Americano Recipe
Make Americano Recipe in just 7m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee
Optional Additions
Method
Preparation
- 1
Heat water
Bring fresh water to 195–205°F (near boiling). Measure about 6 fl oz (180 ml) of hot water for a standard hot Americano. If making an iced Americano, prepare slightly less hot water (about 4–5 fl oz) to account for melting ice and cool the final drink.
- 2
Brew espresso
Pull two shots of espresso (about 2 shots, roughly 60 ml total) using your espresso machine. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction with freshly ground beans. If you don't have an espresso machine, use a strong concentrate (stovetop Moka pot or concentrated brewed coffee) roughly equivalent to 2 shots.
- 3
Assemble hot Americano
Pour the brewed espresso into a warmed 8–10 fl oz cup. Slowly add the 6 fl oz hot water over the back of a spoon or directly into the cup to preserve crema if desired. Stir gently once to combine. Taste and add sugar/simple syrup (start with 1 tsp) or milk/cream (1 tbs) if desired. Garnish with a lemon twist if preferred.
- 4
Assemble iced Americano
Fill a tall glass with 4 ice cubes. Pour the hot espresso over the ice, then add 4–5 fl oz cold water (or top up to about 10 fl oz total drink volume). Stir briefly to chill and dilute properly. Adjust sweetness with simple syrup (stirs in cold more easily) and add milk/cream if desired.
- 5
Serve
Serve immediately while hot or chilled. For best flavor, use freshly roasted coffee beans ground just before brewing and filtered water.