If you’re someone who loves the aesthetics of coffee you’ll want to know exactly how to make an Americano at home. The Americano was derived from World War II when soldiers stationed in Italy didn’t particularly care for the straight shot of espresso, but rather drink a drip style coffee. Basically it’s super easy to make by pouring hot water over the espresso which is just coffee forced under pressure through fine ground beans.
Starbucks actually pours the water over the espresso. Either way, it’s an Americano. And, it’s insanely strong so if you’re a coffee addict like myself you will notice a big difference in this style of drink versus a regular drip maker.
Espresso shots topped with hot water create a light layer of crema culminating in this wonderfully rich cup with depth and nuance.
Via
There’s been some misconception that this cannot be prepared as an iced coffee. I’ve tried to order one many times and was told they could not make an Americano iced but then as I was researching the history, I found out that it was originally ICED. VIA [The process of making it was the same, but cold water was used instead and ice cubes were added].
HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICANO COFFEE
You’ll Need:
- Espresso Maker (I use the Nespresso)
- 2-3 pods (or even 1 if you’re making a small cup). My Machine takes the capsules
- Boiled water (sometimes when I’m in a hurry I will microwave it but for BEST results use a pot and bring to a boil over low-medium heat on the stove)
- Glass or Mug (I like using a glass to see the process)
How To Prepare A Hot Americano:
Bring filtered water to a rolling boil in a pot on the stove. Meanwhile start making your espresso. Be sure to leave enough room to pour the water over the shot(s).
If you’re using a small glass 1 shot of espresso would suffice. 2 for the medium size glass mug and 3 for a large. Depending on your tolerance for coffee you may want to use more in the smaller cup as well. I personally tried making in a small one and thought it needed more espresso because I only used one capsule. So play around a bit and let us know in the comments below how many you prefer.
When the water is boiled and the espresso shots are finished you can pour the water over the prepared coffee. It’s really cool. Or, if you like to do it vice versa, so be it.
ICED AMERICANO RECIPE
Since I’m an iced coffee lover I decided to make this beverage at home for kicks. Begin preparing the shots of espresso in your favorite machine and take some filtered water from the fridge to pour over when it’s done brewing.
I personally add my ice to the cup (always) when making iced at home.
If you enjoy sugar in your coffee like I do (just iced for me mostly), add a spoonful of sugar to the espresso while it’s brewing and give it a stir.
- Fill glass with ice
- Prepare espresso shots (2-3)
- Add sugar in the espresso so it can melt
- Pour filtered water into glass of ice about 2/3-1/2 of the way (less water for stronger flavor)
- Add espresso over the water
Typically I would add almond milk to my iced coffee but not here. I like it as is.
For some reason if you’re not enjoying this method, here’s my other go to-
Fill glass halfway with ice and make the espresso pod right over the ice. Add sugar to the cup before brewing the coffee because as the hot coffee drips through you can stir with a spoon. I just prefer my sugar to be melted prior. As the coffee is dripping down into the glass you can also add more ice (before or during is fine), then stir really well and add the almond milk or your favorite. I like skim too.
Delicious Coffee Recipes
Have you tried Tonic Coffee?