Coffee Americano

What Is An Americano coffee? 

The Americano is an extremely popular kind of coffee drink. An Americano is an espresso drink made with hot water and espresso, also called a Coffee Americano. The drink can be made with either one or two shots of espresso, and varying ratios of water, but generally 1 part espresso to 2 parts water or 1 part espresso to 3 parts water. Diluting the strong dark espresso roast brings the flavor closer to a drip coffee. It has intense, deep coffee notes, like nutty, earthy flavors. Americano coffee has a stronger, richer flavor than brewed coffee. 

Making an Americano might seem like you are just pouring hot water into an espresso, but for some coffee lovers there is much more to the recipe than that. In reality, though, both the quality of the ingredients, and the way they’re combined, will determine whether an Americano is properly prepared. 

How to make the perfect tasting Americano

Preparing an Americano is relatively simple with an espresso maker. 

Coffee beans are a personal thing. But, to make a good Americano, you need good espresso beans. While making an Americano actually dilutes the espresso shot, the process seems to amplify any flaws in the coffee, so get a bean that you know you like. You can make an Americano with non-espresso beans, but it’s not really an Americano and it won’t taste the same. 

STEP 1. Coffee grinding 

Your grinder is a key tool for making a good espresso, which is the first step to a great Americano. This coffee beverage is made with one or two espresso shots. The best espresso comes from freshly ground coffee beans. So you’ll need to grind your beans as you would for making a shot of espresso, so make it really fine. Grind the beans directly into the portafilter for the freshest coffee possible. 

STEP 2. Tamping the beans 

Tamping is an important part of the process. Some machines these days tamp automatically for you, others don’t. It’s okay if your espresso machine doesn’t tamp the beans automatically. You use the tamper to press the coffee grounds into an even disc. This will ensure that the portafilter can go into and come out of the machine properly and maximize the water's contact with the coffee. Don't press too hard, or the disc will become compacted. Apply light pressure and release with a slight twist. Once you have tamped, please put the portafilter into its spot on the machine. 

STEP 3. Prepare the cup

Fill a mug or glass about ⅔ or ¾ full with hot water. When making an americano, there is some discussion about how hot the water should be. And it is personal to your preference. Too hot and it takes too long to cool down and that affects the taste. Too cold and it brings the quality of the espresso down a bit as well. Overall, about 185°F (85°C) - 200°F (93°C) degrees works well. You can use your kettle to get the water to that temperature or add the water out of your steam boiler tap. 

STEP 4. Make the espresso 

You can make a single or double shot of espresso. Gently slide the filter basket into the machine and turn the handle to lock it into place. Place an espresso cup underneath the portafilter. Depending on the design of your espresso machine, you'll need to flick a switch or press a button, and the coffee will stream out into the cup.  Coffee beans which have been carefully processed will be full of aromatic oils. When an espresso is brewed, the hot water first forces those oils out of the beans. You might have noticed a light brown, creamy substance coming out of the espresso machine before the dark coffee. This substance rises to the top. For a long time, crema was seen as a mark of a great brew. 

STEP 5. Dilute the espresso 

The ratio of water to espresso is typically 1 part espresso to 2 parts water. Pour the espresso into an empty mug or glass and top it off with hot water. Water added to espresso is known in many circles as an “original Americano”, but in this case the crema might dissipate. To preserve the creamy foam produced by espresso, slowly pour the espresso into the cup of hot water and serve immediately. Doing it in this way produces what’s called a Long Black Coffee. Enjoy!