Americano coffee - origin, pronunciation and how to make

Americano

Pronunciation: /əˌmer.ɪˈkɑː.noʊ/ (uh-mer-ih-KAH-noh)

Espresso + Water. No milk.

Best for: Ideal for black coffee lovers watching calories, or for long sipping during meetings.

Taste Profile

Strength
Mild
Strong
Sweetness
Bitter
Sweet
Texture
Watery
Creamy

What is Americano?

Espresso + Water. No milk.

This coffee drink is perfect for those who ideal for black coffee lovers watching calories, or for long sipping during meetings.. With a strength level of 3 out of 5, this is a balanced option to coffee.

When to Drink

An excellent all-day coffee. It offers the volume of a regular coffee but with the rich flavor of espresso. Great for sipping while working or enjoying black to taste the beans.

Professional Preparation

Equipment

Espresso Machine, Hot Water Dispenser

Method

  1. Extract: Pull a double shot (2 oz).
  2. Dilute: Add 4–6 oz of hot water (200°F).
  3. Style: Pour water into espresso (Standard) or espresso into water (Long Black) to preserve crema.

Home Preparation (Simplified)

Equipment

Moka Pot, AeroPress, or Capsule Machine

Method

  1. Make Concentrate: Brew a very strong shot of coffee (or use a capsule).
  2. Add Water: Boil your kettle. Simply pour hot water into your coffee cup until it tastes just right for you.
  3. Done: It's that simple. Smooth, flavorful, and lasts longer than a single shot.

History & Background

The most popular origin story dates back to World War II. American soldiers stationed in Italy found the local espresso too strong, bitter, and small compared to the large cups of drip coffee they were used to back home. To make it palatable, they asked baristas to dilute the espresso with hot water. The Italians, perhaps slightly amused by this practice, called it "Caffè Americano." Despite its humble utilitarian origins, it has become a respected way to enjoy the nuances of high-quality espresso beans for a longer duration, bridging the gap between the intensity of Italian extraction and the volume of American filtration.

How to Pronounce Americano

Americano

Click to listen to the pronunciation

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