I Tested Every Starbucks Espresso Shot to Find Which One Delivers the Most Caffeine Buzz

Have you ever wondered which Starbucks espresso shot gives the biggest caffeine buzz? If so, you’re not alone. I was curious too. So, I decided to embark on a highly caffeinated experiment to test every espresso shot at Starbucks—because, let’s face it, someone had to do it.

I spent several days, testing the classic espresso, the blonde espresso, and even those secret menu shots that nobody talks about. I drank, I buzzed, and, by the end of it, I discovered which espresso shot packs the most punch. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t what I expected.

The Testing Method: Why and How I Tried Every Espresso Shot

For this experiment, I wasn’t just chugging espresso straight from the shot glass. No, I ordered a variety of espresso-based drinks—lattes, Americanos, cappuccinos, and even a few iced creations. I wanted to see how each espresso shot affected both the flavor and the caffeine buzz in different drink styles. So, I spent a few days alternating between the classic, blonde, and decaf espresso shots to see how each affected me throughout the day.

Here’s what I learned:

Classic Espresso: The Tried-and-True

First up: the Classic Espresso, dark roast. This is the foundation of almost every espresso-based drink at Starbucks, from the beloved latte to the strong Americano. I started with a Grande Latte made with the classic espresso shots.

Caffeine Content: 75 mg per shot (two shots in a Grande = 150 mg)

How It Felt:

The buzz hit me pretty quickly. The flavor was rich and bold with a little bitterness that many espresso fans love. The caffeine worked its magic fast, giving me a good boost, but nothing overwhelming. I felt focused, ready to tackle tasks, but I didn’t feel jittery. It was a steady, calm energy that lasted for a solid few hours. This is perfect if you're looking for a balanced pick-me-up without going overboard.

Buzz Level: Medium

Duration: 2–3 hours of solid focus

Mood: Productive but not too intense

Blonde Espresso: The Lighter, Stronger Alternative

Next, I swapped out my classic espresso for Blonde Espresso. The Blonde roast is a lighter roast that’s less bitter and more “bright,” and I’d heard that it had a bit more caffeine. I went for a Grande Iced Latte to give this one a proper test.

Caffeine Content: 85 mg per shot (two shots in a Grande = 170 mg)

How It Felt:

Right off the bat, the flavor was noticeably smoother and slightly sweeter than the classic espresso. It didn’t have the deep bitterness that I usually associate with coffee, but it still had a kick. As for the caffeine? This one definitely gave me a bigger boost. I felt mentally sharp, energetic, and ready to take on the world. The buzz was definitely stronger than the classic espresso, but I didn’t feel like I’d had too much—just a pleasant lift that lasted a little longer.

Buzz Level: Medium to strong

Duration: 3–4 hours of sustained energy

Mood: Energized and focused, but not jittery

Decaf Espresso: Wait, Do People Actually Drink This?

Now, I know what you're thinking—decaf espresso? But yes, I tried it. I’m not someone who usually opts for decaf, but I was curious to see just how much of a difference there really was. I ordered a Tall Decaf Americano to see if I could still get some sort of boost.

Caffeine Content: 0–15 mg per shot (about 30 mg for a Tall Americano)

How It Felt:

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from decaf. It wasn’t like the full-on energizing feeling of a regular espresso, but I did get a mild sense of wakefulness. More like a gentle nudge rather than a jolt. If you’re someone who loves the taste of espresso but needs to avoid caffeine for health reasons (or maybe just wants to wind down), decaf might be a good option. It’s not a "buzz" by any means, but it still gives you that comforting coffee experience.

Buzz Level: Barely noticeable

Duration: Short, with a gentle uplift

Mood: Chill and relaxed, definitely not hyped up

Combining Espresso Shots: A Buzz Cocktail

By this point, I was feeling curious. What would happen if I combined classic and blonde espresso shots? Would I get the best of both worlds? I decided to try the classic Espresso Con Panna (one shot of classic and one shot of blonde espresso), topped off with a little whipped cream for fun.

Caffeine Content:

1. Classic Espresso: 75 mg
2. Blonde Espresso: 85 mg
3. Total: 160 mg for a Tall Espresso Con Panna

How It Felt:

The flavor was a little more complex than either shot alone. The bitterness of the classic espresso was balanced by the sweetness of the blonde espresso. And the caffeine? Oh yeah. This was a serious jolt. I felt alert, energized, and ready to crush my to-do list. It was probably the strongest buzz I felt throughout this whole experiment, and the whipped cream? Pure indulgence.

Buzz Level: Strong

Duration: Long-lasting (4+ hours of alertness)

Mood: Hyper-productive, creatively focused

Which Espresso Shot Took the Crown?

After testing out each espresso shot at Starbucks over several days, it became clear that Blonde Espresso delivered the most powerful caffeine buzz without being overly harsh or bitter. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a smooth, strong, and sustained energy boost that lasts longer than the classic espresso but without feeling wired.

That being said, the Classic Espresso is still a reliable go-to if you just need a solid pick-me-up without going overboard. And if you’re looking for a calm, caffeine-free option to enjoy the ritual of espresso without the buzz, Decaf Espresso is your best bet.

Here’s the final ranking based on caffeine content and how much energy I felt:

1. Blonde Espresso – A smooth, strong buzz that lasts.
2. Classic Espresso – A balanced boost with moderate caffeine.
3. Decaf Espresso – A gentle lift with very little caffeine.

So, there you have it: the ultimate caffeine showdown between Starbucks' espresso shots. Whether you’re looking for a smooth, sustained buzz with the Blonde Espresso, a reliable pick-me-up from the Classic Espresso, or just a gentle lift from Decaf, there’s an espresso shot to match every need. My personal favorite? The Blonde Espresso definitely took the crown for the strongest, most balanced caffeine boost. But, in the end, it all comes down to what suits your taste and energy levels.

Next time you’re at Starbucks, you can make an informed decision on which espresso shot will give you the perfect caffeine jolt to kickstart your day or power you through that afternoon slump.