What is a Caffe’ Americano?

Mar 19
08:27

2012

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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Coffee beverages go by many different names. One of these is Caffe' Americano. This type of beverage is created by mixing hot water into espresso. The resulting watered-down espresso will taste much like drip coffee, but with a slightly different flavor.

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Coffee beverages go by many different names.  One of these is Caffe' Americano.  This type of beverage is created by mixing hot water into espresso.  The resulting watered-down espresso will taste much like drip coffee,What is a Caffe’ Americano? Articles but with a slightly different flavor.  You can also change the flavor by doubling the number of shots of espresso used or simply changing the amount of water added.

Caffe' Americano originated in Italy and means American coffee in Italian.  During the first world wars, baristas in Italy tried to create the taste of drip coffee without the use of drip machines which Italians did not use.

It is important to note one important difference when making Caffe' Americano.  Technically speaking, Caffe' Americano means putting espresso into a mug then pouring hot water on top of it.  Some people get it mixed up and add espresso to water instead.  This is not known as Caffe' Americano, but is usually called long black.

As mentioned, the taste of Caffe' Americano depends on how much water is put inside.  However, the quality of the espresso used to make it will have a large impact on its taste.  In order to make a great espresso, you will need a high-quality espresso machine.

These machines are more expensive than your typical coffeemaker.  A design that is equipped with a steam wand will come in handy since you need to steam milk to make the espresso.  It is best to have the steaming temperature be between 160 and 170 so you do not need to worry about scalding the milk.

There are no set rules when it comes to making Caffe' Americano.  You can use as much water as needed to produce the taste you like.  There are other variations of the basic beverage too.  Some people enjoy drinking iced Caffe' Americanos.  To make this type of beverage cold water will need to be used instead of hot water.

Another common variation of the basic Caffe' Americano is lungo.  A longer shot of espresso will be used.  This will give the drink more volume.  However, longer extraction times will also yield more bitter drinks.

There are all sorts of names companies are assigning to the coffee beverages nowadays.  You should have little trouble remembering what a Caffe' Americano is though.  Simply make a great cup of espresso and fill up the rest of the jug with hot water.  Use cold water to make an iced variation.