What Is an Americano Coffee Drink

What Is an Americano Coffee Drink?

An Americano coffee is one of the simplest yet most satisfying espresso-based drinks you can order. Known for its smooth taste and espresso-forward aroma, it sits perfectly between a bold, strong espresso and a milder drip coffee. But what exactly makes a caffè americano unique?

How an Americano Coffee Is Made

A classic Americano is traditionally made by combining espresso with hot water. In most cases, this means adding ounces of hot water to a single shot of espresso or a double shot of espresso. The result is a coffee drink similar in strength to black drip coffee but with the crema, richness, and concentrated flavor of espresso.

The drink’s history is often tied to American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II, who diluted Italian espresso with hot water to resemble the coffee they were used to back home.

The Classic Ratio

A typical Americano uses:

  • 1 part espresso

  • 2–3 parts hot water

This creates a smooth, aromatic cup that maintains the depth of espresso while being easier to sip.

If you enjoy a balanced, flavorful brew, try our
Breakfast Blend Coffee — perfect for brewing a smooth Americano at home.

Americano vs Other Coffee Drinks

Americano coffee is often compared to other espresso-based drinks. Here’s how it differs:

Americano vs Long Black

Both drinks involve mixing espresso with water, but the order of preparation changes the experience:

  • Americano: Hot water is added after pouring the espresso.

  • Long Black: Espresso is poured over the water, preserving more crema and offering a stronger, more intense flavor.

Americano vs Drip Coffee

While an Americano may resemble drip coffee, the brewing methods are completely different:

  • Americano: Espresso diluted with water.

  • Drip Coffee: Brewed by slow extraction of coffee grounds as heated cold water passes through a filter, producing a lighter body.

For a drip-style flavor profile, try our
Latin American Coffee Beans Blend — a medium-light roast with balanced acidity.

Taste Profile of an Americano Coffee

An Americano offers a clean, bold, slightly smoky flavor. It’s less intense than straight espresso yet stronger and more robust than drip coffee. Flavor notes may include chocolate, caramel, citrus, nuts, or fruit depending on the beans.

Try these origins to explore different taste profiles:

Caffeine Content in an Americano

Caffeine varies depending on the shots of espresso used:

  • Single Americano: 60–80 mg

  • Double Americano: 120–160 mg

For a gentler version, try a decaf Americano made with our
Decaf Peru Coffee.

How to Make an Americano at Home

You can easily prepare this café favorite at home with just a few tools.

You’ll Need

  • Espresso machine or pod machine

  • Freshly ground coffee beans

  • Hot water

Steps

  1. Pull a single shot of espresso or a double shot of espresso.

  2. Add hot water (typically about twice the amount of espresso).

  3. Stir gently and enjoy!

For the best results, use a versatile medium roast like our
Breakfast Blend Coffee.

Variations of Americano Coffee

There are many delicious ways to enjoy an Americano:

Iced Americano

A refreshing version made by mixing espresso with cold water and ice — ideal with
Bali Blue Coffee.

White Americano

Add a splash of milk or cream for a smoother finish.

Flavored Americano

Try vanilla or caramel syrup to complement medium roasts like
French Vanilla Coffee.

Summary: What Is an Americano Coffee Drink?

An Americano — or caffè americano — is simply espresso diluted with hot water, creating a rich, smooth, aromatic coffee drink loved for its balance and versatility. Whether you enjoy a bolder espresso profile or something closer to drip coffee, the Americano can be tailored to your taste.

Discover your perfect Americano with
6 Bean Blend Coffee
or
Breakfast Blend Coffee.

Back to blog