If you’re like me, you’ll probably have your first Americano coffee at a cafe. Here’s how to make an Americano at home. You’ll learn 3 methods, plus recipes for 3 tasty variations on the classic Americano.
An Americano is a watered-down espresso. Americanos can be made from home with an espresso machine, a Moka pot, or a Nespresso. The exact ratio of espresso to water depends on the person’s preferences. Americano varieties include white, red-eye, and iced Americano.
Want to skip the line at Starbucks? Make your morning Americano at home in just five simple steps.
Keep reading to learn the different methods for making an Americano at home!
Table of Contents
What is an Americano?
Americano coffee is made with two shots of espresso and hot water. The ratio of 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water is commonly used.
American soldiers stationed in Italy have been credited with the creation of Americano coffee. To replicate the drip coffee from back home, the American soldiers diluted their Italian espressos with hot water.
Today, you can find this drink around the world. It combines the rich flavor of espresso with the comfort of drip coffee.
The secret to a good Americano is using the right proportions. If you like Americanos from one coffee shop but not from another, chances are they are using different ratios of espresso and water. It could also be the flavor profile of the beans.
As you learn how to make Americanos in your own home, you will need to practice making them with different proportions until you find what you like best.
Below, we will tell you how to craft an Americano in your kitchen.
Keep in mind that the ratio we provide may not be your preferred mix. Feel free to tweak the portion sizes until it meets your tastes.
Learn more about Americanos – origins and how they compare with other popular coffee drinks.
Here’s how to make espresso at home.
How to Make an Americano with an Espresso Machine
The traditional method for making Americanos is with an espresso machine. Using an espresso machine will be the easiest and best method for making Americanos.
The only other equipment you might need is a grinder and a scale.
Once you have your tools gathered, collect your ingredients. All you need to make an Americano is some dark espresso beans and hot water! Optional ingredients include creamers and sweeteners.
- Start by measuring out a double shot of espresso beans for grinding (about 18 to 21 grams).
- Grind the beans extremely fine.
- Put the beans into the portafilter and tamp them down.
- Place the portafilter into the espresso machine and make the espresso.
- Heat three or four ounces of water to about 165°F with the espresso machine, a kettle, or even in the microwave.
- Pour your espresso into your mug of hot water.
Your espresso machine will come with a portafilter and tamper. And if you grind your beans where you buy them, you can get the correct espresso grind for your machine.
You can avoid needing to purchase a scale if you measure by volume. This might attract some criticism from coffee snobs but it is a great way to get started.
You should have two parts water for every one part espresso. After the espresso finishes, slowly pour it over the hot water.
Generally, you’ll want to pour the espresso over the hot water – and not the other way around.
The final step is to simply enjoy your drink! You have just successfully made an Americano in your kitchen!
You should also be careful not to stir your Americano while drinking it. Stirring an Americano will mix the water and the crema, changing the drink’s flavor.
Don’t have an espresso machine? If you don’t own an espresso machine, you might consider the Breville Cafe Roma. We’ve been using this for a while and it makes great espresso. It is entry-level for price but makes a great espresso shot.
How to Make an Americano with a Moka Pot
If you do not have an Espresso Machine, use a Moka pot to make a delicious Americano.
- Start by grinding a double shot of espresso beans. Remember, this amounts to about 18 to 21 grams.
- Fill the bottom chamber of your Moka Pot with water (only up to the fill line).
- Place the espresso grounds into the basket. Flatten the top of the beans, but do not tamp them down.
- After filling the Moka pot, place it on the stove at medium heat. Let it brew for three minutes or so. At this point, the espresso should percolate into the top chamber.
- While your espresso is brewing, heat three or four ounces of water to about 165°F.
- Pour this into your mug/drinking glass. Once the espresso is ready, slowly pour it over the hot water.
That is all it takes to enjoy a delicious homemade espresso with a Moka pot!
How to Make an Americano with Nespresso
To make an Americano with your Nespresso machine, there are just two steps.
- Brew 2 capsules of Arpeggio Intenso into a mug.
- Press the button to add hot water without inserting an espresso capsule.
You could also brew the espresso and pour it over your hot water (about 165°F) if you like.
Other machines used to make an Americano include Aeropress and a French Press. However, the type of machine you use may affect the flavor quality. Find the perfect Americano by testing each of the different methods on your own!
How to Make Americano Variations: 3 Options
Traditional Americanos are made solely with hot water and espresso.
However, in a world of mixed drinks, even the Americano does not go untouched. Several Americano variations have emerged.
1. White Americano
The first variation, a White Americano, is simply an Americano with milk added to it. As you know, timing and proportions are essential when making an Americano. So how much milk should you use, and when should you add it?
After making your Americano, add a small splash of milk. This milk can be warm or cold. You now have a white Americano.
2. Red Eye Americano
The second variation is known as a Red Eye Americano. This drink contains both drip coffee and espresso, the perfect mixture to clear the reddest of eyes.
Start by brewing three or four ounces of drip coffee. While this brews, prep your double shot of espresso.
Pour the drip coffee into your drinking glass and top with a double shot of espresso.
3. Iced Americano
The third and final Americano variation we will be discussing is called an Iced Americano.
Start by making your double shot of espresso. While the espresso brews pour three or four ounces of cold water into your drinking cup.
Once the espresso finishes brewing, pour it over the cold water and add two ice cubes. Some choose to swirl the drink; however, you should not stir traditional Americanos.
Voila! Just like that, you have become a barista in your own kitchen.
Now you can skip the line at the coffee shop each morning and enjoy your Americano at home, no matter which variation you prefer.
More reading: Americano vs Drip Coffee: 3 Key Differences
Have a question or tip for making Americano coffee at home? Let me know in the comments!
- About the Author
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Bryan Haines is a co-founder and writer on EnjoyJava – and is working to make it the best coffee blog in the world.
He is a travel blogger at Storyteller Travel and blogs about photography at Storyteller Tech. He is also co-founder of Storyteller Media, a company he started with his wife, Dena.