Americano with coffee beans in the background

The Americano coffee is a delicious, simple coffee that’s perfect for fans of a smooth yet full espresso experience. This delicious coffee consists of just two ingredients: espresso and hot water. The result? A mild, aromatic coffee that’s less intense than an espresso but still keeps its character.

According to legend, the Americano coffee came about during the Second World War, when American soldiers in Europe used to dilute the strong espressos with water to get a flavour closer to the filter coffee from home. Since then the Americano has been a staple of coffee bars worldwide!

Want to make the perfect Americano coffee at home? Read on for the recipe and handy tips!

What you need for a perfect Americano coffee

To make a classic Americano coffee, you only need a few things:

  • Espresso machine or an alternative like an Aeropress
  • Fresh coffee beans (preferably medium or dark roast)
  • Coffee grinder (if you’re using whole beans)
  • Hot water (90-96°C)
  • A cup or mug

Coffee ratio

The classic ratio is 1 part espresso to 2 parts hot water. This gives the perfect balance between flavour and smoothness.

Got everything ready? Then it’s time to make the Americano!

Step-by-step Americano method

Follow these simple steps to make a perfect Americano:

Step 1: Grind the coffee beans

If you’re using whole beans, grind them finely to an espresso grind (around as fine as icing sugar).

Step 2: Pull an espresso

  • Use your espresso machine or Aeropress to pull a double espresso (around 60 ml).
  • Pour the espresso straight into your cup.

Step 3: Add hot water

  • Heat water to around 90-96°C (not boiling!).
  • Slowly pour 120 ml of hot water over the espresso.

Want an even smoother flavour? Add the hot water first and pour the espresso on top. This avoids a bitter flavour and gives a lovely crema.

Extra tips & variations

Want to take your Americano to the next level? Then give these handy tips and variations a try!

1. Play with the strength

  • For a stronger Americano, use less water (for example a 1:1 ratio).
  • For a milder version, add extra hot water.

2. Ice, ice baby! (Iced Americano)

  • Fancy a refreshing twist? Pour your espresso over a glass of ice cubes and then add cold water. This gives a light and cooling flavour!

3. Americano with milk

  • Officially milk doesn’t belong in an Americano, but if you still want a creamier touch, add a splash of warm or cold milk.

4. Extra flavourings

  • Add a hint of cinnamon, vanilla extract or a few drops of maple syrup for a subtle flavour change.

With these tips you can endlessly experiment and find your ideal Americano! Enjoy!

What’s the difference between an Americano and a Lungo?

Although an Americano and a Lungo may seem similar at first glance, there are clear differences in preparation and flavour. An Americano is made by pulling an espresso and adding hot water to it. That makes the coffee taste less intense, but it still keeps its characteristic espresso notes.

A Lungo, on the other hand, is made by extending the extraction time of the espresso. Instead of the standard 25-30 seconds for an espresso, you let the water run through the coffee longer, giving you a larger amount of coffee (around 90-120 ml). This results in a different flavour experience: a Lungo is often slightly more bitter because more soluble compounds are extracted from the coffee.

In short: an Americano is a diluted espresso, while a Lungo is a longer-extracted espresso. Both have a milder flavour than a classic espresso, but the Americano is generally a bit smoother and more balanced.

Frequently asked questions about Americano coffee
What is an Americano?

An Americano is an espresso diluted with hot water, giving the coffee a milder and less concentrated flavour than a regular espresso, but still retaining its rich aroma.

What is the difference between an Americano and filter coffee?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso, while filter coffee is brewed more slowly using a filter method such as a V60, Chemex or coffee maker. Filter coffee often has a subtler and cleaner taste.

How much water do you add to an Americano?

Usually, 60 ml of espresso is mixed with 120-150 ml of hot water. This results in a balanced flavour without the coffee becoming too weak.

Should you pour the espresso or the water first?

For a traditional Americano, you first pour the espresso and then add the hot water. This helps to better preserve the crema. If you pour the hot water first and then the espresso, it is called a "Long Black".

Can I make an Americano with a coffee machine without an espresso function?

Not really, because an Americano always starts with an espresso as its base. Alternatively, you can brew a strong cup of filter coffee for a similar taste experience.