Red eye (drink)

A red eye is a fortified coffee drink in which espresso is combined with normal drip brew coffee.^[1] It is known by various names, some of which refer to different variants.

Variants

Drip coffee to which espresso is added may be called a red eye, black eye, or dead eye, depending on the number of shots which has been added.^{[citation needed]}

While "black eye" was named for the appearance of the circular black marking caused by pouring the shot on the top of the cup of coffee with cream, the "red eye" was named for the extra added zip needed to stay awake through an overnight "red eye" flight from the West Coast to New York.

A weaker variant on the drink is the "lazy eye" - a shot of espresso is added to decaffeinated coffee.

Alternative names

The red eye has many monikers, depending on the region.

• In Alaska, it is known as a "sludge cup," possibly in reference to the state's large petroleum industry (see oil sludge).^[2][3]
• In the Pacific Northwest, a single and double shot is known as a "shot in the dark" and a "double shot in the dark" respectively.^[4]
• At Whitemoor Mine it was known as a Wellard Coffee - a reference to the dog in Eastenders and the fact that one had to be "Well Hard", i.e. tough, to drink it.
• Two other alternatives to the name are depth charge or hammerhead.
• At the Horse Brass pub in Portland, Oregon it may be referred to as a "Stink Eye". 
• A variant in northern California is known as the "Train Wreck." 
• Parts of the Northeast coast in the US refer to it as the "mondo". 
• Pumpkin Spice coffee with a shot of Ristretto is also known as a "Jack o Lantern".

Other drinks

In Canada and parts of the US, a red eye is a traditional drink combining tomato juice or clamato with beer^{[citation needed]}. Red Eye is also an Australian energy drink brand^{[citation needed]}.

See also

• Boilermaker – a shot of whiskey added to beer

References

1. ^ Arndorfer, Travis; Kristine Hansen (2006). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Coffee and Tea. Penguin. p. 122. ISBN 9781592575442. http://books.google.com/books?id=KYZGQzf6U2IC&pg=PA122. 
2. ^ http://www.snowcitycafe.com/menu/
3. ^ http://www.anchoragepress.com/archives/archives/documentc5c6.html
4. ^ http://www.gonorthwest.com/washington/seattle/dining/javajargon.htm