Americano Recipe

Ingredients:

• Espresso (freshly brewed)
• Hot water (filtered is best)

Equipment:

• Espresso machine (or an alternative method to make espresso)
• Kettle (for boiling water)
• Espresso cup (small) and mug (larger)

Steps:

1. Brew the Espresso
   • Start by brewing a single or double shot of espresso.
     • Single shot: 9–10 grams of coffee
     • Double shot: 18–20 grams of coffee
   • Follow the steps in the espresso recipe I provided earlier for the best result.
2. Boil Water
   • Heat water in a kettle to near-boiling, around 200–205°F (93–96°C).
   • Water-to-Espresso Ratio: The most common ratio is 1:1 for a standard Americano (1 shot of espresso and 1 shot of hot water), but this can be adjusted depending on your strength preference. For a milder taste, use 1:2 (1 shot of espresso to 2 parts hot water).
3. Pour the Hot Water
   • There are two common methods for making an Americano, and both give slightly different results:Method 1 (Hot water first):
     • Pour the hot water into your mug first, then add the espresso shot. This helps maintain crema on top and ensures the coffee stays hot longer.
     Method 2 (Espresso first):
     • Add the espresso to the mug, then pour the hot water on top. This method may cause the crema to dissipate faster, but it can result in a more intense espresso flavor since the water “mixes” with the espresso more thoroughly.
4. Stir (Optional)
   • Stir the drink gently if desired. Some people prefer to leave it as is to preserve the crema on top.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   • Your Americano is ready! You can adjust the strength by varying the amount of water you add. A traditional Americano is usually served in a larger mug, as it’s more diluted than a straight espresso.