Americano Coffee (Hot or Iced)
Made with just espresso and water, the Americano coffee is simple, but it can also be incredibly rich and flavorful. It’s bold, it’s smooth, and unlike many other espresso drinks, it’s very simple to make at home.
Like the classic espresso drinks (cappuccinos and lattes), it’s all about the ratio of espresso to milk. Or in the case of a homemade Americano, the ratio of espresso to water. The ratio is 1 part espresso to 3-4 parts water, though it’s also easily adjustable, depending on your own personal preference.
The Americano originated when American soldiers were stationed in Italy for World War II. The soldiers wanted their caffeine fix, but found a shot of espresso so much stronger than the drip coffee they were used to. So the Italians offered up a “watered-down” drink, which more closely resembled the coffee the soldiers were used to, and the drink was dubbed the Americano.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
What You’ll Love About a Homemade Americano
- Fast and easy, it’s ready in minutes
- Make it hot or iced
- Bold, smooth, delicious
- Barista-style drink at home
Emily’s Tip
Use good coffee beans! With simple espresso drinks at home that rely on simple ingredients, it’s really important that you are using good quality beans. I prefer to find a local roaster, but you can also order beans online and many times they will be freshly roasted! Fika and Spyhouse are two of my favorite roasters here in Minnesota, and they both ship. (Go with the Espresso 61 from Fika, plus the Guatemala medium roast for pour overs and the Orion from Spyhouse!)
How to Make a Hot Americano Coffee
- Prep espresso. Grind your beans and tamp down.
- Prep water. For a hot Americano, add your hot water to a mug.
- Brew espresso. For the hot version, brew right into mug with water.
- Finish coffee. Serve with sweetener and creamer if desired.
How to Make an Iced Americano Coffee
- Prep espresso. Grind your beans and tamp down.
- Prep water. Fill a tall glass with ice and top with cold water.
- Brew espresso. Brew espresso into an espresso cup, let cool slightly, and pour over cold ice water.
- Finish coffee. Serve with sweetener and creamer if desired. *If using a granulated sweetener, mix into hot espresso before adding it to ice water.
FAQs
There are different opinions on this one. Many recommend one part espresso to 3/4 parts water, but some say the classic ratio is one part espresso to two parts water. Experiment to find the perfect ratio for you.
If you want to keep the crema (foam) intact (I would!), add the espresso to the water. If making a hot Americano, you can brew the espresso right over the hot water. For an iced version, brew the espresso into an espresso cup and then pour over the ice and water.
It really depends on what type of flavor you like in espresso drinks. I personally prefer something a bit more balanced and mellow and use my favorite medium espresso roast beans. But if you like a darker roast, go for a darker espresso blend.
What to Serve with a Homemade Americano
Your breakfast coffee needs some food! Try one of these quick, easy, and nutritious meals – they are staples at our house.
- Toasts – Avocado, ricotta, hummus
- Yogurts and Smoothies – Greek yogurt parfait, peanut butter chocolate smoothie
- Meal Prep – Protein overnight oats, meal prep breakfast boxes
More Espresso Recipes
If you’re as coffee-obsessed as I am
Want More?
Read more about my nutrition philosophy here and follow Emily on Instagram or TikTok for family dinner recipe videos and tips for feeding kids.
Americano Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Learn how to make a perfect Americano coffee at home with just two simple ingredients. Bold, smooth, and complex flavors.
Ingredients
- double shot espresso (2 oz.)
- 6–8 oz. water
- ice cubes (for the iced version)
- sweetener and creamer as desired
Instructions
Prep espresso.
Hot Americano: Add hot water (just under boiling) to a mug. Brew espresso directly over the hot water to keep crema intact.
Iced Americano: Brew espresso into an espresso cup. Fill a tall glass with ice and top with cold water, leaving room for the espresso. Pour espresso over water.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Use freshly roasted and ground espresso beans for the best flavor.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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