Sometimes you need some pure notes to hit the right spot on a dozy morning. A hot americano will do the job perfectly. And when it comes to getting a hot cup of americano, you definitely wouldn’t go to a coffee shop in the morning for just a cup of coffee.

You only need some essentials and you can make an americano coffee recipe at home. Americano is an espresso-based drink which is similar to black coffee. But it has a distinguished flavor profile to make its place among the other types of espresso-based coffee drink. We are dropping an easy way to make caffe americano recipes at home.

All You Need | Americano Coffee Ingredients

• A double shot of espresso 2 ounces
• Water (off-boiled) 8 ounces

Equipment

• Espresso Maker
• A Burr Grinder
• Electric Kettle/Stove

2 Simple Steps To Make Americano

1. Pull a double shot of espresso in a tall coffee cup. Want to know more about espresso? Here you can find all about espresso.
2. Pour hot water over espresso and do not stir. Your homemade americano is ready. Serve immediately.

An Interesting Story | What’s In Americano Coffee

As we have mentioned earlier, americano is an espresso-based coffee drink. But the story behind this drink is very interesting. Initially, this beverage was made for a specific need then it became a sensation. Americans love drip coffee which has a less intense flavor profile than typical strong italian espresso.

The people of Italy like a strong and bold espresso as a regular drink. But that strong flavor of espresso did not attract the American soldiers stationed in Italy. They tried to make their favorite drip coffee by adding hot water in  bold espresso. And ended up making a new drink that was named after american soldiers, Americano.

This simple trick, adding hot water into espresso, has led to an amazing and flavorsome coffee drink. Another common variation of this drink is iced americano coffee. The rest of the recipe is the same but instead of boiled water, cold water and ice cubes are used in the process.

What Is The Difference? Americano | Drip Coffee | Long Black

The difference between drip coffee and americano is quite simple and understandable. In the drip coffee, dripping is actually involved in the making process of this recipe. A special coffee maker is filled with coffee grounds and hot water is poured over grinded coffee beans. Hot water extract the flavor and crema directly from coffee beans.

While making an americano is not that complicated and time taking. Just brew some espresso. Add hot water to dilute espresso and the drink is ready. Since there is no dripping process involved, it is a quick drink to make at home. Long black coffee is more similar to americano but with a strong flavor.

The main difference between long black coffee and americano is the sequence of mixing hot water and espresso. While making a long black coffee, espresso is pulled directly into hot water. It makes the drink less diluted with a layer of crema on top. And making americano is the opposite of it, espresso is pulled in a coffee cup and hot water is poured over espresso.

Water To Espresso Ratio In Americano

Making an americano is quite simple but it also has some trick points. For example, water to espresso ratio has an important role in forming and maintaining the perfect flavor and taste of the drink. The recommended water to espresso ratio is 2:1 which means there must be two parts of hot water in one part of espresso.

The constant ratio will result in a perfect level of boldness with diluted taste of espresso. Adding too much water may lead to fading away the essence of espresso which is the main part of the drink. Adding less water will give you a bold and strong feel of taste. And it wouldn’t seem like an americano.

Don’t Do These Common Mistakes

To make a perfect americano, you must avoid these common mistakes in the making process:

• Incorrect water-to-espresso ratio (it is always recommended to use 2:1)
• Using too hot water (let the water sit for few seconds after boiling it before pouring it over espresso)
• Not cleaning espresso machine (clean your espresso machine on a regular basis to maintain the perfection of taste)
• Skipping preheating the coffee cup (Pre heating coffee cup before pouring water in to espresso will keep the drink warm enough to enjoy after making)

Final Thoughts

Americano has a vibrant history behind its creation. It has less strong flavor than drip coffee. It also has some variations in different forms such as iced americano, white americano and flavored americano (flavored syrups added). To make a perfect drink always use pure and quality ingredients.

Maintaining the right measurements of ingredients and ratio of fluids are the crucial factors for the perfection in any recipe. Always keep an eye on temperature while brewing coffee, boiling water or preheating coffee cups. Handle hot items during the making process with care as well to avoid any serious damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make an americano?

To make an americano, pull a double shot of espresso in a tall coffee cup. Add 8 oz of hot water into espresso. The americano coffee drink is ready to serve.

What is the coffee ratio for an Americano?

The ideal ratio of coffee for an americano is 1:2 i.e. one part of espresso and 2 parts of hot water. Always maintain the recommended coffee-water ratio for the perfect taste and consistent flavor.

How do they make Americano?

The American soldiers made americano by adding hot water into espresso back in WWII. Because they loved the drip coffee back in America and tried to make drip coffee there.

What are the ingredients in an Americano?

There are only two ingredients in americano: i. Espresso (2 oz)  ii. Hot water (8 oz).