Americano coffee is a straightforward yet bold drink: espresso diluted with hot water. Its strength depends on the coffee-to-water ratio, typically ranging from 1:2 to 1:4, offering a lighter alternative to straight espresso while preserving its rich flavor. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is Americano coffee?”—or how it differs from drip coffee or a Long Black—you’re not alone. These were some of the most common questions I heard while working at a coffee shop.
In this guide, I’ll dive into what makes an Americano unique, its fascinating history, how to whip one up at home, and how it stacks up against similar drinks like drip coffee and the Long Black. Let’s brew up some answers!
What Is Americano Coffee?
At its core, Americano coffee (or café Americano) is espresso mixed with hot water. Unlike drip coffee, which filters water through ground beans, an Americano starts with a shot of espresso—usually 1 to 2 ounces—then adds 2 to 4 ounces of hot water. This dilution mellows the espresso’s intensity while keeping its robust, aromatic profile. The result? A smooth, flavorful cup with a thin layer of crema (that frothy top) and a slight oiliness, thanks to the lack of a paper filter.
Who Invented the Americano Coffee?
The name “Americano” hints at its origins, derived from the Italian word for someone from the United States. The popular story traces it back to World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Italy found the local espresso too strong compared to the milder black coffee they drank back home. To make it more familiar, they asked baristas to dilute the espresso with hot water. The Italians obliged, and voilà—the Americano was born.
While this tale is widely accepted, some coffee historians suggest an earlier origin, possibly tied to Central American Spanish (café americano) in the mid-20th century. Either way, it’s a practical invention that’s become a staple in coffee shops worldwide.
How to Make an Americano Coffee at Home
Making an Americano is quick and doesn’t require fancy equipment beyond an espresso maker. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 shots of espresso (1-2 ounces)
- 2-4 ounces of hot water (adjust to taste)
- Optional: fresh-roasted coffee beans for the best flavor
Steps:
- Brew the Espresso: Use an espresso machine or stovetop Moka pot to pull a shot (about 25-30 seconds). See my full espresso guide here (#) for tips.
- Heat the Water: Bring water to just below boiling (around 195°F/90°C) for the best taste.
- Combine: Pour the espresso into a cup, then add the hot water. A 1:3 ratio (1 ounce espresso to 3 ounces water) is a classic starting point.
- Enjoy: Sip it black to savor the bean’s natural flavors—no milk or sugar needed, though you can tweak it to your liking.
Pro tip: Use freshly ground beans for a more pronounced taste and vibrant crema. Total time? Less than a minute!
Americano vs. Long Black: What’s the Difference?
The Americano and Long Black are close cousins, both blending espresso and hot water, but the preparation sets them apart. With an Americano, you pour the espresso first, then add water. The Long Black—created in Australia—flips the script: water goes in first, then espresso is poured over it.
Why the switch? Fans of the Long Black say adding espresso last preserves the crema and prevents “burning” the coffee’s delicate flavors. I’ve done a side-by-side taste test and couldn’t tell much difference, but some swear it’s smoother. Try it yourself and see!
Americano vs. Drip Coffee: 6 Key Differences
Since an Americano uses espresso and drip coffee relies on a filter, they’re distinctly different drinks. Here’s how they compare:
- Grind Size: Espresso demands a fine grind for quick extraction; drip coffee uses a medium-coarse grind for slower brewing.
- Flavor: Americanos deliver bold, intense notes with oily undertones; drip coffee is lighter, cleaner, and less complex.
- Caffeine Content: A 2-ounce Americano has 60-80 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce drip coffee packs 90-120 mg.
- Crema: Americanos feature a light, golden crema; drip coffee has none due to the paper filter.
- Water-to-Coffee Ratio: Americanos range from 1:2 to 1:4; drip coffee is closer to 1:16, making it more diluted.
- Brew Time: Espresso takes 25-30 seconds; drip coffee brews in 4-6 minutes.
Drip coffee (distinct from pour-over methods like Chemex or V60) suits those who prefer a mild, easy-drinking cup. An Americano, meanwhile, brings espresso’s punch to a larger volume—perfect for black coffee lovers who want more depth.
Final Thoughts
So, what is Americano coffee? It’s a versatile, espresso-based drink with a wartime backstory, loved for its balance of strength and smoothness. Whether you’re comparing it to a Long Black or drip coffee, it stands out for its bold flavor and quick prep. The best way to decide your favorite? Brew all three and taste the difference.