The Americano is a coffee drink born out of necessity, yet beloved by tradition. Legend traces its origins back to World War II, when American soldiers in Italy found traditional espresso too strong for their taste. To mimic the drip coffee they were used to back home, they added hot water to espresso, creating a milder, more sippable drink.
Though it may seem simple, the Americano is a beautiful balance of strength and smoothness, allowing the rich flavors of espresso to open up while maintaining its depth and complexity.
What Makes an Americano Different?
🔹 Espresso-Based, But Milder – Unlike regular brewed coffee, which is made by slowly dripping water through coffee grounds, an Americano starts with espresso and is diluted with hot water. This retains espresso’s crema and complexity while making it more approachable.
🔹 Strength Can Be Adjusted – The ratio of espresso to water determines whether your Americano is bold or smooth. More espresso? Stronger taste. More water? Lighter and milder.
🔹 A Drip Coffee Alternative with More Body – The Americano offers a richer mouthfeel and more nuanced flavors than standard drip coffee.
How to Make an Americano
☕ Ingredients
✅ 2 tbsp (10g) finely ground coffee
✅ 6 oz (180ml) cold, filtered water (for brewing espresso)
✅ 4–6 oz (120–180ml) hot water (for dilution)
🌡 Temperature Guide
💨 Brew water: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
🔥 Added hot water: 160–185°F (70–85°C) (not boiling, to avoid scalding the espresso)
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew a Double Shot of Espresso
- Use an espresso machine to extract 2 oz (60ml) of espresso.
2️⃣ Heat Additional Water
- Heat 4–6 oz (120–180ml) of water, ensuring it’s hot but not boiling to preserve the espresso’s delicate flavors.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
☕ Breathe it in. The scent of fresh coffee is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Pour the Water Over the Espresso
- The classic method is to pour hot water into the espresso, preserving the crema.
- Some prefer to pour espresso into the water, which softens the flavors even more.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Adjust the water-to-espresso ratio to your liking.
- A classic Americano is a 1:2 to 1:3 espresso-to-water ratio.
Americano vs. Other Coffee Drinks
✔ Americano vs. Drip Coffee – Drip coffee is brewed slowly, while an Americano is espresso-based and diluted with water, giving it more body and complexity.
✔ Americano vs. Long Black – A Long Black (popular in Australia & New Zealand) is made by pouring espresso over hot water, preserving more of the crema and creating a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
✔ Americano vs. Lungo – A Lungo is an espresso pulled longer, extracting more coffee but without dilution, whereas an Americano is a short-pulled espresso stretched with water.
Why Choose an Americano?
✅ For Those Who Want a Milder Espresso Without Losing Its Complexity – If straight espresso is too bold, but you love its richness and depth, the Americano is the perfect middle ground.
✅ A Versatile, Customizable Coffee – Stronger or smoother? An Americano can be adjusted to suit any preference.
✅ A War-Time Classic with Enduring Appeal – This coffee has a storied past and continues to be a favorite for those who want a bold yet balanced experience.
☕ Next Up: [Cappuccino – The Classic Italian Espresso & Milk Harmony] → Discover the perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk, and foam that has defined Italian coffee culture.
