A Simple Drink With a Story
The Americano may be one of the simplest coffee drinks on the menu, but behind its modest appearance lies a history rich with adaptation, culture, and a surprising amount of nuance.
With just two ingredients—espresso and hot water—the Americano manages to deliver a drink that’s bold yet smooth, strong yet sippable. It appeals to those who love the depth of espresso but prefer a longer, less intense experience.
But what exactly makes a coffee an Americano? Why do some people swear by it while others overlook it? And how can you make a great one at home?
In this article, we’ll unpack everything about the Americano: its origins, flavor profile, how to brew it, and how it compares to similar drinks like drip coffee and long black.
What Exactly Is an Americano?
An Americano is a coffee drink made by adding hot water to a shot (or two) of espresso. The result is a beverage that has the strength and flavor of espresso but with a lighter body and less intensity, making it more approachable for many people.
The name comes from “Caffè Americano,” Italian for “American coffee.” And according to popular belief, the drink was born out of cultural necessity during wartime.
The Origin of the Americano
The Americano is often said to have originated during World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Italy encountered traditional espresso—strong, short, and very different from the drip coffee they were used to back home.
To approximate the coffee they knew, the soldiers began diluting espresso with hot water, softening its intensity and creating a longer drink that felt more familiar.
Italian baristas caught on and began serving this variation to visiting Americans, hence the name: “Americano.”
Over time, the drink took root in coffee culture, becoming a staple of café menus around the world—not just as a nod to American preferences, but as a stand-alone drink appreciated for its clarity, simplicity, and strength.
How an Americano Is Made
The Americano is typically prepared in one of two ways:
- Espresso first, water second – This is the standard method. A shot of espresso is pulled directly into a cup, and then hot water is added to dilute it. This creates a smooth, well-mixed drink that balances strength and body.
- Water first, espresso second – Some prefer this order because it helps preserve the crema (the golden layer on top of an espresso). Pouring espresso over water also prevents the shot from being “burned” by hot water, though the differences are subtle.
There’s no universal rule—but consistency and technique make all the difference.
Standard Ratios for an Americano
A typical Americano uses a 1:2 ratio of espresso to water. That means:
- 1 shot (30ml) of espresso + 60ml hot water
- Or 2 shots (60ml) of espresso + 120ml hot water
The total drink ends up around 6 to 8 ounces, though this can vary by café or personal taste.
Want something bolder? Use less water. Prefer a milder cup? Add a bit more.
This flexibility makes the Americano ideal for those who want control over flavor intensity without adding milk or sugar.
Americano vs. Other Coffee Drinks
Americano vs. Drip Coffee
At first glance, an Americano and a cup of drip (filter) coffee might look the same. Both are black, hot, and unsweetened. But they’re very different under the surface.
Drip coffee is brewed through percolation, where water passes slowly through a bed of ground coffee, extracting flavor over several minutes.
An Americano, on the other hand, starts with espresso, which is brewed under pressure in 20–30 seconds, then diluted.
As a result:
- Drip coffee tends to be more aromatic and nuanced
- Americano is richer, deeper, and more focused in flavor
Some people describe an Americano as bolder than drip, with a cleaner mouthfeel and fewer oils (especially when brewed with filtered water and light roasts).
Americano vs. Long Black
The long black is the cousin of the Americano, more commonly found in Australia and New Zealand.
The difference lies in the order of ingredients:
- Americano: espresso poured first, then water
- Long black: water poured first, then espresso
Pouring espresso over water tends to preserve more crema and creates a slightly more intense flavor. It’s a small difference, but noticeable to trained palates.
Baristas and coffee lovers often debate which is “better,” but the choice mostly comes down to preference and texture.
Flavor Profile of an Americano
The Americano offers a flavor that sits between straight espresso and drip coffee.
It has the concentration and depth of espresso, but without the syrupy intensity. The added water stretches the shot, allowing more of its nuances—fruit, cocoa, spice, earthiness—to emerge.
A well-made Americano should be:
- Smooth and clean
- Bitter but balanced
- Full of aroma and subtle notes
Overly watery Americanos can feel weak and flavorless, while under-diluted ones may be too intense. Finding your personal sweet spot is part of the fun.
Best Beans and Roasts for an Americano
The kind of espresso you start with dramatically affects the final cup.
Light Roast Espresso
If brewed well, light roast espresso offers complex acidity, floral aromas, and fruit-forward flavor. In an Americano, these characteristics stretch beautifully, creating a clean and vibrant cup.
This is ideal for people who enjoy single-origin beans and clarity.
Medium Roast Espresso
A medium roast brings balance. Chocolate, caramel, and soft fruit notes tend to appear, making for a more rounded Americano. This is often the most crowd-pleasing style.
It works well with both milk-based drinks and pure espresso applications.
Dark Roast Espresso
Dark roasts produce a bold, bitter, smoky Americano with deep body and low acidity. This is closer in profile to traditional diner-style drip coffee.
Great for people who prefer intensity and robustness over complexity.
How to Make an Americano at Home
You don’t need a commercial espresso machine to enjoy an Americano at home. All you need is:
- An espresso maker (manual, semi-automatic, or even an AeroPress with espresso-style recipe)
- A kettle for hot water
- Fresh, high-quality beans ground for espresso
Start by pulling a shot of espresso. While that’s brewing, heat water to around 160–170°F (70–75°C)—slightly cooler than boiling. This temperature keeps the Americano drinkable right away and avoids scalding the espresso.
Add your espresso to a mug, then pour in the hot water. Taste and adjust water volume until you find the strength you enjoy most.
Why Some Coffee Lovers Prefer the Americano
The Americano is understated but versatile. It’s for people who want:
- A longer drink that isn’t diluted with milk
- The intensity of espresso without the thickness
- A low-calorie, customizable black coffee option
- A stepping stone from espresso to brewed coffee—or vice versa
It’s also a great drink for those who enjoy tasting coffee origin and roast clearly, since there’s nothing in the cup to mask flavor—just water and coffee, in pure harmony.
My Relationship With the Americano
For a long time, I thought the Americano was just a compromise drink—something you ordered when you didn’t want espresso, but didn’t want drip either. But once I started brewing my own espresso at home, I realized how much control and clarity this drink offers.
With the right beans, an Americano reveals everything: acidity, sweetness, bitterness, texture. It’s like a tasting glass for espresso—gentler, but just as honest.
Now, it’s one of my favorite ways to explore new roasts. One bean might taste like red fruit and honey as an espresso, but like dark chocolate and toasted almond in an Americano. It’s a whole new lens.
Final Thoughts: The Elegance of Simplicity
The Americano doesn’t come with latte art. It’s not sweetened or dressed up. But that’s exactly its power.
With just espresso and water, it manages to deliver flavor, strength, and complexity in a clean, easy-to-sip package. It invites curiosity without intimidating. It rewards careful preparation without requiring perfection.
And in a world of increasingly elaborate coffee creations, the Americano remains a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.