An Alternative for Those Who Can’t Give Up on the Classic Coffee Taste: Americano

One of the most popular choices among those who prefer a milder coffee is the americano.  Just like the Turks gave their name to Turkish coffee, Americans gave theirs to this drink — and here’s the story behind it.

The americano first emerged during World War II, when American soldiers were stationed in Italy.   American soldiers found the espressos served to them too strong and asked for a milder alternative.  In response, Italian baristas added hot water to espresso to create a smoother drink for the Americans. This new beverage was named “Caffè Americano.”  Initially popular in Italy, it soon spread and became well-loved all over the world.

How to Prepare

Americano is made by softening the flavor of espresso with hot water while preserving its taste and aroma. A classic cup of americano consists of one shot of espresso and an equal amount of hot water.  Thanks to the intensity brought by the espresso, it becomes stronger than brewed coffee, yet milder than straight espresso. Thanks to its light texture and balanced flavor, it’s a great alternative for those who don’t usually drink espresso.  The key to a good americano is freshly ground coffee beans and water heated to between 90–95 °C.

You can easily prepare it at home using Espressolab coffee beans available from our online store — or enjoy a delicious cup prepared by our expert baristas at one of our locations!