Americano

Americano is also known as the long black in some countries.

Legend has it that the story of the Americano dates back to just after World War II. An American man, used to the milder taste of instant coffee, walked into a café in Italy. The strong espresso was too intense for his palate, so he would ask for a bit of hot water on the side and a slightly bigger cup. He'd then mix the hot water with the espresso to dilute it, making it more similar to the coffee he was accustomed to back home.

The café staff quickly caught on to his preference. Whenever the American walked in, the baristas would simply call out "Americano," knowing exactly what he wanted. Thus, the Americano was born. Known as a "long black" in some countries, it’s essentially a shot or double shot of espresso mixed with hot water, creating a milder, diluted espresso.

To make an Americano, you'll need 22 grams of coffee and 40 milliliters of espresso, giving you a 1:2 ratio.

You can add the hot water either before or after the espresso, but for the best presentation, it’s recommended to add the hot water first. This ensures that the crema, the rich, creamy layer on top of the espresso, remains intact on the surface of the Americano, making it look fresh when served. People often associate the lack of crema with old or stale coffee, so maintaining it is crucial for a good presentation.

Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. 1

   Fill the Cup with Hot Water: Use a hot water dispenser to fill your cup to about three-quarters full. This leaves room for milk if the customer wants to add it later.

2. 2

   Brew the Espresso: Pull a shot of espresso using your espresso machine or any other brewing method.

3. 3

   Combine the Espresso and Hot Water: For consistent results, brew the espresso into a separate espresso cup first. Then, pour the espresso slowly over the hot water in your Americano cup. This method helps maintain the crema on top. By following these steps, you ensure that your Americano is not only delicious but also visually appealing, maintaining the rich crema that one expects.