I was at a Madison coffeeshop this week and ordered a single shot macchiato. When the barista rang it up, he said, "Double Macchiato." Now, usually I don't order singles--I feel like if your machine pulls doubles, double is standard--but when I've already had enough caffeine, and when I want a smaller dose (good for sampling), I'll get a single. Also, a single macchiato is nice, because it is almost always is served in a demitasse cup, whereas a double is sometimes served in a bigger cup which can dwarf the coffee, look a little silly, and basically ruin the aesthetics of drinking espresso.
So I corrected him, saying I only wanted a single. But he protested, saying it was bad coffee karma to waste a shot. I went along with his suggestion, mostly because I like to see how a barista will present a drink in the manner he or she feels is best. I presume he only charged me for a single, but I didn't pay attention to the price total (I think price is the big reason people order a single; that is, if you're looking to save that 30 cents or whatever, you'll order the single).
And I'll admit, I have served double shots when a single was ordered. Never espresso proper, of course, but in lattes or cappucinos. I guess I've felt that I should give a 16 ounce latte all the coffee flavor I can. But more and more, I feel that we (baristas) should be upfront with what we're serving.
I once had a barista tell me his coffeeshop always gave single shot orders both shots because "we like our customers." But wouldn't being completely honest in what you advertise be the best way to show your customers you like them? I mean, that barista did give me a double shot (in a large cup, natch), but then proceeded to blast away any coffee flavor present with a more than healthy pour of scalded, poorly frothed milk, thus taking back any karma earned....
