How To Make An Americano At Home
With one sip, it just feels so mouthful. Americano has varieties like long black, which is quite famous in Australia and New Zealand. The difference is not so huge between them, but it still tastes a little bit different.
Also, the beans you are using and the extraction time are valid facts that make a difference in taste. In this article, I will discuss some facts about making a good aromatic Americano without making it dull. Also, I will discuss its varieties.
How Does It Taste?
An Americano is actually well-balanced and tastes slightly bolder than other types of coffee. But the variation I mentioned above, the long black one, is actually much bolder in taste compared to an Americano. Generally, espresso is used to make an Americano, and more water is used to dilute it. But you can also use ristretto or lungo to make it.
Ristretto, Espresso Or Lungo?
These are some famous names of coffee extraction. Ristretto has the most concentrated, heavy, and intense flavor compared to others. Lungo has the least concentration, and espresso has a well-balanced flavor.
In ristretto, the coffee beans and water ratio is 1:1. In espresso, it is 1:2; in lungo, the ratio is 1:3. While extracting ristretto, the extraction time is much shorter, and the water is less in quantity. Lungo has the most liquid and water in it. That’s why it has quite a light, milder flavor and less concentration.
In the majority of coffee drinks, espresso is used. But if you want to taste less bitterness in Americano then you can try ristretto shots. Ristretto shots have less bitterness than espresso. Otherwise, espresso will also work. Do not hesitate to experiment with your taste!
Ingredients For Making An Americano
Espresso/ Ristretto:
To make an espresso or ristretto, you need coffee beans and/or coffee powder. Instant coffee will also work. But to get a fresh and authentic flavor, it is best to roast it and then ground it. Until now, Arabica has been the best one for me when making any kind of coffee drink. You can either use ristretto or espresso. It’s your preference.
This espresso can be brewed or can be extracted by machine. Just pay attention while adding water. I am using ristretto for Americano.
Water:
Use water that you drink on a regular basis. It can be cold or hot in temperature. If you want to make iced Americano, add ice cubes to the water. And if you prefer the hot one then warm some water earlier.
How To Make An Americano: Process With Measurements
It’s not complex at all. All you will need is 2 ingredients: coffee and water. I like to use ristretto for my Americano. So, the measurements are
Ristretto 1 shot (10 grams of coffee powder)
Water 2 to 3 ounces
There is no exact ratio of making an Americano. You can change the ratio as you like.
Step 1 – Make Ristretto/Espresso
It is like brewing or extracting espresso. All you need to do is use less water. And also restrict the extraction time (15-20 seconds in the machine). Here, you will want to have a warm honey color with crema, and the bottom will be a deep black color.
That’s all. If you want espresso, then use a little bit more water and increase the extraction time. Both are good to go.
Step 2 – Prepare Hot Water
Heat the water between 195 – 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the water into a cup or a mug.
Step 3 – Pour The Ristretto/ Espresso
Pour the ristretto or espresso into the water and mix it properly by stirring. Now, I like to do this process like long black. Because it doesn’t separate the coffee flavors.
But traditionally, in Americano, first, the espresso is poured, and then the water is added. If you want to make a proper traditional Americano then you can follow the traditional recipe. That is all! These are the simple steps to make this delicious drink!
Iced Americano Recipe: The Cold Version With Proper Guidance
To make iced Americano, you don’t have to hustle that much. Just grab some ice cubes. Otherwise, all the ingredients are the same as Americano.
Step 1 – Pour The Water With Ice Cubes
In a mug or cup, pour 2-3 ounces of water and some ice cubes. But remember that there is no exact ratio to make this drink, so adjust the ratio as you like.
Step 2 – Pour The Espresso
After adding water and ice cubes, pour the espresso shots over the water. Then, stir it. If the espresso is hot, you don’t need to cool down before pouring it.
You can use it while it is hot. Hot espresso in cold water doesn’t ruin the coffee taste.
Experimental Recipes:
These following recipes like ghee and turmeric coffee recipes are also healthy to drink. And if you are getting bored of drinking just Americano then try it with sweeteners and milk.
Ghee coffee:
Nowadays, for weight loss, you have heard some celebrities talking about drinking ghee coffee. Well, it is actually effective for weight loss and overall health. If ghee is not available in your kitchen, then you can use butter.
Turmeric Coffee:
You may feel a little bit odd hearing that turmeric can also be added to coffee. But it is true, it has health benefits. That’s why some people don’t hesitate to consume it.
Sugar/Syrup/ Milk:
Usually, cafes, including Starbucks, don’t add sugar or any kind of syrup in long black coffee or Americano. But you can add if it suits you. You can also add some splash of milk, it is called a white Americano.
Why To Drink An Americano?
There are many benefits of drinking this drink. I am mentioning some of them.
- It is not costly at all. You can make it anywhere at any time
- It boosts your energy.
- It can decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease.
- Ghee coffee or bulletproof coffee or coffee loophole also helps to reduce weight.
- It enhances one’s mood.
Calories In An Americano
If you don’t add sugar, there are barely any calories left. So, you can drink this Americano without worrying too much. In this drink, you will only get 10 calories per serving.
FAQs
Does an Americano have crema?
Yes, it will have some crema on top, but it will not be like the long black one.
Why does my Americano taste sour?
Sometimes you can taste sourness in the Americano. It happens often because of under-extraction. Because of this, it also becomes acidic.
Does an Americano taste bitter?
It has bitterness in it. But if it has too much bitterness, then you might have over-extracted it.
Conclusion
Americano is perfect for those who are on a weight loss journey or want to lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to make and not so costly. You can save bucks by making Americano at home. You can also adjust it as you like, so there are a lot of benefits! This recipe will taste even more fresh than a cafe. So, just grab some coffee beans and try it!
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
