2-Step Recipe: How to Make an Americano at Home

Want to learn how to make an Americano at home? Read on to discover what an Americano coffee is, and how you can easily make it in your own kitchen.

What Is an Americano Coffee?

An Americano, simply put, is espresso poured over hot water (or hot water poured over espresso if you prefer). Also known as a "caffè Americano," this coffee drink is believed to have received its name during World War II, when American G.I.'s in Italy would dilute espresso with water to drink the coffee they were used to in America.

Americano Recipe

Want to try making an Americano at home? Here's how you can easily do it.

What You Need

• Fresh Coffee: Choose coffee beans when you can, and grind them just before you brew.  
• Espresso Machine: You can also use a Moka pot for an espresso-like drink.
• Gooseneck Kettle: We’ve found electric gooseneck kettles to be easiest to use, plus they provide more precision than a traditional kettle. 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of off-boil water
• Two ounces (double shot) of espresso

Directions

Step 1: Add a double shot of espresso (the standard for most specialty coffee drinks) to a tall coffee cup. Never made espresso before? Use our step-by-step guide to making espresso at home. 

Step 2: Pour your hot water over top. 

Expert Tip: If you'd like to keep the crema—the caramel-colored froth—on top of your Americano coffee, it's best to add your water to the mug first, gently pouring your espresso over top. 

Tips for Making an Americano

• Use freshly filtered water, heated in a kettle or pot.
• Use a 1:4 ratio: 2 ounces of espresso and 8 ounces of water.

Types of Americano Coffee

There are a few variations on a traditional Americano coffee. Try these ratios for a different tasting drink.

• Long Black Americano: 1:2 ratio 
• Little Buddy or Italiano Americano: 1:1 ratio 
• Iced Americano: 1:4 ratio 

Using good ice (with good water) is key to a great tasting, iced Americano. 

To make an iced Americano, fill a glass with ice and pour cold water over the ice until the glass is about half full. Next and finally, pour your espresso over top. The espresso will float a bit, so snap a photo for Instagram and enjoy!