What Is An Americano?


What is an Americano? Find out the answer and unlock the secrets of this delicious coffee-based drink. Get the scoop now!


Published: June 27, 2023 · Modified: March 11, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

What is an Americano

What is an Americano?

Hey there coffee lovers! Have you ever heard of Caffè Americano? It’s not just any ordinary coffee drink, it’s a unique blend of espresso and hot water that gives it a distinct flavor. The strength of this drink can vary depending on how many shots of espresso and water are added.
It could either mean espresso with hot water or long-filtered coffee, but the latter is more accurately called caffè all’americana. Now, you won’t get confused if you’re in Italy and someone offers you a caffè americano.

What is an Americano

Where does the Americano come from?

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the beloved Americano? Well, did you know that the word “Americano” actually means “American” in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese? But hold on to your coffee cups, because the term “Caffè Americano” actually refers to “American coffee” specifically in Italian.
There’s a popular belief that the name “Americano” became super popular during World War II when American soldiers stationed in Italy wanted their espresso to taste a little more like the black coffee back home. So, they started diluting their espresso with hot water until it resembled the coffee they knew and loved. And thus, the Americano was born! Pretty cool, huh?

What is an Americano

What's the difference between an Americano and a long black?

An Americano is an espresso-based drink that consists of one or two shots of espresso with hot water poured over the top. This makes it a lighter and more delicate type of coffee compared to other types. A long Black is a stronger, more intense coffee made by pouring two shots of espresso over hot water; it’s slightly stronger due to the espresso sitting on top. The difference between the two lies in the balance between flavor and body. An Americano has a light but flavorful body, while a Long Black produces an ever-so-slightly richer taste.

What is an Americano

How to pronounce Americano

Let’s have some fun with this. So, “americano” is a fancy word for a type of coffee that originated in America (surprise, surprise!). To break it down, we can think of it as “Uh-mer-uh-kah-noh.” It kind of sounds like a chant, doesn’t it? Now, go ahead and say it with me: “Uh-mer-uh-kah-noh!” Great job! Now speed it up. Well done! You’re now a pro at pronouncing this fancy coffee name!

What is an Americano

How to make an Americano

An Americano is a wonderfully tasty and simple coffee drink that’s easy to make at home. All you need is some espresso beans, freshly-filtered hot water, and an espresso machine, stovetop espresso maker, or French press.

  • Start by grinding the beans to your desired fineness.
  • Grab a coffee mug and add one shot of espresso to the bottom.
  • Then, slowly pour the hot water over the espresso, mixing as you go.

Traditionally there would be no milk added but it’s your coffee you can top it off with a little bit of foam or cream if desired. The result is a smooth and delicious cup of Americano that is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up!

What is an Americano

Iced Americano

Nothing beats a refreshing cup of iced Americano. This cool coffee drink is perfect for hot summer days! To make the perfect iced Americano coffee, you will need a double shot of espresso and 250 ml of cold water. Start by making espresso or filter coffee. Once the brew is ready, set it aside and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, pour your espresso into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Top it off with the cold water, stir, and enjoy your delicious and refreshing iced Americano.

What is an Americano

What's the Difference between Drip coffee and an Americano?

Drip coffee is like a slow and steady marathon runner. It takes its time, allowing hot water to slowly drip through the coffee grounds to extract all the delicious flavors. It’s like a cozy, comforting hug in a mug.
Americano, on the other hand, is like a high-energy sprinter. It starts with a shot of espresso, which is already packed with intense flavor and caffeine. Then, water is poured over it to give it a little more oomph and turn it into a longer, smoother coffee drink.
Think of drip coffee as the tortoise and Americano as the hare. Both have their own unique strengths and benefits, but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

How to Make Espresso

Espresso shot size?

A single shot of espresso is 40mls or 1.35 fl oz, each shot uses around 7 to 9 grams of finely ground coffee beans. A double shot of espresso is obviously double a single shot making it 80mls or 2.70 fl oz.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine

With a simple coffee recipe like this having a Nespresso coffee machine that pours the perfect espresso with a beautiful thick crema topping every time is key. This beautiful and sleek coffee machine can make five different cup sizes. Alto Coffee 414ml (14 oz), Coffee mug 230ml (8oz), Gran Lungo 150ml (5 oz), Double Espresso 80ml (2.7 oz), and Espresso 40ml (1.35 oz). So if you fancy a different coffee each day, this espresso machine is brilliant.

What is an Americano

Americano Coffee

Jennifer Ryan
Wake up your taste buds with a delicious Americano - great for an afternoon pick-me-up! Our easy recipe ensures you'll be brewing the perfect cup every time.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1
Calories 18 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Coffee beans or an espresso coffee machine capsule
  • Hot water

Instructions
 

  • Using an espresso coffee machine pour a shot of espresso.
    Coffee beans or an espresso coffee machine capsule
    How to clean the Nespresso Vertuo Next
  • Grab a coffee mug and add one shot of espresso to the bottom, then, slowly pour the hot water over the espresso.
    What is an Americano
  • A cup of Americano is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up! It’s traditionally made with no milk, but you can always top it off with a bit of foam or cream if you’re feeling fancy. The result is a smooth and delicious cup that’ll make you feel ready to take on the rest of the day!
    What is an Americano

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal
Keyword americano, americano coffee, best coffee recipe, easy coffee recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Now that you know everything there is to know about an Americano, it’s time to grab a cup and get your day off to an enjoyable start! Enjoy the smooth, strong flavor of an Americano and let it wake you up and allow you to tackle the tasks your day may hold. Whether you drink it black or take it with cream or sugar, this classic drink is sure to give you the pick-me-up you need to make it through your day with the best of spirits. So don’t forget to treat yourself to a wonderful Americano today!

Best Espresso Drinks

Check out some of our coffee recipe collections, for more coffee drink inspiration. With classics like latte, to unique options like affogato and espresso martini, there’s no need to ever have a regular coffee again. If you’re looking to take your barista skills to the next level, Love Food Feed is the place for you! Our recipes are delicious, our foodie news is informative, and our kitchen hacks are clever, making cooking easier, tastier, and more enjoyable. So let’s get brewing! So don’t wait, join us on social media and show off your newfound skills.