Recipes· 1 min read
Caffè Americano
Espresso lengthened with hot water for a clean, aromatic cup — strength you control, with espresso's flavor intact.
House Blend Cafe· 2026-08-20
We're a seasonal shop, open Saturdays only.
You'll find us at the counter on Saturdays, from just after Labor Day through the Saturday before Christmas, 10 AM to 2 PM. The rest of the year we're closed. Order ahead and we'll have it waiting, or see hours and location.
Legend says the caffè americano was born during WWII, when American soldiers in Italy diluted espresso with hot water to mimic the drip coffee from home. Whether or not that's true, the drink endures: espresso lengthened with hot water, preserving the aroma and body of espresso in a larger, sippable cup.
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso
- 6–8 oz hot water (just off the boil)
Step-by-step
- Heat fresh, filtered water to about 200°F (93°C) — just off the boil.
- Pull one or two shots of espresso.
- Pour the hot water into a mug first, then add the espresso on top. This preserves the crema better than pouring water onto the shot.
- Sip and adjust: more water for a milder cup, less for a stronger one.
Tips for the best cup
- The order matters — espresso into water (not water onto espresso) keeps the crema intact.
- Use a lighter roast if you want bright, fruity notes; a darker roast for a classic, bittersweet profile.
- An americano is not the same as drip coffee — it retains espresso's richness and crema.
Key takeaways
- An americano is espresso diluted with hot water; you choose the strength.
- Pour espresso into the water to preserve the crema.
- Start with a 1:4 ratio of espresso to water and adjust to taste.
#americano#espresso#black coffee#beginner#hot drinks
