Americano Recipe
Make Americano Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Espresso
Hot Water
Optional
Method
Prep
Heat water
Heat the 120 ml of hot water to 85–95°C (185–203°F). Keep it off full boil — just below boiling is ideal for an Americano. Also ensure your espresso machine is warmed up and portafilter is clean.
Dose and tamp
Weigh 18 g of freshly ground espresso coffee (medium-fine grind suitable for your machine). Distribute evenly in the portafilter and tamp with firm, level pressure to create a smooth puck.
Brew Espresso
Brew a double shot of espresso using the 18 g dose and about 40 ml of water. Aim for an extraction time of 25–30 seconds. Stop the shot when you have approximately 40 ml of espresso. Use the cup you'll serve in to capture the espresso so the crema remains intact.
Assemble Americano
Pour the heated 120 ml of water into the serving cup first (this is the preferred method for many baristas because it preserves more crema).
Slowly pour the brewed espresso into the hot water. Pouring slowly helps the espresso layer integrate while preserving a thin crema on top.
Stir gently once if desired to combine. Taste and adjust.
Finishing (Optional)
If you prefer your Americano sweetened, add sugar or 1 tsp simple syrup and stir to dissolve. For a creamier texture, add up to 1 tbsp milk or cream and stir gently.
Serve immediately. Clean portafilter and steam wand or group head area as part of routine maintenance.