How to Make an Americano

Sharing is caring!

When the days turn colder and the air carries that crisp bite of autumn or winter, I find myself reaching for something comforting yet not too heavy, the hot Americano. It’s my go-to when I want the bold flavor of espresso, but stretched into a longer, warming cup. Unlike drip or filter coffee, an Americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water. That means you still get the crema and rich body of espresso, but in a longer, smoother cup. Perfect for those chilly mornings, mid-work breaks, or quiet evenings with a blanket and a book.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make a hot Americano at home. With the correct ratio, brewing tips, and a few ideas for variations. All you need is good espresso, hot water, and a mug you love to wrap your hands around.

What You Need to Make an Americano at Home

The beauty of an Americano is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of tools or fancy café gear, just the essentials.

Ingredients

• Freshly roasted espresso beans (medium or medium-dark roasts with nutty, chocolatey notes shine in winter)
• Hot filtered water
  

Equipment:

• Espresso machine (or a moka pot, AeroPress, or capsule machine if that’s what you have)
• Coffee grinder (a burr grinder gives the most consistent results)
• Kettle (for heating water)
• Mug (250–300 ml / 8–10 oz is perfect)
• Digital scale (optional, but makes your brewing precise)

💡 No espresso machine? Don’t worry. You can brew a strong base with a moka pot, AeroPress, or even a capsule machine, then add hot water for a very similar result.

The Perfect Ratio: Water to Espresso for Americanos

The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a ratio of 1 part espresso to about 150 ml (5 oz) of hot water for a single-shot Americano. That gives a total drink volume of about 180 ml (6 oz).

Here’s what that looks like:

• Single Americano: 1 shot espresso (~30 g / 1 oz) + 150 ml hot water
• Double Americano (my favorite): 2 shots espresso (~60 g / 2 oz) + 150–200 ml hot water
  

💡 SCA guideline: Always add espresso to the hot water, not by passing all the water through the coffee puck. Running that much water through the grounds would cause over-extraction and a bitter, unpleasant cup. Adding espresso on top of hot water keeps the flavor balanced and smooth.

Step-by-Step Guide: Brewing Your Espresso

The foundation of every Americano is a properly brewed espresso.

1. Grind fresh — 18 g of beans for a double shot, ground fine, like table salt.
2. Dose and distribute — Evenly spread the grounds in your portafilter.
3. Tamp firmly — Press straight down to create a compact bed.
4. Brew — Pull a double shot (36–40 g / 1 ¼–1 ⅓ oz) in 25–30 seconds.

💡 Tip for beginners: If your espresso tastes sour, it’s under-extracted. If it’s bitter, it’s over-extracted. Adjust grind and extraction time until the flavor feels balanced. Once you’ve dialed in, you’re ready to turn it into an Americano.

Mixing It Right: Adding Water to Espresso

When you’re learning how to make an Americano at home, the mixing step matters as much as the espresso itself.

According to the SCA, the correct approach is:

1. Heat your filtered water to 85–90 °C (185–194 °F).
2. Pour the hot water into your mug first.
3. Brew your espresso directly on top of the water.

This ensures a smooth blend, preserves the crema, and prevents bitterness from over-extraction.

💡 Some people prefer to pour hot water on top of espresso (this is called a Long Black, popular in Austria, Australia, and New Zealand). That method creates a slightly stronger taste and preserves more crema on top. Both methods are delicious — it’s just a matter of preference.

Americano vs. Long Black: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the Americano and the Long Black look almost identical: espresso and hot water. But the order in which you combine them changes the taste and texture.

• Americano (SCA guideline): Hot water is poured into the cup first, followed by espresso brewed on top. This results in a smoother mouthfeel and prevents over-extraction.
  
• Long Black (Austria, Australia & New Zealand): Espresso is poured first, then hot water is added on top. This preserves the crema’s appearance and creates a stronger, more intense cup.
  

💡 So if you’re making an Americano at home, remember: water first, then espresso. For a Long Black, flip the order.

Temperature Tips for the Ideal Americano

Water temperature is often overlooked, but it’s crucial to flavor. Boiling water can scorch your espresso and flatten its complexity.

The sweet spot: 85–90 °C (185–194 °F).

💡 If you don’t have a thermometer, boil your kettle and let it sit for 30 seconds before using — that usually lands in the right range.

When I first started making Americanos at home, I didn’t yet own an electric gooseneck kettle with temperature control. Instead, I boiled the water in a simple stovetop kettle and then poured it into a stainless steel gooseneck kettle. That quick transfer cooled the water just enough to bring it into the ideal range. It’s a budget-friendly trick that works beautifully until you’re ready to invest in an electric gooseneck kettle.

👉 Curious which model I recommend? Check out my dedicated gooseneck kettle guide, where I share my favorite budget-friendly option and why it’s a game-changer for both coffee and tea.

Flavor Enhancements: Customizing Your Americano

One of the joys of making coffee at home is experimenting. While I adore my Americano pure — just espresso and water — you can certainly customize.

• Citrus zest — a strip of orange or lemon peel for brightness.
• Cinnamon stick — stir gently for a subtle spice.
• Vanilla or caramel syrup — for a sweet café-style twist.
• Splash of milk or cream — not traditional, but lovely if you prefer it softer.

Still, my favorite way to drink it is pure. Even diluted with water, espresso’s bold character shines beautifully.

The Best Equipment for Making Americanos at Home

While you can make an Americano with whatever you already own, certain tools elevate the experience.

• Espresso machine — The classic method, reliable and consistent.
• Burr grinder — Fresh grinding makes all the difference in taste.
• Moka pot — A wonderful budget-friendly alternative if you don’t have an espresso machine.
• Digital scale — Helps you hit precise espresso and water ratios.
• Kettle with temperature control — Great for hitting the water sweet spot.

💡 Start with what you have and upgrade gradually. Coffee is a journey — your equipment can grow with you.

Final Sip

And that’s it. Now you know how to make an Americano at home, following SCA guidelines for the best balance and flavor. It’s a simple drink, but one that warms you deeply and lets the character of the beans shine.

On those cold mornings or cozy evenings, a hot Americano is my companion of choice: bold, smooth, and endlessly comforting.

More Recipes and Tips You Might Enjoy:

• How to make an Iced Americano – Easy Recipe Guide
• Reverse Clever Dripper (Hoffmann Method)
• Clever Coffee Dripper
• Pour Over Coffee Recipe V60
• French Press Coffee
• How to make Iced Coffee with a French Press
• Can You Make Cold Brew in a French Press
• Cold Brew Ratio Guide
• Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee
• Coffee Soda

If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @coffeewithnora and hashtag #coffeewithnora_recipes, so I don’t miss it.