An Americano is one of the simplest yet most versatile espresso-based drinks. Known for its smooth body and approachable flavor, it bridges the gap between the intensity of espresso and the lighter profile of drip coffee.
What Is an Americano Coffee?
An Americano, or Caffè Americano, is made by diluting one or two shots of espresso with hot water. This process softens the espresso’s bold intensity while preserving its rich crema and aromatic complexity. Unlike drip coffee, which is brewed by percolating water through grounds, the Americano retains espresso’s concentrated character but in a more drinkable form.
- Made with espresso + hot water
- Typically served in 6–8 oz cups
- Flavor: smooth, less bitter than straight espresso
In essence, the Americano is a coffee that offers balance—stronger than filter coffee but gentler than a pure espresso shot.
The Origins and History of the Americano
The Americano traces its roots back to World War II 1. American soldiers stationed in Italy found traditional Italian espresso too strong compared to the drip coffee they were used to back home. To make it more palatable, they diluted espresso with hot water, creating a drink that resembled their familiar brew.
- Origin: Italy, during WWII
- Name: “Caffè Americano” literally means “American coffee”
- Purpose: To mimic the lighter body of drip coffee
This adaptation quickly became popular, and today the Americano is a staple in cafés worldwide.
Americano vs. Other Coffee Drinks
At first glance, an Americano may look like a simple black coffee, but its preparation sets it apart.
- Americano vs. Drip Coffee: Drip coffee is brewed by filtering hot water through coffee grounds, while an Americano is espresso diluted with water. The result is a richer aroma and crema in the Americano.
- Americano vs. Long Black: A long black (popular in Australia and New Zealand) is made by pouring espresso over hot water, preserving more crema. An Americano typically adds water to espresso.
- Americano vs. Latte: A latte includes steamed milk, while an Americano is purely espresso and water.
Thus, the Americano occupies a unique space—simple, versatile, and customizable.
Americano Coffee Ratio: Espresso to Water
The strength of an Americano depends on the espresso-to-water ratio. While there’s no single “correct” formula, baristas generally follow these guidelines:
- 1:1 ratio → Stronger, closer to espresso
- 1:2 ratio → Balanced, smooth flavor (most common)
- 1:3 or 1:4 ratio → Milder, closer to drip coffee
A standard recipe uses a double shot of espresso (about 2 oz) with 4–6 oz of hot water2. Adjusting the ratio allows you to tailor the drink to your taste.
Caffeine Content and Nutrition Facts
The caffeine and nutritional profile of an Americano depends on the espresso base and serving size.
- Caffeine: A single shot of espresso has 63 mg of caffeine. A double-shot Americano typically contains 120–150 mg, similar to an 8 oz cup of drip coffee.
- Calories: Virtually 0 calories if consumed black.
- Fat & Sugar: None, unless milk or sweeteners are added.
- Carbs: Minimal, less than 1 g per serving.
This makes the Americano one of the healthiest coffee choices—low in calories, sugar-free, and rich in antioxidants.
How to Make an Americano at Home
Brewing an Americano at home is simple if you have an espresso machine or a strong espresso alternative.
Steps to prepare:
- Grind 14–18 g of coffee beans for a double shot.
- Pull a double espresso (about 2 oz).
- Heat 4–6 oz of water to 75–80°C (not boiling).
- Pour the hot water into a cup.
- Add the espresso shot over the water (or vice versa, depending on preference).
The order of pouring doesn’t significantly affect taste, though some prefer espresso last to preserve crema.
Variations and Tips for the Perfect Americano
While the classic Americano is straightforward, there are several ways to personalize it:
- Iced Americano: Replace hot water with cold water and ice for a refreshing summer drink.
- Red Eye: Add a shot of espresso to drip coffee for extra strength.
- Flavored Americano: Add a dash of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon for a twist.
- With Milk: Though not traditional, a splash of milk or cream can soften the flavor.
Final tip: Always use freshly ground beans and filtered water. Since the Americano is simple, the quality of ingredients makes a noticeable difference.