What It Tastes Like
An americano (uh-MEH-ree-KAH-no) is made by adding hot water to espresso, creating a cup of black coffee with a familiar but slightly deeper flavor.
The added water softens espresso’s intensity while keeping much of its richness. The result feels similar to drip coffee at first, but often tastes a bit bolder and more full-bodied.
An americano combines espresso with hot water to create a clean, straightforward cup of black coffee.
Because it’s built from espresso rather than brewed through a filter, the flavor can feel slightly heavier and more rounded than traditional drip coffee.
💡 Behind the Cup
Espresso and drip coffee use the same beans, but the brewing method changes how flavor is extracted.
Espresso is brewed quickly under pressure, pulling out oils and dissolved compounds more intensely. When hot water is added, those flavors are spread out into a larger cup without losing their core character.
This is why an americano can taste similar to drip coffee, but with a slightly richer and more concentrated feel.
How to Order
Simple version:
"I'll have an americano, please."
Most cafés will ask for size and whether you’d like it hot or iced.
With customization:
- "Can I get an iced americano?"
- "I'd like an americano with room for cream."
- "Americano with an extra shot, please."
Size note:
Americanos are served in larger cups than espresso because water is added. Sizes usually follow standard café small, medium, or large options.
Customize It
Strength
- Standard = espresso diluted with hot water
- Extra shot = stronger, more pronounced coffee flavor
- Long americano = more water for a lighter cup
Milk or cream
Traditionally served black, but a small splash of milk or cream is common.
See milk options.
Sweetness
Not sweet by default. Sugar, honey, or syrup can be added if desired.
See sweetness options.
Temperature
- Hot = classic preparation
- Iced = espresso mixed with cold water over ice
Common Confusion
"How is this different from regular drip coffee?"
Drip coffee is brewed slowly through a filter. An americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water. Both are black coffee, but they’re built differently—americanos often taste more rounded, while drip coffee feels lighter and clearer.
"What's the difference between an americano and a long black?"
They use the same ingredients but in reverse order:
- Americano = espresso first, then water
- Long black = water first, then espresso (preserves more crema (KREH-mah))
"Is an iced americano the same as iced coffee?"
Not usually. An iced americano is made fresh with espresso and water over ice. Iced coffee is typically brewed coffee that has been chilled.
"Can I add milk to an americano?"
Yes. A splash of milk or cream is common. For a milk-heavy drink, a latte is usually a better fit.
"How much caffeine does it have?"
A 250 ml (≈8.5 oz) serving typically contains 120–160 mg of caffeine, depending on the number of espresso shots.
📌 Good to Know
An americano can taste different depending on how it’s built. Some cafés add water first, then espresso, while others reverse the order. This doesn’t change the ingredients, but it can slightly affect the texture and how the crema appears on top.
Try Next
If you enjoy the bold coffee flavor but want something creamier, try a latte. For a stronger espresso presence with a smoother texture, try a flat white.