Do you know how to make Americano coffee? Known by a variety of names, this rich, full-bodied beverage is a true classic. In this article, we shed light into its history, characteristics and, more importantly, we tell you how to make it at home!
Not to be confused with the Americano cocktail (a classic alcoholic drink featuring Campari, red vermouth and club soda), coffee Americano is an espresso diluted with hot water after preparation.
Adding hot water to the espresso shot helps preserve coffee taste and reduces bitterness.
Where did the Americano come from?
It owes its name to the GIs stationed in Italy at the end of World War II. As they found Italian espressos too strong, they came up with the idea of diluting it with hot water: that is how this beverage was born!
What’s the difference between Americano, lungo and long black?
Long black coffee
Long black coffee is an espresso-based drink in which hot water comes first. While this coffee drink is more diluted, it remains balanced and retains all its crema.
Lungo
Most people think lungo is just a double shot of espresso (in other words, you press the button on your coffee machine twice). However, this beverage features one shot of espresso and a slightly larger quantity of water. For this reason the extraction time is a bit longer. Most coffee machines, especially pod machines, have a dedicated button.
It is interesting to note that there is slightly more caffeine in a lungo compared to an espresso.
HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICANO WITH A BEAN-TO-CUP MACHINE?
Ingredients
Your favourite coffee beans
Material
1 bean-to-cup coffee machine
1 cup
Preparation
Step 1Place your coffee beans in your machine.
Step 2If your appliance is a traditional bean-to-cup machine, all you need to do is make one shot of espresso. Put it to one side.
Step 3Heat water to between 90 and 95 degrees.
Step 4Add the desired amount of hot water to your espresso shot.
Step 5Enjoy your drink!
Step 1
Place your coffee beans in your machine.
Step 2
If your appliance is a traditional bean-to-cup machine, all you need to do is make one shot of espresso. Put it to one side.
Step 3
Heat water to between 90 and 95 degrees.
Step 4
Add the desired amount of hot water to your espresso shot.
Step 5
Enjoy your drink!
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HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICANO WITH AN ESPRESSO MACHINE?
Ingredients
Your favourite coffee beans
Material
1 espresso machine
1 coffee grinder
1 tamper mat
1 tamper
1 coffee distributor
1 scale
1 cup
Preparation
Step 1Grind 14g of coffee in your portafilter. Then, use your hands to spread out and even out the coffee grind.
Step 2Use the coffee distributor to evenly distribute the coffee (2 to 3 turns).
Step 3Apply evenly 15-20kg of pressure to the portafilter with your tamper. You want your coffee to be properly tamped.
Step 4Before switching on your percolator, perform a flush (i.e. clean the filter of any remaining grounds and empty the water tank).
Step 5Insert the portafilter into the unit and start the extraction. Stop the extraction when your drink weighs 28 to 42g. Set aside.
Step 6Heat water to between 90 and 95 degrees.
Step 7Add the desired amount of hot water to your espresso shot.
Step 8Enjoy!
Step 1
Grind 14g of coffee in your portafilter. Then, use your hands to spread out and even out the coffee grind.
Step 2
Use the coffee distributor to evenly distribute the coffee (2 to 3 turns).
Step 3
Apply evenly 15-20kg of pressure to the portafilter with your tamper. You want your coffee to be properly tamped.
Step 4
Before switching on your percolator, perform a flush (i.e. clean the filter of any remaining grounds and empty the water tank).
Step 5
Insert the portafilter into the unit and start the extraction. Stop the extraction when your drink weighs 28 to 42g. Set aside.
Step 6
Heat water to between 90 and 95 degrees.
Step 7
Add the desired amount of hot water to your espresso shot.
Step 8
Enjoy!
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MAXICOFFEE’S TIPS FOR EVEN MORE DELICIOUS BEVERAGES
If you want to retain the crema, make sure the espresso flows along the side of the cup.
Now you know the differences between Americano, lungo and long black coffee! Americano coffee is a simple and delicious espresso-based beverage. Try it at home, it will quickly become one of your favorite drinks! Are you looking for moreinspiration? Try ourAffogato recipe.
