7 Brew Extra Shot Guide: How to Make Your Drink Stronger
Sometimes a regular drink just will not cut it. Long day, early morning, late night of studying? Adding an extra espresso shot is the easiest way to make your 7 Brew drink stronger. This guide explains how shots work, how they change your drink and how to order them.
How many shots are in a 7 Brew drink?
The number of espresso shots in a coffee drink usually depends on the size. Larger drinks typically get more shots than smaller ones. Exact shot counts can vary by drink and stand, so ask your brewista if you want to know. For caffeine totals by size, see our 7 Brew caffeine chart.
What an extra shot does
More caffeine
Each extra shot adds a meaningful amount of caffeine. It is the fastest way to boost your energy.
Stronger coffee flavor
Extra espresso makes the coffee taste bolder and helps it stand up to syrups and milk.
Slightly less sweet taste
More espresso balances the sugar, so sweet drinks taste a bit less sugary.
Minimal calories
Espresso itself has very few calories, so an extra shot does not add much.
Which drinks benefit most from an extra shot?
- Large sweet drinks – like a large Blondie or Smooth 7, where coffee can get lost.
- Frozen drinks – blending dilutes coffee flavor, so an extra shot helps.
- Mochas and white mochas – chocolate can overpower espresso. See Mocha.
- Chai lattes – adding a shot creates a “dirty chai.” Try it with the Sugar Cookie Chai.
- Iced lattes with lots of ice – as ice melts, coffee gets weaker.
How to order an extra shot
Just add it to the end of your order:
- “Medium iced Blondie with an extra shot, please.”
- “Large frozen mocha, add two shots.”
- “Small chai latte with a shot of espresso.”
Extra shots usually cost extra. Prices vary by stand.
Other ways to make a drink stronger
- Size down but keep the shots. A smaller drink with the same espresso tastes stronger.
- Ask for light ice. Less melting means less dilution.
- Choose hot or iced over frozen.
- Choose a cappuccino. Less milk means bolder flavor. See our cappuccino guide.
- Go with cold brew. Cold brew is naturally strong and smooth. See Cold Brew.
Can you add a shot to non-coffee drinks?
Yes, in some cases:
- Chai and matcha – a dirty chai is very popular; dirty matcha is less common but some people enjoy it.
- Shakes – adding a shot turns a shake into a coffee milkshake.
- Energy drinks and Fizz – espresso does not usually pair well with fruity sodas, so we do not recommend it.
How much caffeine is too much?
Many health authorities say that up to around 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe for most healthy adults, but individual tolerance varies. Pregnant people, children, teens and those with certain health conditions should be more careful. If you are adding several shots, keep an eye on your total for the day and check with your doctor if you have concerns.
Fewer shots or decaf
If you want less caffeine, you can also ask for fewer shots. Some stands may offer decaf espresso. Ask your brewista. See our caffeine-free guide for drinks with no caffeine at all.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an extra shot cost at 7 Brew?
Prices vary by location. Ask your brewista or check the menu board.
How much caffeine is in one extra shot?
One espresso shot typically has a moderate amount of caffeine. See our caffeine chart for 7 Brew-specific details.
Does an extra shot make the drink bitter?
It makes the coffee flavor stronger, but in sweet drinks it usually just balances the sweetness.
Can I add a shot to a frozen drink?
Yes, and it is one of the best ways to boost a frozen drink’s coffee flavor.
Final thoughts
An extra shot is the simplest upgrade at 7 Brew. Whether you need more energy or just more coffee flavor, adding one to your favorite drink can make it better. Just remember to enjoy caffeine in moderation.
