Americano
A double espresso lengthened with hot water for a clean, balanced and easy-drinking black coffee.
By KAVOVOUpdated
- Dose
- 18 g
- Yield
- 200 ml
- Time
- 5 min
- Vessel
- Americano cup, 200–250 ml
Ingredients
- 18 g freshly ground coffee, brewed as 36–40 g espresso
- 120–180 ml fresh hot water
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Portafilter and basket
- Coffee grinder
- Tamper
- Digital scale
- Timer
- Kettle
An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. It keeps the flavour of espresso while creating a longer, lighter drink that is closer in strength to filter coffee.
Steps
- Preheat a 200–250 ml cup, then empty it.
- Grind 18 g of coffee and brew a double espresso. Aim for a final yield of 36–40 g in approximately 25–30 seconds.
- Add 120–180 ml of fresh hot water to the espresso.
- Taste the drink before adding more water. Stop when the strength feels balanced rather than thin.
- Serve immediately.
Recommended ratio
Start with one part espresso to three parts water.
- Use less water for a stronger, more espresso-forward Americano.
- Use more water for a lighter cup, but avoid diluting it until the coffee tastes hollow.
Americano vs Long Black
For an Americano, the espresso is normally brewed first and hot water is added afterwards. A Long Black is prepared in the opposite order: espresso is poured over hot water, helping preserve more crema and aroma.
Tips
- Use fresh hot water rather than water that has been repeatedly boiled.
- Water just below boiling point is sufficient; aggressively boiling water can make the drink less pleasant to drink immediately.
- If the Americano tastes bitter before water is added, adjust the espresso rather than trying to hide the problem through dilution.
- Use a smaller cup when you want more body and intensity.
