Americano – Espresso the gentle way

Unlike filter coffee, the base for an Americano comes from an espresso machine: one or two shots of espresso, topped with hot water. The result? An aromatic, clear, full-bodied coffee – less intense than a pure espresso, but with just as much character.

What is an Americano?

The Americano is a true classic among speciality coffees – born from the idea of combining the strong taste of an espresso with the volume and mildness of a classic filter coffee. This is easily achieved: by adding hot water, the espresso is lengthened without losing its aroma.

The Americano coffee probably originated in Italy in the 1940s. American soldiers stationed in Europe during World War II found traditional espresso too strong. To achieve a more familiar taste, they added hot water – thus creating a new coffee style that remains highly popular to this day.

The name "Americano" was initially even a slight dig at American habits – but the drink caught on. Today, it is known worldwide and is offered in many cafés as a stylish alternative to classic coffee.

Around the world – how the Americano is drunk

The Americano has long found its place on the international coffee menu. In the USA, it is often considered a "House Coffee" – an elegant alternative to filter coffee, often with a double shot. In Europe, it is often served as a "lengthened espresso", sometimes stronger, sometimes milder. And in Australia and New Zealand, its own variation has even developed: the Long Black. No matter where you drink it: the Americano speaks a universal language – that of conscious coffee enjoyment.

Related, but not identical – the Long Black: Closely related to the Americano, yet distinct: The Long Black is particularly widespread in Australia and New Zealand, and is drunk almost as naturally there as the Flat White. It also consists of espresso and hot water – but with a small, yet crucial difference in preparation: for a Long Black, the hot water always goes into the cup first, followed by the espresso. This preserves the crema and makes the mouthfeel slightly more intense.

How is Americano coffee prepared?

For a classic Americano coffee, you don't need much: one to two shots of freshly brewed espresso and hot water. You can vary the ratio depending on your taste – typically about 1:2 or 1:3. It's important that the water is no longer boiling, but rather around 85 to 90 °C, so as not to overpower the delicate aroma.

Whether you pour the espresso into the water or the water onto the espresso – opinions differ. Some swear by the classic method, where the water comes into the cup first to preserve the crema. Others prefer it the other way around, because it keeps the aroma more intense. Ultimately, what tastes good is allowed.

Good to know: Americano coffee can also be prepared at home without an espresso machine. It works just as well with a moka pot, an espresso maker or an automatic coffee machine – provided the quality of the beans is good.

Americano, Lungo, Caffè Crema – what's the difference?

The Americano coffee speciality is one of the so-called "lengthened" coffee drinks – and is therefore often confused with other variants such as the Lungo or the Caffè Crema. However, even if they look similar at first glance, they differ significantly in preparation, taste, and character.

The Lungo (Italian for "long") is prepared like an espresso – but with significantly more water flowing directly through the coffee grounds. This extends the brewing time, leading to a different extraction behaviour: in addition to the desired aromas, more bitter compounds are also dissolved. The result is a stronger, often more bitter coffee with significantly more volume than a Ristretto or classic espresso.

The Caffè Crema, especially common in Switzerland, is prepared with a medium grind and a larger amount of water – usually about 150 to 200ml. The preparation is technically similar to espresso, but adapted to a larger cup. In terms of taste, Caffè Crema is more reminiscent of a classic coffee – soft, rounded, with a subtle crema and less intensity.

Americano coffee, finally, takes a different approach: it is based on a "short extracted" espresso, which is subsequently lengthened with hot water. This preserves the aroma profile of the espresso – without the increased bitterness of a Lungo or the milder notes of a Caffè Crema. The Americano tastes clear, balanced and elegant – with a pleasant body, but less punch than a pure espresso.

In short:

• The Lungo extracts more – including bitter compounds.
  
• The Caffè Crema is rounded and soft – ideal for lovers of classic coffee taste.
  
• The Americano is the balanced middle ground – espresso character with a mild depth.

How much caffeine is in Americano coffee?

Although Americano coffee tastes significantly milder than a classic espresso, it should by no means be underestimated in terms of caffeine content. Depending on the preparation – especially with a double espresso as a base – it contains a similar amount of caffeine to its concentrated counterpart.

The difference lies in the dilution: the additional hot water makes the taste softer, the drink lighter and easier to digest – but the stimulating effect remains. This is precisely why the Americano is the ideal companion for many throughout the day: powerful, but not overpowering.

For comparison: A cup of filter coffee (approx. 200–250 ml) contains on average 80–120 mg of caffeine – depending on the bean, grind, and brewing time. A double espresso, which often forms the base for an Americano, can contain around 120–150 mg of caffeine, depending on the roast. So the amount is comparable – but the drinking experience is completely different: clearer, more elegant, more focused. You can find more about caffeine content and coffee in our blog.

Americano coffee is therefore perfect for anyone who needs a clear head – without the heaviness of a large milky coffee or the bitterness of an over-extracted filter coffee. A coffee with impact – but with style.

Caffeine comparison – What's really in it?

The Americano tastes milder than espresso but often contains just as much caffeine – and even more than a cup of filter coffee. The perfect choice for those who want to combine gentle taste with a strong effect.

Which espresso suits Americano coffee?

A good Americano thrives on a strong base. Espresso varieties with a distinct character are particularly suitable – those that don't lose their depth even with hot water by their side, but clearly unfold their aroma. Whether you prefer it spicy, balanced, or elegant – your taste dictates the choice of bean - here you'll find the perfect companion:

Espresso Our Finest

Harmonious. Elegant. Versatile.
Espresso Our Finest is a finely tuned blend with a gentle character and rounded balance. Ideal for those who like it flavourful – without harsh edges.

Espresso Zwiesler Goldböhnchen

Regional. Spicy. Special.
Espresso Zwiesler Goldböhnchen - An espresso with a local touch: pleasantly spicy, rounded in taste, and wonderfully suitable for an honest, down-to-earth Americano.

Espresso Napoli

Classic. Strong. Deep.
Espresso Napoli - An Italian favourite with full impact: intense aroma, full body, and just right for those who don't want to compromise on depth in an Americano.

India Monsooned Malabar

Strong. Earthy. Exotic.
India Monsooned Malabar -A bean with history and taste: spicy, slightly smoky, with a full mouthfeel – for Americano lovers who prefer intensity.

Fancy an Americano? If you want to prepare Americano coffee at home, you'll find our Americano recipe here, with variations, Americano cocktails, and all tips for the perfect balance – from choosing the espresso to the correct water ratio. For those who like it a bit more varied, you can also wonderfully enjoy it as an Iced Americano in summer: served with cold water or ice cubes – wonderfully refreshing!

Food pairing – what goes well with an Americano?

The Americano loves subtle companions. Its clarity harmonises particularly well with fine pastries, dark chocolate, or buttery croissants. Almond biscuits, shortbread, or biscotti are also perfect partners – they accentuate the fine roasted aromas without overpowering them. For those who prefer something savoury: a small piece of aged cheese or a pretzel can introduce an exciting contrast.

And no matter whether sweet or savoury – the Americano always remains politely in the background. It allows room for the flavours, remains present, but never dominant. That's precisely what makes it so special.

A classic with character – when does an Americano taste particularly good?

The Americano is a quiet companion with flavour – and it's there precisely when you want to add a touch of elegance to your day, without immediately falling into an espresso coma.

In the morning, it gently wakes you up – alert, but not intrusive. After a meal, it stylishly accompanies you into the next stage of the day. And in the home office? It's the perfect colleague: present, but never demanding. It's like a well-dressed friend who doesn't say much but always hits the right note. Someone who knows when it's time for a break – and how to fill it with taste.

Whether to start the day, as a fine finish after a meal, or simply in between: The Americano is more than just a "lengthened espresso". It is a statement for clarity, style, and conscious enjoyment. No frills, no milk foam – just you, your coffee, and the moment.

The Americano is not a trend. It's a statement.

The Americano is more than just a "lengthened espresso". It's the coffee for those who like it clear and reduced – puristic in expression, but open to nuances. In a coffee world that often fluctuates between mountains of milk and clouds of syrup, the Americano remains the counterpart: unadorned, elegant, and focused on the essentials.

That's precisely why it's popular with espresso fans looking for something milder occasionally – and with all those who drink coffee with conviction. Those who order an Americano consciously opt for clarity. And that has style. And that's why it remains what it is – a classic that quietly convinces. With character. With conviction. And with just the right amount of pleasure.

Between espresso and filter coffee, the Americano is not just a compromise – it's a decision. For style. For clarity. For taste. Those who drink it know what they want: nothing more, nothing less.