Americano

What Is an Americano?

An Americano is a simple, elegant drink: espresso diluted with hot water. The result is a full-sized cup with the flavor character of espresso but the strength and volume of filter coffee. It is one of the most popular black coffee orders worldwide.

The Recipe

Espresso: double shot (50-70ml)
Hot water: 150-200ml at 80-90°C
Method: pull espresso, then add hot water (or reverse for "Long Black")

The Origin Story

Legend has it that American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II found espresso too strong and diluted it with hot water to approximate the drip coffee they knew from home. Italian baristas named this creation "Americano" — and it stuck.

Americano vs. Long Black

The Long Black — popular in Australia and New Zealand — reverses the order: hot water goes in the cup first, then espresso is pulled on top. This preserves the crema and produces a slightly different texture and flavor layering.

Americano vs. Filter Coffee

While they look similar, the flavor differs:

Americano: espresso-based; slightly more body, different extraction profile
Filter/Drip: percolation-based; often cleaner, more nuanced
Mouthfeel: Americano tends to be slightly heavier
Flavor: Filter coffee often has more complexity and brighter acidity

Variations

Iced Americano — espresso over ice with cold water; refreshing and strong
Red Eye — espresso added to drip coffee for maximum caffeine
Lungo — a longer espresso pull (not diluted, but extracted longer)

At Röstschmiede, we find the Americano is an excellent way to enjoy espresso-roasted beans if you prefer a longer, gentler drinking experience without sacrificing espresso's distinctive character.

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