Americano Recipe

Time6m

Serves1

Make Americano Recipe in just 6m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Preheat and dose
Preheat your espresso cup or serving mug by rinsing it with hot water, then discard the rinse water. Dose 18 g of freshly ground espresso into the portafilter and distribute evenly.
2
Tamp and brew
Tamp the grounds evenly and firmly. Lock the portafilter into the machine and brew a double shot (about 36 ml) of espresso directly into the preheated cup. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction; adjust grind if extraction is too fast or slow.

3
Heat 120 ml of filtered water to 85–95°C (near boiling). If using a kettle, bring to a boil then let sit 30–45 seconds. Pour the hot water into the cup containing the espresso. Pour gently to combine while preserving crema as much as possible.
4
Taste and adjust strength or temperature. If the Americano is too strong or cools quickly, add up to 30 ml of extra hot water to reach desired volume and temperature.

5
To serve black: Serve immediately after combining espresso and hot water.
6
To serve with milk: Steam or warm 30 ml milk and add to the Americano for a creamier texture (this becomes an americano with milk, sometimes called a 'Cortado-like' addition).
7
To sweeten or flavor: Stir in 1 tsp sugar or sweetener to taste, or garnish with a lemon twist for a subtle citrus note.