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How to Make an Americano

How to Make an Americano
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How to Make an Americano

What an Americano is and how it tastes

An Americano is a shot or two of espresso topped with hot water. The water stretches the espresso into a longer drink while keeping the espresso flavor. It is not drip coffee. It is espresso first, water second, and the ratio is your dial for strength, and this coffee brewing ratios and grind size chart gives you a quick reference for dialing it in.

Taste profile
  • Body medium
  • Acidity gentle to medium
  • Bitterness low to moderate, based on beans and grind
  • Aroma chocolate, nut, toast, or fruit depending on roast

Tools you need for consistency

  • 1. Espresso machine with a standard portafilter
  • 2. Burr grinder that can grind fine for espresso
  • 4. Scale that reads in grams
  • 5. Timer a phone timer works well
  • 6. Kettle for hot water
  • 7. Tamper that fits your basket
  • 8. Mug that holds at least 250 ml
  • 9. Thermometer optional, for water temperature
  • 10. Distribution tool or WDT needle optional, helps reduce clumps
  • 11. Clean microfiber towel to keep the basket and rim dry
Why these tools matter

Espresso is sensitive to small changes. A scale, a good grinder, and a steady process make your Americano repeatable. A kettle and thermometer help you control water temperature so the cup stays sweet and round.

Ingredients that bring out the best flavor

  • Fresh espresso coffee beans medium to medium dark roast is forgiving and tasty
  • Filtered water clean and free of strong chlorine taste
Base recipe for one mug
  • 18 g ground coffee for a double shot
  • 36–40 g espresso yield in 25–35 seconds
  • 90–150 ml hot water at 90–96°C (just off boil)

This gives a balanced cup. Use less water for a stronger drink or more water for a lighter drink.

The Brewed Within ratio guide helps you hit your sweet spot

  • Bold cup 1 part espresso to 1–1.5 parts water
  • Balanced cup 1 part espresso to 2–3 parts water
  • Light cup 1 part espresso to 4 parts water

Start with the balanced range. Adjust by 10–20 ml at a time until it tastes right to you.

Step by step Americano recipe that is easy to follow

Step 1 Heat and prep for a stable base

  • 1. Turn on the espresso machine and let it warm up for 10–15 minutes so the group head and portafilter are hot.
  • 2. Fill the kettle with filtered water and heat to just off boil. Aim for 90–96°C.
  • 3. Preheat your mug with a splash of hot water, then empty it. A warm mug helps keep the flavor steady.

Step 2 Dose and grind for a steady flow

  • 1. Weigh 18 g of whole beans.
  • 2. Grind fine for espresso. The grounds should feel like fine sand.
  • 3. Tap the portafilter gently to settle the bed.
  • 4. Optional but helpful Use a distribution tool or a WDT needle to break clumps so water flows evenly.

Step 3 Level and tamp to remove weak spots

  • 1. Level the coffee so the surface is flat from edge to edge.
  • 2. Tamp with firm, even pressure until the puck feels solid. You do not need to press super hard. Aim for level and consistent.

Step 4 Pull the shot and watch the time and yield

  • 1. Lock in the portafilter.
  • 2. Start the shot and start the timer at the same time.
  • 3. Aim for 36–40 g of espresso in 25–35 seconds.
  • If the shot finishes in under 20 seconds and tastes sour, make the next grind finer.
  • If it takes longer than 40 seconds and tastes harsh, make the next grind coarser.

Step 5 Combine espresso and hot water with care

There are two clean ways to build the drink. Try both and choose what you like.

Water first method
  • 1. Pour 90–150 ml hot water into the preheated mug.
  • 2. Add the double espresso on top.
  • 3. This is smooth and round with a softer bite.
Espresso first method
  • 1. Pull the espresso into the mug.
  • 2. Pour hot water gently down the side to protect the crema.
  • 3. This keeps a brighter aroma and a touch more intensity.

Step 6 Taste and adjust with small moves

  • 1. If the drink is too strong, add 10–20 ml more hot water.
  • 2. If the drink is too weak, use a little less water next time or shorten your espresso yield by 2–4 g.
  • 3. If the drink is too bitter, try a slightly coarser grind and keep water temp near the low end of 90–92°C.
  • 4. If the drink is too sour, try a slightly finer grind and water near 94–96°C.

Pro tips that raise your success rate

  • Preheat everything machine, portafilter, and mug. Heat loss dulls sweetness.
  • Purge the group head for one second before brewing to clear old grounds.
  • Dry the basket with a towel before dosing so grounds do not stick and channel.
  • Keep notes for grind setting, dose, yield, time, and water volume. Repeat your best cup.
  • Use fresh beans within 2–4 weeks of roast for the best aroma.
  • Choose filtered water with moderate minerals. Flat water can make flat flavor.

Common mistakes and how to fix them fast

The Americano tastes sour

Shot ran too fast or under extracted. Grind finer, check your dose is still 18 g, and pull toward 30 seconds. Keep water in the 94–96°C range.

The Americano tastes bitter or harsh

Shot ran too slow or over extracted. Grind coarser and stop the shot closer to 36–38 g yield. Use water near 90–92°C.

The drink feels thin or watery

Add less water. Try 90–110 ml water for a stronger cup. You can also shorten the espresso yield by 2–3 g.

The crema disappears too quickly

Use the espresso first method and pour water gently. Fresh beans help crema last longer.

The flavor is flat or dull

Raise water temperature a bit, switch to a fresher roast, or try a different bean with a medium roast profile.

Bean and roast advice that matches the Americano style

  • Medium roast gives balance and sweetness with chocolate and nut notes. Great for daily cups.
  • Medium dark roast adds body and lowers acidity. Expect cocoa and toast notes.
  • Single origin gives unique flavors like fruit or floral. It can taste brighter.
  • Espresso blend is stable and forgiving and works well when you want the same flavor every day.
  • Grind tip

Change grind in small steps. One click finer or coarser can shift flavor a lot. Keep your last setting written down so you do not lose a good dial-in.

Water temperature guidance that protects sweetness

  • 90–92°C for darker roasts that can turn bitter if too hot
  • 93–94°C for balanced medium roasts
  • 95–96°C for lighter roasts that need more heat to open up

Stay in this range for a clean Americano with a sweet finish.

Cleaning habits that keep flavors clear

  • Before brewing flush the group head, wipe the basket dry, and keep the portafilter hot.
  • After brewing knock out the puck, rinse the basket, and wipe it clean.
  • Daily backflush with water if your machine allows it.
  • Weekly backflush with espresso cleaner as the maker recommends.
  • Grinder care brush the chute to remove old grounds that can taste stale.

Clean tools make clear coffee.

Troubleshooting map you can scan in seconds

  • Too sour → grind finer → aim ~30 s → water 94–96°C
  • Too bitter → grind coarser → yield 36–38 g → water 90–92°C
  • Too weak → reduce water by 15–30 ml or shorten espresso yield slightly
  • Too strong → add 10–20 ml water or lengthen the espresso yield by 2–3 g
  • Flavor seems muddy → clean basket and portafilter, use fresher beans, purge before brewing
  • Why this method delivers a smooth Americano

Espresso gives you the flavor core. Time and yield balance extraction. Hot water sets the strength without cooking the coffee. When you control these three pieces—grind, time, and water—you get a cup that is bold yet easy to sip. Small, clear changes make a big difference, so the recipe is simple to learn and easy to repeat.

How to Make an Americano
Print Recipe

How to Make an Americano at Home

Make an Americano today: pull bold espresso, add hot water, tune strength. First sip hits silky, chocolatey notes, bright aroma, calm focus. One cup and mornings feel upgraded, café-level magic.
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1

Equipment

  • Espresso machine
  • Burr grinder
  • Scale
  • Timer
  • Kettle
  • Tamper
  • mug

Ingredients

  • 18 g espresso ground coffee
  • 36-40 g espresso
  • 90-150 ml hot water at 90–96°C

Instructions

  • Heat the machine and kettle and preheat your mug.
  • Grind 18 g coffee fine and distribute evenly.
  • Tamp level with firm, even pressure.
  • Pull 36–40 g espresso in 25–35 seconds.
  • Add 90–150 ml hot water using water first or espresso first.
  • Taste and adjust water by 10–20 ml as needed.

Notes

  • Bold ratio 1 part espresso to 1–1.5 parts water
  • Balanced ratio 1 part espresso to 2–3 parts water
  • Adjust grind in small steps based on time and taste

FAQs

Yes. That is the full recipe. Espresso supplies the flavor. Hot water controls the strength.

Both work. Water first tastes round and smooth. Espresso first keeps more crema and a brighter smell. Try both and choose the one you enjoy.

Start with 90–150 ml per double shot. Stay closer to 90–110 ml for bold and 120–150 ml for balanced to light.

Yes. A small splash keeps it an Americano. A large amount turns it into another drink. Adjust to taste.

They are close. A long black is usually built water first and often with a stronger espresso ratio. An Americano is more flexible and can be built in either order.

A plain Americano has very few calories. Most of the calories come from sugar or milk if you add them.

Final Brewed Within tips to lock in your favorite cup

  • Keep a simple ratio and make small changes so you can taste the effect.
  • Change only one variable at a time when dialing in.
  • Use fresh beans, clean tools, and hot equipment.
  • Write down the settings when the cup is perfect so you can repeat it next time.
Picture of Fritz Ocampo

Fritz Ocampo

Fritz is a coffee enthusiast and the voice behind Brewed Within, where curiosity for beans, brewing methods, and coffee rituals comes together. With a hands-on approach to espresso, pour-over, and home brewing, Fritz focuses on practical coffee knowledge that helps readers enjoy better coffee without overcomplicating the process. His work centres on honest experience, approachable guidance, and a genuine love for the craft behind every cup.

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