Italy / USA·No added fat or sugar
Caffè americano
Espresso lengthened with hot water — water in the cup first
Not a weak espresso. It is the same shot sitting in more water, which is why a good americano needs a good shot underneath it.
Mug
Espresso
36 ml
Water
120 ml
Water temp
85 °C
Servings
1
Ingredients
- espresso36 ml
- hot water at 85 °C120 ml
Method
1
Water into a warm cup first
Not boiling — 85 °C. Boiling water hitting fresh espresso scalds it and strips the aromatics.
2
Pull the espresso straight over it
Pouring the coffee last floats the crema on the surface instead of shattering it. Water-first is technically a long black, and it is the better drink.
3
Adjust the length, not the shot
1:3 for something close to filter strength, 1:5 if you want a mug you can sit with. Never fix a weak americano by adding water more slowly.
Notes
- Americano vs lungo: a lungo runs more water through the same puck and extracts more from it. An americano dilutes after the fact. The lungo is stronger and more bitter; the americano is cleaner.
- This is the drink to make when your beans are a dark roast and everything else tastes heavy.
What you need
- Espresso machine (pump) or Lever / piston machine or Moka pot