What Is an Americano? Espresso’s Smooth, Versatile Cousin

If you love the boldness of espresso but want a longer, more sippable cup the Americano is your go-to drink.

Smooth, simple, and deeply customizable, the Americano is the unsung hero of café menus and home brewers alike. Whether you're brewing for focus, taste, or caffeine efficiency, an Americano offers the best of both worlds.

Here’s what makes it special, and how to make one at home with the perfect Overclock Coffee Co. roast.

What Is an Americano?

An Americano is made by combining:

• 1–2 shots of espresso

• Hot water, typically in a 1:1 to 1:3 ratio

The result is a longer, smoother coffee drink with a bold flavor and light crema. Unlike drip coffee, which brews water through grounds, an Americano starts with espresso and adds water afterward, giving you richer flavor with a cleaner finish.

According to the National Coffee Association, Americanos retain more crema and aromatic oils than regular brewed coffee, making them a favorite among espresso lovers who want more volume (NCA, 2023).

A Brief History of the Americano

The Americano originated during World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Italy found traditional espresso too strong for their taste. To approximate the volume and body of brewed coffee back home, they diluted it with hot water, creating the drink we now call the Caffè Americano.

It’s still popular across Europe, especially in cafes that don’t serve traditional drip coffee.

Americano vs. Drip vs. Long Black

The difference between an Americano and a Long Black? It’s all in the pour order. A Long Black adds espresso on top of hot water to preserve crema, while an Americano adds hot water to espresso, softening the texture.

How to Make an Americano at Home

No espresso machine? No problem. Here’s a flexible method:

What You’ll Need:

• Espresso machine, Aeropress, or moka pot
• Hot filtered water
• A strong Overclock roast (see below)
• 6–10 oz mug

Brew Steps:

1. Pull a double shot of espresso (~2 oz)
2. Heat 4–6 oz of filtered water to ~190–200°F
3. Pour espresso into your mug
4. Slowly pour hot water over the espresso
5. Optional: Reverse the order to preserve crema (Long Black style)

Want less bitterness? Use a slightly coarser grind or a medium roast for a rounder finish.

Best Overclock Roasts for Americanos

Since the Americano highlights body and complexity, it pairs best with balanced, high-quality roasts, not overly acidic or flavored.

🏆 Overclock Picks:

Flavored Americanos? You can use flavored beans, but we recommend unflavored roasts so the espresso notes stay clean.

Final Thoughts: Why the Americano Deserves More Hype

The Americano is often overlooked in favor of lattes or drip, but it’s arguably one of the most adaptable ways to enjoy espresso.

Strong but smooth. Simple but refined.
And when paired with a fresh roast from Overclock Coffee Co., it becomes your new default for focused mornings, late-night writing, or leveling up your code.

🛒 Explore our boldest roasts and overclock your next Americano.

References

1. National Coffee Association. (2023). Coffee Drinks Explained. https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Brew-Coffee/Americano

2. Perfect Daily Grind. (2022). What Is an Americano? https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/01/what-is-an-americano-coffee/

3. Blue Bottle Coffee. (2023). Americano vs. Drip Coffee. https://bluebottlecoffee.com/preparation-guides/americano

4. Hoffmann, J. (2018). The World Atlas of Coffee. Firefly Books. https://www.worldatlasofcoffee.com