A Guide to the Smooth, Black Classic

In a world of complicated coffee orders, almond cappuccinos, caramel lattes, and magic flat whites, sometimes simplicity is best. Enter the Americano.

It is a drink stripped back to the bare essentials: just espresso and hot water. But don't let the simplicity fool you. Because there is no milk or sugar to hide behind, an Americano bares the soul of the coffee bean. If you get it right, it is a sweet, smooth, and aromatic experience. If you get it wrong, it can be bitter and watery.

For Australian coffee drinkers, the Americano often causes confusion. You might be wondering, "Isn't that just a Long Black?"

The answer is: Yes and no. While they use the exact same ingredients, the method is different, and that changes the flavour entirely.

The Origin Story: A Wartime Invention

The Americano has a fascinating history. Legend has it that during World War II, American soldiers stationed in Italy found the local espresso far too strong and small for their liking. Back home, they were used to large cups of drip-filter coffee.

To mimic the brew they missed, they asked Italian baristas to dilute the strong espresso shots with hot water. The Italians called it a Caffè Americano (American Coffee). It’s a habit that stuck, and today, it is one of the most popular black coffees globally.

Americano vs. Long Black: What’s the difference?

This is the most critical distinction for any Aussie home barista. In Australia, if you order a black coffee, you will almost certainly be served a Long Black.

The difference comes down to the Order of Operations: what goes into the cup first?

• The Long Black: You fill the cup with hot water first, and then extract the espresso shot on top. This preserves the crema (the golden, oily foam on top of the shot), resulting in a bolder, stronger aroma and a heavier mouthfeel.

• The Americano: You extract the espresso first, and then pour the hot water on top. The force of the water pouring in breaks up and dissipates the crema.

Why would you want to break the crema? While crema looks beautiful, it actually contains a lot of bitter by-products and CO2. By dispersing it, the Americano creates a drink that is smoother, cleaner, and mellower than a Long Black.

Here is a quick comparison:

What You Need (Ingredients & Equipment)

Because there is no milk to mask the flavour, the quality of your coffee is paramount.

1. The Beans

Since you are drinking it black, you want a bean with character.

• Recommendation: Avoid dark, oily "Italian Style" roasts that are designed to cut through milk. These can taste like ash in an Americano. Instead, try a Single Origin bean (perhaps from Ethiopia or Colombia) or a Medium Roast. You will be surprised by the fruity, floral, or nutty notes you can taste when milk isn't in the way.

2. The Water

Coffee is 98% water. If your tap water tastes like chlorine, your coffee will too.

• Filtration: Use filtered water if possible.

• Temperature: Crucial Tip! Never use boiling water (100°C) directly from a whistling kettle. Boiling water burns the coffee oils, making the drink bitter. Aim for 90°C – 94°C. If you have a standard kettle, boil it and let it sit for 60 seconds before pouring.

3. The Machine

You can use any machine that produces espresso:

• A commercial-style home espresso machine (Breville, Sunbeam, La Marzocco).

• A capsule machine (Nespresso, Aldi).

4. The Cup

A standard ceramic mug or a 250ml cup is perfect.

How to Make an Americano (Step-by-Step)

Follow this method to create a smooth, café-quality black coffee.

Step 1: Prepare the Machine

Ensure your machine is warmed up. Run some water through the group head (the part where the water comes out) to clear any old coffee grounds and heat up the internal pipes.

Step 2: The Espresso Base

• Grind your beans fresh (fine grind).

• Extract a Double Shot of espresso (approx. 60ml).

• Watch the pour: it should look like warm honey. If it rushes out like water, your grind is too coarse. If it drips slowly, it's too fine.

Step 3: The Water Prep

• While the shot is pouring (or just after), prepare your hot water.

• Remember: let the kettle cool slightly off the boil to roughly 90°C.

Step 4: The Pour (The "Americano" Method)

• With your espresso sitting in the bottom of the mug, pour the hot water directly into the coffee.

• Visual Check: You will see the golden crema foam rise up and then dissolve into the dark liquid. This is exactly what you want. You are mixing the oils throughout the drink rather than letting them sit on top.

Step 5: Customisation

• The drink is now ready. In the US and UK, it is common to leave a little room at the top for cold milk (a "White Americano"). However, try it black first, you might appreciate the smoothness.

Elevate Your Routine: Why a Subscription Works 

A coffee subscription transforms your daily grind into a seamless experience of quality and convenience.

Guaranteed Freshness

Supermarket beans can sit on shelves for months, losing their vibrant notes. A subscription from a dedicated roaster ensures your beans are roasted to order and shipped immediately. You receive coffee at its peak aromatic window, delivering a richness and depth that pre-packed bags simply cannot match.

Consistency is Key

Australian coffee culture is built on high standards. By setting up a recurring order, you secure a consistent supply of premium, freshly roasted beans. Whether you are a "set and forget" espresso drinker or a filter adventurer, consistency means your first cup of the day is always excellent.

Cost-Effective Quality

Beyond the convenience, subscribing often provides better value than purchasing single bags. It allows you to budget your coffee intake while accessing specialty-grade beans that would cost significantly more at a café.

Variations of the Americano

Once you master the classic, try these popular variations.

1. The Iced Americano

This is a staple in Australian summers. It is refreshing, crisp, and has zero calories (unless you add sugar).

• Method: Fill a glass with ice. Extract your double shot of espresso. Pour the hot espresso over the ice, then top up with cold filtered water.

• Pro Tip: If you like it sweet, dissolve your sugar in the hot espresso before pouring it over the ice. Granulated sugar won't dissolve in a cold drink!

2. The White Americano

If you aren't ready to go fully black, you can add a splash of milk.

• Method: Make a standard Americano (Espresso + Hot Water), leaving 2cm of room at the top. Add a dash of cold milk.

• Note: This is different from a Flat White because the milk is cold and not textured (no foam).
  

The Americano is the easiest coffee to love. It might lack the visual flair of a cappuccino or the velvet texture of a flat white, but it is the honest way to drink coffee.

Next time you are in the kitchen, try a taste test. Make a Long Black alongside an Americano. You might be surprised at just how much the pouring order changes the flavour of your morning brew!