Americano or ‘caffè americano’ is a well loved coffee drink all over the world. It is a simple yet classy drink that is made with only two ingredients: an espresso shot and hot water.
As you might have guessed with the name, Americano coffee does have something to do with America, but before we get to the history of this coffee drink, let us see what it is and how it is made!
What is an Americano?
An Americano coffee is made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso. The ratio of espresso to hot water can be 1:1 or 1:2 depending on the coffee house or your personal preferences. Americano has a smooth, mild, and balanced taste. The strength of the espresso is diluted by the water resulting in a smooth flavour. The taste of the americano depends on what kind of coffee is being used, if it is artisanal coffee or store-bought coffee.
Americano Recipe
The Americano recipe is as follows:
Ingredients:
1. 1 shot of espresso
2. Hot water
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of espresso.
2. Pour hot water over the espresso shot
3. Stir to combine and serve.
4. Use 1:2 espresso to water ratio to make a cup of americano
History of Americano Coffee
The origin story of the caffè americano is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated during World War II, when American soldiers were stationed in Italy. The soldiers, who were accustomed to drinking coffee with more water, found the strong, concentrated espresso served in Italian coffee shops to be too intense. To dilute the espresso and make it more similar to the coffee they were used to, they would ask for hot water to be added to the shot of espresso. This resulted in a longer, milder coffee that they referred to as ‘American coffee.’ Over time, this drink became known as the caffè americano.
Thus caffè americano came into existence! The name has since become synonymous with the long, mild coffee drink made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. The caffè americano remains a popular drink in coffee shops around the world, particularly among those who prefer a milder, less intense coffee experience.
Popularity of Americano
Americano coffee is preferred by people who love a milder version of an espresso. Americano and black coffee are different in that a black coffee can be made by adding instant coffee to hot water or by making drip coffee. However, an Americano is made by adding hot water to an espresso shot. This gives a flavourful cup of coffee.
Americano is also made in an iced americano version. For an iced americano, cold water is added to the espresso shot and ice cubes. It is a very popular drink and sometimes, caramel syrup is also added to it.
At the Bombay Island Coffee cafe , we welcome you to try an Americano made with our artisanal coffee. You will experience the rich and balanced flavour of our dark roasted Espresso blend. Your cup of Americano awaits you!