What Is an Americano Coffee?

An Americano is a classic coffee drink loved for its simplicity and versatility. At its core, an Americano is a combination of espresso and hot water, creating a smooth and balanced coffee experience that’s less intense than a straight espresso but still full of rich flavours.

The drink’s name is thought to have originated during World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Italy would dilute espresso with water to make it more like the coffee they were used to back home. Over time, this "American-style" coffee became known as an "Americano."

How Is an Americano Made?

Making an Americano involves just two ingredients:

1. Espresso: A small, concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure (i.e., Espresso).
2. Hot Water: Added to the espresso to dilute it to the desired strength.

The ratio of espresso to water can vary, but a common recipe uses one shot (30ml) of espresso to 180ml of water.

The Art of Customisation

An Americano is highly adaptable to personal preferences:

• Strength: Adjust the espresso-to-water ratio for a stronger or milder flavour.
• Milk: While not traditional, adding milk or cream can soften the taste.
• Iced Version: For a refreshing twist, pour espresso over cold water and ice to create an Iced Americano.

What Does an Americano Taste Like?

The flavour profile of an Americano depends on the espresso used, but it typically offers a balanced, clean taste. Unlike a drip coffee, it retains the bold, aromatic qualities of espresso but with a lighter body and reduced intensity.

At Bean Sculpt, we recommend using our freshly roasted beans, like Forged Cocoa, Carved Molasses or Chiseled Cherry, to craft your Americano. These coffees offer distinct tasting notes that shine when brewed as espresso and diluted with water.

Why Choose an Americano?

An Americano is perfect for those who enjoy the depth of espresso but prefer a larger coffee drink. It’s also a great introduction to espresso-based drinks for beginners, offering a bridge between traditional drip coffee and stronger espresso shots.

Tips for Making the Perfect Americano at Home

• Use freshly roasted and ground coffee for the best flavour.
• Start with high-quality water, since it makes up the majority of the drink, water quality matters!