Canonical: https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/red-eye-coffee/ Language: en Classic Coffee Drinks # What Is a Red Eye Coffee? Ingredients and How to Make It Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/) Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/) [Coffee Culture](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/coffee-culture/) [Brewing](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/brewing/) ## Quick answer A Red Eye adds **espresso** to **a cup** of brewed coffee. It is a straightforward way to make a larger coffee drink with both brewing methods represented. Café names vary, so check what is included when ordering. ## Key takeaways - A Red Eye adds espresso to a cup of brewed coffee. - Brew a cup of drip or filter coffee and add a freshly pulled espresso shot. - A familiar, balanced filter coffee gives you a useful base. ![Different coffee drinks together on a wooden table.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/different-coffee-drinks.avif) Different coffee drinks together on a wooden table. ## How to make a red eye Brew a cup of drip or **filter coffee** and add a freshly pulled **espresso shot**. **Stir** if you want the flavors blended, or leave it layered briefly to taste each part. Adjust the amount of brewed coffee to control how concentrated the drink feels. ## Choose coffee that works together A familiar, balanced **filter coffee** gives you a useful base. Choose an espresso that complements it rather than adding several new variables at once. If the drink tastes too intense, add more brewed coffee; if **the espresso** disappears, use less base coffee or a more expressive shot. ## Consider caffeine and serving size A red eye combines two coffee preparations, and **caffeine** varies with **beans**, **serving size**, and brewing. The name does not tell you an exact amount. If you monitor caffeine, check product information and speak with a qualified health professional about your needs. For a version with more **espresso**, some cafés offer a related “black eye,” though naming is not universal. Learn more about [black eye coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/black-eye-coffee/) and [other espresso-based drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/americano-vs-long-black/). ## A repeatable way to tune the cup - Brew **the filter coffee** you normally enjoy. - Add one freshly prepared **espresso shot**. - **Taste** before sweetening or adding more coffee. - If **the espresso** dominates, increase the brewed coffee slightly; if it disappears, reduce the base or adjust **the espresso**. Keeping the brewed-coffee method constant gives you a useful reference. Once you like **the balance**, note **the serving size** and espresso **recipe** so you can repeat it. A larger mug does not automatically need more espresso; the best **proportion** depends on how concentrated you want the finished drink to taste. ### Red eye, Americano, or long black? A red eye adds espresso to brewed coffee. An Americano or **long black** combines espresso with hot water instead, producing a different **balance** and texture. If you want the character of your usual brewed coffee with an extra espresso note, choose red eye; if you want a longer espresso-based drink, compare the [Americano and **long black**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/americano-vs-long-black/). ## Pick the serving that suits your morning A red eye lets you keep the familiar taste of your brewed coffee while introducing espresso. It can be a practical way to use the coffee already in the pot, but the finished **cup** may feel stronger than your usual **serving**. Start with the amount of espresso you are comfortable with and do not assume a larger cup needs another shot. If you prepare coffee for more than one person, make each cup separately so the espresso amount can be adjusted to the drinker. Avoid using the name as **a caffeine** estimate: **beans**, **recipes**, and serving sizes vary. For personal caffeine questions, rely on product information and professional advice rather than a café label. ## Further reading For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee), see Wikipedia. [Back to Learn library](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/) ## Frequently asked questions Red eye, Americano, or long black? A red eye adds espresso to brewed coffee. An Americano or long black combines espresso with hot water instead, producing a different balance and texture. If you want the character of your usual brewed coffee with an extra espresso note, choose red eye; if you want a longer espresso-based drink, compare the Americano and long black. Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/). ## Related guides - [Espresso Macchiato: What It Is and How to Make It at Home](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/espresso-macchiato/) - [What Is a Black Eye Coffee? Understanding the Double-Shot Drink](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/black-eye-coffee/) - [What Is a Cortado? Coffee-to-Milk Ratio and How to Make One](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/cortado-coffee-to-milk-ratio/)