# Americano Recipe — Espresso to Water Ratio Guide

> How to make an Americano at home. Covers the ideal espresso-to-water ratio, hot and iced versions, the difference between an Americano and a Long Black, and the drink's origins.

**Canonical URL**: https://coffee-guide.jp/en/recipe/americano-recipe-guide  
**Category**: Coffee Recipes  
**Published**: 2026-06-16  
**Updated**: 2026-06-16  
**Author**: Coffee Guide Editorial  
**Tags**: americano, espresso, black coffee, recipe  

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The Americano is one of the most widely ordered coffee drinks in cafés worldwide. Two ingredients, one simple technique — yet the ratio and pour method meaningfully change the result.

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## What Is an Americano?

An Americano (Caffè Americano) is **espresso diluted with hot water**. The result has a volume and strength similar to drip coffee, but retains the flavor complexity and crema of espresso.

**Origin**: The name comes from American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II who found straight espresso too strong and diluted it with hot water.

## Hot Americano

### Ingredients (1 serving)

- Espresso: 1–2 shots (30–60ml)
- Hot water: 120–180ml (90–95°C / 194–203°F)

### Ratio Guide

| Strength Preference | Espresso | Water |
|--------------------|----------|-------|
| Strong | 60ml (double) | 120ml |
| Standard | 30ml (single) | 150ml |
| Mild | 30ml (single) | 180ml |

### Instructions

1. Pull 1–2 espresso shots
2. Add hot water to the cup first
3. Pour the espresso over the water
4. Serve immediately — no stirring needed


> 💡 **TIP**
>
> **Why add water first?** Pouring espresso into hot water (not the other way around) keeps the crema intact on top of the drink, which preserves aroma and appearance. Reverse the order and the crema breaks up.


## Iced Americano

Iced Americano is one of the most popular café cold drinks worldwide, especially in East Asia.

### Ingredients (1 serving)

- Espresso: 2 shots (60ml) — use double for iced to compensate for dilution
- Cold water: 150ml
- Ice: 1 cup

### Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add cold water (150ml)
3. Pull espresso and pour slowly over the water and ice
4. Serve immediately

## Americano vs. Long Black

The Americano and Long Black use identical ingredients but differ in technique.

| | Americano | Long Black |
|---|-----------|------------|
| Pour order | Water first, espresso second | Espresso first, water second |
| Crema | Mostly broken | Preserved on surface |
| Texture | Smooth, integrated | More aromatic, layered |
| Origin | Italy (via US soldiers) | Australia / New Zealand |

The Long Black is considered to have a more pronounced espresso character because the crema sits undisturbed on top.

## Without an Espresso Machine

A true Americano requires espresso. However, a reasonable approximation can be made:

- **Moka pot**: Brew with minimum water for maximum concentration, then dilute
- **AeroPress**: Use espresso-style settings (fine grind, short brew)
- **Strong drip**: Use 1.5× the normal dose with standard water volume


> ⚠️ **注意**
>
> Simply diluting regular drip coffee is not an Americano — the flavor profile is different because drip coffee lacks espresso's pressure-extracted oils and crema compounds.


## Summary

- **Standard ratio**: 1–2 espresso shots + 120–180ml hot water
- **Pour water first** to preserve crema
- **Iced version**: Use double shot to account for ice dilution
- **Long Black**: Same ingredients, reversed pour order — more intense and aromatic

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- [Coffee Granita Recipe: Italian-Style Coffee Shaved Ice Dessert](https://coffee-guide.jp/recipe/coffee-granita-recipe)
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- [Flat White Recipe: The Australian Classic at Home](https://coffee-guide.jp/recipe/flat-white-recipe-at-home)
- [Espresso vs Lungo vs Ristretto vs Americano: What''s the Difference?](https://coffee-guide.jp/brewing/espresso-lungo-ristretto-americano-difference)


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