How to Make an Americano at Home

An Americano is a double espresso lengthened with hot water. It's a long, black coffee with the richness of espresso, and almost no calories. Getting the water right is the difference between a smooth cup and a thin one.

What you need

• An espresso machine
• Espresso coffee, such as our Momentum Espresso
• A kettle
• Coffee scales (handy for consistent shots)

The recipe

• Double espresso (about 36g)
• 150 to 200ml of hot water, just off the boil (around 90 to 95°C)

Step by step

1. Pour the hot water into a warmed mug first.
2. Pull a double espresso straight on top. See our espresso guide for the recipe.
3. Taste, then add a little more water if you like it longer.

Why water first?

Pouring the espresso onto the water keeps more of the crema and gives a rounder, smoother cup. Adding boiling water onto espresso can make it taste harsher.

Tips

• Start with less water. You can always add more, but you can't take it out.
• Like it with milk? A splash of cold or warm milk is all you need.
• Prefer a cleaner, lighter black coffee? Try filter coffee instead.

A black Americano is around 6 kcal. Add a splash of milk and see the difference in our coffee calorie calculator.

Shop espresso coffee