Americano Iced / Hot Recipe

1. Prepare machine and coffee

Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter by running a blank shot (no coffee) briefly to warm metal parts. Weigh 18 g of freshly roasted coffee and grind to a fine espresso grind (should feel like table salt).

2. Tamp and brew

Distribute grounds evenly in the portafilter, tamp with firm, even pressure, wipe the rim, lock the portafilter into the machine, and brew a double shot of espresso (approximately 60 ml) into your serving cup. Target extraction time: 25–30 seconds. If using a manual espresso device, brew to produce about 60 ml of concentrated espresso.

3. Heat water

Boil or heat filtered water to 88–94°C (190–200°F). Measure 120 ml of hot water. Pre-warm the serving cup by rinsing with a little hot water then discarding it.

4. Combine espresso and hot water

Pour the freshly brewed espresso into the pre-warmed cup (if not brewed directly into it). Slowly add 120 ml of hot water to the espresso. For a slightly stronger flavor, add less hot water (90–100 ml); for milder, add more.

5. Adjust and serve

Stir gently. Add optional sugar, syrup, or milk/cream to taste. Serve immediately.

6. Chill and prepare ice

Fill a tall glass with about 6 ice cubes. Use cold filtered water for best taste.

7. Brew espresso for iced drink

Brew a double shot of espresso (about 60 ml) directly over a small metal pitcher or into the cup you'll use to pour so it stays hot briefly; this helps with crema. Let the shot rest 10–15 seconds so it de-gasses slightly.

8. Assemble iced Americano

Pour the 60 ml espresso over the ice in the tall glass. Immediately add 120 ml of cold water. Stir once to combine and cool the espresso evenly.

9. Adjust and serve

Taste and add optional simple syrup, flavored syrup, or milk to preference. If you prefer less dilution, use less ice or use chilled metal ice cubes. Serve with a straw.

10. If sweetening, add sugar or simple syrup while the drink is hot (for hot Americano) or stir syrup into the iced drink until dissolved. Add milk or cream to taste and stir gently. For flavored syrups, add 10–15 ml (1/2–1 tbs) depending on desired sweetness and flavor intensity.