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–+ servings

Americano Coffee Recipe

Author: Eric Loftuss
One of the easiest coffees to make, but a truly satisfying experience.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup/mug
Calories

Equipment

  • 1 Espresso machine Or coffee maker of your choice
  • 1 cup or mug
  • 1 spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 18-20 grams coffee beans (dark roast) For a softer less bitter flavor use medium or light roast coffee beans.
  • ¾ cup hot water 170°F (about 76°C)

Instructions
 

  • Weigh the coffee beans and grind - you are aiming for a fine ground for this drink.
  • If you have an espresso machine
    Brew a single or double espresso (depending on the strength of coffee you want to drink.
  • Without an espresso machine
    Use your regular coffee maker to brew a strong short coffee.
    Add 18-20 grams of fresh ground coffee then pour over about 85 grams of water you have heated to 170°F (about 76°C).
    Allow to brew for the appropriate time for your coffee maker.
  • Once brewed, pour the espresso into a suitable sized mug, leaving enough room to add the hot water.
  • pour over the hot water, and stir.

Notes

Top Tips for making an Americano at home

If you do not have an espresso machine, then you need to be able to make a short strong coffee with another type of coffee maker.I recommend using any of the following:
  • French press 
  • AeroPress
  • Moka pot
  • Pour over
But if all else fails you can use instant coffee.
Whichever method you use, make sure to brew a strong coffee. 
Remember: When you add 3/4 cup of hot water, it will dilute the brewed coffee a lot. That’s OK for an espresso but if you do not start with a really strong coffee, you can end up with something too weak to enjoy.

How to make americano without an expensive espresso machine

  • As you know, the starting point for a great americano is a great espresso. But, we are not all blessed with the money and space to house an expensive espresso maker.
  • Do not let this put you off. I have made great americanos without my beloved espresso machine. You just have to remember you are aiming to make a really strong, very short coffee.
  • Think in terms of a brewed double shot of espresso is about 3fl oz (about 85 grams). So you need to make a very small amount of coffee.
  • If you have access to one, try using a hand-pump espresso machine. These are not expensive and are able to create a pressurized extraction of the coffee. Other good alternatives are either an AeroPress or check out my post on how to make espresso with a French press.
  • I have made great americanos with both AeroPress and French press, plus they are cheap and easy to keep clean. Even better they are really portable. I have taken both hiking – imagine going hiking with an espresso machine! It would be impossible.
  • For more inexpensive ways of making an espresso check out my review of How to make espresso without a machine.
Nutritional Disclaimer

All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.

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