FIRST DROP OCTOBER 25, 2024 @ 12:00 PM EST
Turbo Shots Will Change The Way You Drink Espresso Forever
Enter the Turbo Shot, an emerging trend in specialty coffee that shrinks your brew time, intensifies flavor, and leaves you with a bold, bright cup that can set your taste buds on fire.
Let’s be honest yall—sometimes a standard espresso shot just doesn’t cut it. You sip, you wait, and you hope for that beautiful symphony of flavor. But often, you're looking at the tasting notes on the bag and scratching your head. lol.
I’m not claiming Turbo Shots will replace every style of espresso—you might love your 30-second classic or your oh-so-traditional ristretto. But Turbo Shots? They’re worth exploring if you want the boundaries of your espresso experience stretched. This article dives into what Turbo Shots are, why they’re stirring up the coffee world, and how to create them at home without losing your mind.
Table of content
- 1. What Is a Turbo Shot?
- 2. The Science (Without the Snobbery)
- 3. Taste, Texture, and Caffeine: A Triple Threat
- 4. Turbo vs. Traditional Espresso
- 5. Brewing Turbo Shots at Home
- 6. Key Scientific References
- 7. Who’s Embracing Turbo Shots?
- 8. Turbo Shots & Dös Coffee Club: A Match Made in Heaven
- 9. FAQs
- 10. Final Thoughts & Summary
What Is a Turbo Shot?
A Turbo Shot is essentially an espresso pulled in a shorter brew time (usually 15–20 seconds) using a slightly coarser grind. The idea is simple: by speeding up the process, you capture some of the lighter, more volatile flavor compounds before they break down into bitterness.
- Faster Extraction: Turbo Shots cut the typical 25–30 seconds down to about 15–20.
- Coarser Grind: Since you’re pulling fast, you coarsen the grind a bit so water can pass through more quickly.
- Flavor Payoff: You often get a sweeter, brighter shot, depending on the beans and your technique.
Think of it like music: a classic espresso is a well-paced track that builds to a crescendo, while a Turbo Shot is a high-energy punk song that hits you from the first chord.
Check out this video from Lance Hedrick going into much more detail about turbo shots:
The Science (Without the Snobbery)
Yes, there’s legit science behind why some espressos taste sour, while others taste like chocolate fondue. It all revolves around extraction—how fast and how thoroughly water dissolves coffee compounds.
Extraction Basics:
- Surface Area: Finer grinds = larger surface area = faster extraction.
- Time: Shorter time can skip over certain bitter compounds, but also risks under-extraction if not balanced correctly.
- Pressure: Espresso typically uses about 9 bars, which speeds up extraction compared to drip coffee.
With Turbo Shots, your coarser grind (compared to normal espresso) helps you avoid flooding the puck with bitterness, even though you’re pulling it faster. By the time you might start extracting harsh compounds, your shot is done.
According to resources in the CoffeeChemistry.com library, extraction speed is heavily influenced by grind size and contact time—two big levers you adjust when making a Turbo Shot. Meanwhile, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) indicates that flavor clarity often comes from precise, controlled brewing methods, which aligns with the dialed-in approach of turbo extraction.
Taste, Texture, and Caffeine: A Triple Threat
Taste
Because the extraction is shorter, Turbo Shots often spotlight bright, fruity, or sweet notes that might get muddled in longer shots. A well-executed Turbo Shot might leave you thinking you’re drinking some kind of fancy fruit reduction rather than espresso.
Texture
The body can be a touch lighter than a standard espresso. You still get crema, but it might not be the heavy, syrupy texture of a slower shot. Some folks love this “cleaner” mouthfeel; others want that thicker, traditional vibe.
Caffeine
Caffeine is extracted relatively quickly—some studies show that the lion’s share of caffeine emerges in the first 10–15 seconds. That means you can get a decent caffeine jolt even with a shortened brew. If you’re chasing max caffeine, the difference might be minimal, but many baristas say Turbo Shots can still hold their own in terms of perceived strength.
Turbo vs. Traditional Espresso
| Aspect | Turbo Shot | Traditional Espresso |
| Brew Time | 15-20 seconds | 25-30 seconds |
| Grind Size | Slightly coarser | Finer |
| Flavor Profile | Bright, sweet, edgy | Balanced, occasionally bitter |
| Body & Mouthfeel | Lighter, cleaner | Thicker, syrupy |
| Extraction Risk | Potential under-extraction | Generally more fogiving |
A Turbo Shot isn’t a “fix-all.” It’s a playful variation. If you love bold, dark complexity, you might stick with traditional espresso. If you’re a flavor adventurer, Turbo Shots could be a revelation.
Brewing Turbo Shots at Home
Gear Check
- Espresso Machine: Stable pressure (9 bars) and temperature is crucial.
- Grinder: A burr grinder allows precise control. Blade grinders won’t cut it for espresso.
- Fresh Beans: Whole beans, ideally from a specialty roaster—like Dös Coffee Club if you want something wacky you can experiment with frequently.
Step-by-Step
- Warm Up Everything: Let your machine, portafilter, and cup heat up.
- Coarser Grind: Go one notch coarser than your usual espresso setting.
- Target Brew Ratio: Start with a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g coffee to 36g espresso out), but aim for ~15–20 seconds total.
- Pull & Taste: If it’s too sour, your grind might still be too coarse; if it’s too bitter, adjust your ratio or time.
- Record Results: Track minor changes in your settings to replicate successes.
Key Scientific References
- Andueza, S., Vila, M. A., & de Peña, M. P. (2007). Influence of coffee/water ratio on the final quality of espresso coffee. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.2720
- Caprioli, G., et al. (2015). Optimization of espresso machine parameters through the analysis of coffee odorants by HS-SPME-GC/MS and the evaluation of the extraction yield. Food Analytical Methods., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22953834/
(Note: Full texts may be behind paywalls. Abstracts or references can still provide insights on how changing grind size, water temperature, and brew time affect espresso flavor and composition.)
Who’s Embracing Turbo Shots?
Starbucks
They don’t specifically advertise “Turbo Shots,” but their Blonde Espresso can extract more quickly, sometimes yielding bright, sweet notes. It’s not a direct match, but the concept is in the same ballpark.
Trade Coffee
A major online marketplace featuring diverse roasters. Some roasters on Trade Coffee recommend shorter brew times for fruit-forward single origins, edging toward the Turbo style (though they don’t officially call it “turbo”).
Blue Bottle Coffee
Known for precise brewing methods. While they typically stick to standard extraction times, some baristas experiment with faster shots. It’s just not officially labeled “turbo." Many big coffee brands prioritize consistency over experimentation. That’s why Turbo Shots remain somewhat niche, though that might change as more adventurous drinkers catch on.
Turbo Shots & Dös Coffee Club: A Match Made in Heaven
If you’re new here, we like to think of ourselves (Dös Coffee Club) as that friend who encourages you to break dress code for fun—and somehow, still look awesome doing it. We thrive on exploring coffee’s frontier, sourcing beans that aren’t afraid to challenge norms.
Why Dös Beans Are Prime for Turbo Shots
- Fresh Off the Roaster: Delivered days after roasting, capturing vibrant oils that shine in quick extractions.
- Rotating Selections: Sourced from farmers experimenting with innovative fermentation, altitudes, and processes.
- Text-to-Order: Skip memberships. We text you about a new coffee, you reply “Yes,” and it ships.
FAQs
Not necessarily. Most caffeine is extracted early on, so a Turbo Shot can hold its own—but that doesn’t mean it automatically surpasses a 30-second shot.
You can try, but cheaper machines often have inconsistent pressure or temperature. It’s doable; expect a little extra tinkering.
It balances out extraction. Coarser grind lets water pass more quickly, so you don’t over-extract in the shorter brew window.
Not always. Light roast Ethiopians might explode with berry notes, while a darker roast could be more chocolatey. It’s about the bean.
Look for fruit-forward, lightly roasted coffees if you want those bright flavors. But feel free to experiment—sometimes a medium roast can surprise you.
Final Thoughts & Summary
A Turbo Shot is a short, sharp burst of espresso joy. You’re messing with extraction times, grind settings, and assumptions about what espresso should taste like. It’s a bit of a ride, sure, but coffee should be an adventure—not a mundane chore.
If you’re the type of drinker who’s ready to push the envelope, giving Turbo Shots a spin might just reinvigorate your morning ritual. And if you need fresh beans for experimenting, we’ve got you covered.
Give It a Shot with Dös Coffee Club
- No Membership Fees: We don’t believe in tying you down.
- Fresh & Rare Coffees: Perfect for short, high-intensity extractions.
- DIY Spirit: No snobbery. We’re learning along with you.
- Just Say “Yes”: We text, you confirm, beans arrive. Simple.
Go forth and turbocharge your espresso, friends. The world of coffee is vast, exhilarating, and just a little bit rebellious—exactly how it should be.