Coffee recipes · Practical home barista guide
An Americano is simply espresso diluted with hot water. That sounds basic, but the order and water quantity let you decide whether it tastes bold or easy-drinking.
What matters: There is no single correct water-to-espresso ratio. Start around 1 part espresso to 2–3 parts hot water, then adjust.
Serves1 drink
Active time3 minutes
Coffee baseDouble espresso + water
What you need
- 1 double espresso (roughly 35–45 g)
- 80–140 ml hot water to start, more if you prefer a milder cup
- A cup large enough to leave room for stirring
Make it at home
- Heat fresh water and put a portion into your cup. You can also add the water after the espresso; either order is valid.
- Brew a double espresso with your normal basket dose and preferred yield.
- Combine espresso and hot water; add a little at a time until the drink tastes balanced.
- Taste before adding milk or sugar. If it tastes harsh even when diluted, troubleshoot the espresso base.
Americano vs long black: both combine espresso and hot water. The labels and preferred pouring order vary between cafés; adding espresso over water can preserve more surface crema, but crema is not a reliable measure of overall quality.
