavor profile with hints of spice and chocolate. It provides a strong foundation for the Red Eye, beautifully complementing the espresso’s intensity.

I love how the richness of Major Dickason’s Blend holds up against the added shot, creating a powerful and enjoyable drink.

3 – Lavazza Super Crema Espresso

I always mention this brand here in Coffee Voile because it works well for different coffee styles.

Although primarily an espresso blend, it works wonderfully for drip coffee. This medium roast offers a creamy, slightly sweet flavor with hazelnut and brown sugar notes.

The Super Crema blend adds a smooth, luxurious texture to the Red Eye, making each sip a delightful experience.

Red Eye Popular Variations

You have several popular variations here, three that I suggest:

1 – Black Eye

The Black Eye is a step up from the standard Red Eye, featuring two shots of espresso instead of just one in a cup of drip coffee.

This variation is perfect for mornings when you need an extra boost or have a particularly long day ahead. The double shot of espresso intensifies the flavor and provides a stronger caffeine kick.

2 – Dead Eye

The Dead Eye takes it to the next level with three shots of espresso in a single cup of coffee. This option isn’t for the faint of heart and is often chosen by those who need maximum alertness and stamina, like during all-nighters or high-pressure workdays.

The robust combination of brewed coffee and triple espresso shots delivers an intense, full-bodied flavor and an unparalleled energy surge.

3 – Lazy Eye

On the other end of the spectrum, the Lazy Eye offers a milder alternative with a shot of decaf espresso added to regular coffee.

This variation is perfect for those who love the taste of a Red Eye but want to limit their caffeine intake. I also like this option for later when you want to enjoy coffee without a caffeine kick.

Customizing Your Red Eye Coffee

One of the best things about Red Eye Coffee is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste. Here are three ways I like to personalize mine:

1 – Infused with Spices

I love sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg into the coffee grounds before brewing. The result is a warm, aromatic cup with a comforting, spiced flavor, perfect for cozying up during colder months.

2 – Coconut Milk and Honey

I love using coconut milk and honey for a creamy and sweet twist. After brewing the coffee and espresso, I stir in a splash of coconut milk and a teaspoon of honey.

The coconut milk adds rich, tropical creaminess, while the honey provides natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the strong coffee flavors.

3 – Mocha Red Eye

If you love chocolate, try a Mocha Red Eye. Before brewing, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a little sugar to the coffee grounds.

Once the coffee is ready, pour it over the espresso shot and stir in milk or cream. This combo is perfect for a mid-afternoon treat.

Common Mistakes With Red Eye

Even with a simple drink like Red Eye Coffee, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are three common ones I’ve encountered:

1 – Using Poor Quality Coffee Beans

I once used cheap, stale coffee beans, thinking the espresso would cover up the flaws. Big mistake! The Red Eye tasted bitter and flat.

I quickly learned that using fresh, high-quality beans for drip coffee and espresso is crucial for a great flavor.

2 – Overloading on Caffeine

I once added three shots of espresso to my coffee. It left me jittery and anxious. A Red Eye is already strong with one shot of espresso; adding more should be done cautiously based on your tolerance.

3 – Not Mixing Properly

I’ve also needed to mix the espresso and brewed coffee well enough. The first few sips were too strong, and the rest was weak and watery. You should stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed, giving you a consistent taste.

Last Thoughts

Now that you know how to make a red eye, remember this:

Focus on using high-quality beans and experimenting with different techniques and customizations to find your ideal cup.

If you have your favorite methods or additional tips, please share them in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other, and with that, “voilà!”