What is an Americano? The Art of Perfecting a Classic

Sipping into the Details: What is an Americano and How to Make It

What is an Americano?

👉 A caffè Americano is a type of black coffee made with a shot or two of espresso and hot water. You can make it in different ways to suit your tastes.

Coffee is loved by many all over the world, and rightly so. It has a sophisticated blend of tastes and an irresistible scent, and its invigorating properties make it an ideal addition to one’s morning routine. A drink that you might have heard about before is Americano coffee. But what is an Americano and what makes this special brew stand out from others?

For those who love coffee, the Americano is a must-try. This classic beverage originated during World War II and boasts an exquisite flavor profile. To craft the perfect Americano, you’ll need to delicately combine espresso shots with hot water for that ideal taste and texture. So why not give it a go yourself?

Ready to become an Americano aficionado? In this post, we’ll explore the rich history and flavorful world of Americano coffee. From origins to brewing techniques and flavor profiles, you’ll find all the information required for crafting a perfect cup of Americano. So grab your favorite mug and let’s begin!

A cup of black coffee, roasted coffee beans, and ground coffee
A cup of black coffee with roasted coffee beans and ground coffee

Table of Contents

What is an Americano?

Americans serving during World War II in Europe received a unique experience when it came to coffee: the Americano. But what is an Americano? This delightful drink is made from one or two shots of espresso and hot water, unlike a classic shot of espresso which can be too intense for many palates. Its origins stem back to these soldiers who diluted their drinks with additional hot water, creating an aromatic yet strong cup that reminded them of home.

A cup of Americano coffee with a foamy crema layer
A cup of Americano coffee with a foamy crema layer

An Americano is an espresso-based beverage that stands apart from other coffee drinks due to its simplicity. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, it does not include any milk or froth, just hot water and a double shot of espresso. This allows the unique flavor and aroma of the espresso blend to shine through, with each barista able to adjust the ratio according to their taste preferences.

Whether you prefer it hot or cold, the Americano is perfect for those seeking a coffee beverage with all the delectable espresso flavors without as much potency. This classic drink has earned itself a place in almost any coffee bar and should be experienced at least once by any true caffeine connoisseur!

History of the Caffè Americano

During World War II, coffee was a staple of everyday life for the servicemen. So much so that they were consuming an average of 32 pounds each year! It is during this period that we find one of the most reliable accounts detailing how caffè Americano came to be named as such. The Army was tasked with grinding, packaging, and transporting copious amounts of coffee to the European theater, yet frequently there still wasn’t enough for everyone.

American troops stationed in Italy, desperately seeking their much-needed coffee buzz, hated the Italian espresso due to its bitterness. To make it more agreeable and accessible for them, these soldiers took matters into their own hands by diluting the beverage with hot water; thus creating a drink beloved by all called “caffè Americano”. The name and beverage itself remained, becoming increasingly popular over the years.

How to Make an Americano Coffee

Espresso machine brewing coffee
Espresso machine brewing coffee

The Americano is unique in comparison to other espresso-based beverages because it generally does not include milk. However, if you would like your Americano with a splash of cream or a non-dairy alternative, simply ask the barista and they will happily accommodate!

The Americano, a combination of water and espresso that is straightforward to make, usually has an espresso-water ratio of either 1:1 or 1:2. Most chain stores tend to include more water than espresso (4 ounces vs 2 ounces) since many people in America find raw espresso too strong for their taste buds.

One grande size Americano from Starbucks (no sugar) contains 15 Calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 225 mg of caffeine. Compared to other types of coffee, a cup of Americano is a perfect energy booster for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet.

How is Americano Different From Other Coffees

When it comes to making a perfect Americano, the only variable one needs to consider is the order in which they should pour the two ingredients. Although there are proponents of both espresso-water and water-espresso methods, generally speaking, most prefer adding espresso first followed by water as this produces an optimal crema. In other words, although seemingly trivial, order matters.

Barista preparing coffee using a pour-over coffee maker and drip kettle
Barista preparing coffee using a pour-over coffee maker and drip kettle

Have you ever noticed the thin, tan layer of foam on top of an espresso shot? That’s crema! When hot water is pushed through coffee beans during brewing, the oils are forced out to create this creamy and flavorful topping. While some might not think that crema has much influence over the taste of a drink, others will argue it adds something special to every sip.

What makes crema such a unique characteristic of the espresso is the way it forms when oils and carbon dioxide mix during the shot-pulling process. If baristas add water to their creations post-extraction, then crema will blend in with the beverage as well. And many people tend to prefer this since it softens its robust taste, creating something like an old-fashioned cup of coffee.

Americano vs Drip Coffee

A gooseneck kettle and drip coffee maker brewing coffee
A gooseneck kettle and drip coffee machine making coffee

In Italian, “Espresso” translates to “fast”—and a freshly brewed espresso certainly is. On the other hand, when it comes to drip coffee, you can’t rush perfection! Making your cup of joe just right takes time, whether via an auto-drip machine or a manual drip kit.

Making drip coffee is a relatively simple task. All you need to do is pour water that’s nearly boiling over coffee grounds and let gravity handle the rest of the work. After enough time has passed, some of these grounds will dissolve into the filter, making their flavor particles pass through as well for a cup of coffee with more subtle notes than an Americano. These flavors tend to pick up floral and sweeter nuances which can only be achieved by allowing ample time for brewing.

Americano vs Long Black

For a Long Black, two shots of espresso are poured over hot water to preserve the richness and aromatics of the crema. Its formation adds fuel to the debate between those who prefer “the original” espresso-water Americano versus the water-espresso combination.

The Long Black, a coffee favorite of New Zealand and Australian natives, presents a bolder flavor than an Americano. This richly-flavored coffee drink is crafted with less water to make the espresso more concentrated while intensifying its thick crema. This makes it perfect for those seeking robustness in their cup.

Americano vs Espresso

An espresso shot dripping from the espresso machine into a cup
An espresso shot dripping from the espresso machine into a cup

An Americano is nothing more than espresso poured with some hot (or iced) water. On the contrary, drip coffee involves steeping grounds in dripping, near-boiling water over an extended period. Espresso differs from Americano and drip coffee as it blends finely ground coffee beans and nearly boiling water under high pressure, creating a thicker, robust brew in mere seconds instead of minutes.

Americano vs Latte vs Cappuccino 

A cup of cappuccino with a layer of foam sprinkled with ground cinnamon
A cup of cappuccino with a layer of foam sprinkled with ground cinnamon

While a latte and cappuccino are both espresso-based coffee drinks, the distinction lies in their creaminess. A typical cappuccino consists of one shot of espresso with steamed milk poured on top and crowned by a layer of luscious foamy milk. In contrast, lattes are enriched with twice as much steamy milk but with much less or no foam while deliciously flavored syrups like vanilla or hazelnut can be added to taste.

Variations on Traditional Americano Coffee

Whether it’s coffee or something else, there are always innovative ways to put a spin on the classics. The Americano has been around since WWII and continues to be reinvented over time with its many variations.

Iced Americano

Iced Americano in mason jars and coffee beans
Iced Americano in mason jars and coffee beans

Create your cool refreshment on a hot summer day by making an iced Americano, which is prepared using the same recipe as a regular americano but with ice-cold water instead of hot. Simply add some ice cubes and you’ll have yourself a perfect refreshing drink! Unlike other icy coffee drinks like iced lattes or iced coffees, this isn’t made with brewed coffee but a shot of espresso.

White Americano

An Americano with a twist, the White Americano is prepared by combining half of its normal hot water amount to espresso followed by dilution with cold or lightly steamed milk for a slightly creamy taste.

Lungo

Although it’s not quite the same as an Americano, a Lungo is undeniably related. The method of preparation consists of adding water to espresso by pulling the shot with more volume or over a longer duration. Then once primary extraction is complete, additional water dilutes this and gives off similar aromas to that of an Americano. Many people find that while there may be some taste differences due to dilution during extraction, they are still able to maintain many flavors from the original espresso itself in their cup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Americano Just Black Coffee?

Although some may refer to an Americano as a “black coffee,” it is not exactly that. This drink consists of a shot of espresso blended with hot water, and there are two ways to concoct this delicious beverage, either by adding the espresso on top or pouring in a layer of hot water beforehand. Whichever way you create your coffee, its look and flavor will be slightly different every time.

How is an Americano Different from Drip Coffee and Espresso?

Americano is easily brewed by combining a shot of espresso with hot water. Alternatively, drip coffee involves coarse or finely ground beans steeped in heated water dripping through the grounds. Espresso calls for almost boiling water that’s pressed through finely-grinded beans at high pressure.

Is an Espresso Machine Necessary for Americanos?

You do not require an espresso machine to craft the perfect Americano. You can even use a coffee pod machine or finely grind and French press your coffee beans. But if you really want that delectable, frothy brew, using an espresso machine is your best bet. It provides the appropriate pressure needed to make sure all those amazing flavors from your beans are extracted for maximum flavor satisfaction. An espresso shot created with an espresso maker will be leagues better than one made without it.

A cup of hot Americano and roasted coffee beans
A cup of hot Americano and roasted coffee beans

Final Words: What is an Americano?

A beloved favorite among coffee lovers, an Americano is a simple but versatile drink that can be enjoyed at home and in cafes around the globe. If you’re looking for something milder than espresso, this classic beverage should be your go-to choice. Its delightful flavor profile comes from its unique preparation method and makes it stand out against other options on the menu.

Finding that ideal Americano requires just the right combination of espresso and hot water. You can accomplish this through various brewing techniques, like employing an espresso machine or pour-over method. It’s all about experimenting with different coffee blends and brewing methods to discover a delightful balance tailored to your tastes.

If you’re a coffee aficionado or simply seeking something special, an Americano is a no-brainer. With its exquisite and complex flavor profile, a cup of Americano is a great way to appreciate your morning or unwind during a break. So when you make that quick detour for espresso from your local coffee shop or simmer up some craft brew at home, don’t forget this timeless favorite!