An Americano, aka Caffe Americano, is a shot of espresso that is topped with very hot (not boiling) water.
You’ve probably heard of iced Americano, which is the same thing but cold water is used. Click here to jump down to the iced Americano recipe.
There are also variations where a lot of ice is added first, then the shot of espresso and topped with hot water.
What is an Americano - Key Takeaways
- To achieve a rich, deep flavor, use a dark roast.
- Use water that is just about to boil.
- Use a single or double shot of espresso to make the Americano.
- Pull the espresso shots first, then pour the water into the same mug.
- Add water to the espresso.
- Water should be added very slowly so as not to disturb the crema.
- The ideal ratio for making an Americano is one part espresso to three parts water.
- Don’t stir before drinking
- Try a long black
- Drip coffee is not the same as an Americano.
How to Make an Americano?
The Americano is made using water and espresso. The ratio is typically 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water. If you’re having an Americano outside of the US (or Canada), the ratio may skew more toward more espresso. This is because Americans like weak coffee.
If you have an espresso maker, then pull a shot. A single shot of espresso is 1 to 1.2 ounces. Then add 8 oz of water.
Americano Ratios
Everyone enjoys an Americano in a different way.
However, if your ratio is espresso-heavy, you will get a strong and bitter coffee. If there is too much water, you’re going to get diluted coffee that tastes like coffee-flavored swamp water.
The trick is to experiment with the ratio that suits your taste.
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Can You Make an Americano at Home?
Yes. However, you’re going to need an espresso machine or moka pot.
How to make an Americano without an espresso machine
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make an Americano with a moka pot.
- Make espresso with the moka pot
- Pour espresso into a cup
- Pour water over espresso
- Enjoy!
Is there crema in an Americano?
No, there isn’t crema in an Americano.
When you pour water over the espresso, it typically drowns the crema. The coffee becomes a bit more like an American cup of coffee.
Americano vs Drip Coffee
The main difference between Americano and drip coffee is that Americano is more intense. Regardless of the beans chosen, it’s going to have a more earthy, robust flavor due to the way it’s extracted.
Drip coffee is lighter and more delicate compared to an Americano.
Americano vs Long Black
The ingredients in both Americano and long black are the same. The difference between the two is how the espresso is combined.
Long Black is pouring the espresso shot over water.
Some say there is a difference in flavor. Especially since the crema is drowned in the traditional Americano and the crema is kept in a long black.
How Did the Americano Get Its Name?
It is thought to have started in Italy during World War II, when American soldiers stationed there asked for their espresso to be watered down so they could drink it like they did at home.
The drink became known as the “Americano” because it was popular with American servicemen.
