How to Make a Black Eye Coffee (Easy & Quick Steps)
Well, making it is simple once you have the essentials and a bit of know-how. So here's how I brew mine:
Equipment
- Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine: You’ll need both pieces of equipment to brew both drip coffee and espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a Moka pot works as an alternative.
Ingredients
- Coffee Beans: Freshly ground coffee beans for drip coffee work best to create a rich, flavorful base.
- Espresso Beans: High-quality espresso beans give the added shot its signature strength. Go for a medium to dark roast for the boldest flavor.
- Filtered Water: Using fresh, filtered water can make a noticeable difference in the taste. It’s worth it for that clean, smooth finish.
Instructions
- Brew the Drip Coffee: Start by brewing a cup of strong drip coffee, roughly 8 ounces. I usually aim for a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio for a well-balanced Black Eye. This keeps the coffee rich and flavorful without overpowering the espresso shot you’ll add next. If you’re using a pour-over or French press instead, you want a bolder extraction.
- Pull a Shot of Espresso: Next, use your espresso machine to pull a single shot (1 ounce) of espresso. Freshly ground espresso beans really make a difference here, giving you a smooth and intense shot. If you’re working with a Moka pot, remember it’ll deliver a similar caffeine kick, though the taste will be slightly different—still delicious!
- Combine the Coffee and Espresso: Now for the fun part! Pour your espresso shot directly into the brewed coffee. Stir gently to make sure everything’s nicely combined. This step is what creates that signature Black Eye blend, with the strong espresso enhancing the boldness of the drip coffee.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour your Black Eye Coffee into a large mug. So there’s plenty of room to savor the aroma. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed black to fully appreciate its deep, intense flavor, but if you like, add a bit of sugar or milk to mellow things out.