Americano (v) Recipe

Time6m

Serves1

served black or with whole milk

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Ingredients

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1
Heat water
Bring fresh filtered water to 175–185°F (80–85°C). If you don't have a thermometer, boil and let sit 30–45 seconds.
2
Preheat the serving cup by rinsing it with hot water, then discard the rinse. This helps keep the drink hot longer.

3
Grind coffee to a fine espresso grind (if using whole beans): about 18–20 grams for a double shot. Tamp evenly and lock the portafilter into the espresso machine.
4
Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2 shots, ~60 ml combined) into the preheated cup. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction from the start of the pump.

5
Pour 6 oz (approximately 180 ml) of the hot water into the cup with the espresso. For a traditional Americano, add the espresso to the cup first and then the hot water (this preserves crema and balances flavor).
6
Stir gently once to combine. Taste and adjust.

7
If serving black, present as-is. If the guest requests whole milk, add up to 1 oz cold whole milk to the cup and stir. For a slightly creamier drink, steam 2 oz whole milk and pour gently to create a light texturing; this makes it more like a long black with milk.
8
If the guest prefers sweetened, add sweetener (about 1 tsp sugar or simple syrup) and stir until dissolved. Adjust to taste.
9
Serve immediately.