The Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee Americano: Origins, Beans, Brewing, and More

Are you a coffee enthusiast searching for the best coffee americano? Look no further! In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of Americano coffee, exploring its origins, the perfect beans to use, and the health benefits it offers. Whether you're a fan of automatic coffee makers, manual brewing methods, or even curious about using a French press to make an espresso, we've got you covered. Discover the secrets to creating the perfect Americano, explore different variations, and find out our top 10 Americano coffee brands from the USA. Get ready to embark on a caffeine-fueled journey that will awaken your senses and leave you craving the perfect cup of Americano goodness.

What Is Americano Coffee?

Americano coffee is a simple and classic beverage that consists of a shot of espresso and hot water. The typical ratio is between eight and 12 ounces of water for one shot of espresso. Alternatively, you can use a double shot of espresso and adjust the amount of water accordingly. The order in which you add the water and espresso is up to you, but adding the water first and then brewing the espresso over it is the preferred method to preserve the crema. This is known as a long black. The name "Americano" comes from American Spanish or Italy, with a belief that it originated during World War II when American soldiers diluted espresso with hot water to mimic the coffee they were accustomed to.

The Espresso

Espresso is a concentrated coffee shot made by pressurizing hot water through finely ground coffee particles. It extracts most of the natural chemicals, oils, and ingredients from the coffee beans, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful espresso shot. Different baristas and coffee makers have their own methods of making espresso, but a beginner can start with a coffee product designed to produce a great cup of coffee using concentrated espresso residues.

Origin

The term "Americano" is derived from "American" and can be traced back to American Spanish or Italy. Its specific use in the context of "caffè Americano" refers to "American coffee" in Italian. There is a belief that the name originated during World War II when American soldiers in Italy diluted espresso with hot water to resemble the coffee they were used to from home.

Finding the Right Beans

Using high-quality beans is important when making an Americano. Espresso coffee is meant to be dark and full-bodied, making dark roast beans the ideal choice. Medium roast beans can also work well for an average cup of coffee, but for an exceptional Americano, dark roast beans are recommended. Brands like Lifeboost offer dark roast espresso beans that are handpicked, roasted, and grown using sustainable farming methods. The beans are also third-party tested for quality.

Best beans for an Americano

There is no definitive answer to the "best" beans for an Americano, as it depends on individual preferences. Arabica beans are the most commonly used variety and offer delicate flavors with low acidity levels, making them a great choice for those new to coffee. For a more seasoned coffee drinker, Robusta beans have a more acidic and bitter taste. Using espresso coffee beans can also provide a rich, bold, and dark roast flavor to an Americano.

Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee has been linked to a reduction in the risk of multiple diseases, including liver cirrhosis and liver and colorectal cancer. It can improve concentration and alertness, as well as reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes due to its content of chlorogenic acid and caffeine.

How to make an Americano

Making an Americano is a simple process of combining espresso and water. It is recommended to add hot water to a glass or mug first and then pour the espresso shot on top to avoid scalding the espresso. Using distilled water can help maintain the flavors of the Americano without altering its taste. Some baristas recommend removing the crema, the thin golden-brown layer on top of the espresso, for a more enjoyable coffee experience.

Can I add milk to an Americano?

Yes, milk can be added to an Americano for added sweetness and texture. However, the more milk you add, the further it deviates from the traditional Americano.

Uses and Variations

The Americano is commonly ordered as a larger brewed coffee drink from an espresso bar. It is also used in artisanal espresso preparation, particularly for stronger espresso shots and lighter coffee origins. Variations include the iced Americano, made with cold water instead of hot water, and drinks like lungo and caffè crema, which involve different extraction methods. Additionally, a "red eye" is made with drip coffee instead of hot water.

Top 10 Americano Coffee Brands From the USA

Best Overall: Eight O’Clock Coffee Barista Blends Caffe Americano

Best For Nescafe Dolce Gusto: Starbucks House Blend Americano

Best Priced: Maxwell House International The Original Roast

Best Dark-Roast: Community Coffee Premium Ground Coffee

Best Mushroom Coffee: Top Shelf Grind Mushroom Coffee

Best Whole Bean: Dois Americanos Americano Whole Bean Coffee

Best Single Serve Pods: Skinnygirl Coffee Pods Americano

Best Medium-Roast: Donut Cafe Coffee Gourmet Pods

Best Flavored Coffee: Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog Flavored Coffee Beans

Best Premium: McCafe Premium Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods

Best Overall: Eight O’Clock Coffee Barista Blends Caffe Americano

This medium-dark roast coffee has a bold yet balanced and subtle flavor that will give you a caffeine kick. Brew your espresso using this ground coffee to make a perfect cup of Americano. You’ll sense notes of wine with a rich aroma when brewing this blend. 

Using 100% high-quality Arabica beans, the Eight O’Clock Barista Blends promises you a mild espresso. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons with 6 fl oz of water for an enriching cup of Americano. This freshly ground coffee can be bought for $0.78/ounce and has the roast date printed on each pack. 

Best For Nescafe Dolce Gusto: Starbucks House Blend Americano 

If you have a Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine, this Starbucks House Blend Americano capsule will be a life changer. To make this blend, 100% Arabica coffee beans from Latin America are dark roasted to perfection. You can taste hints of toffee, nuts, and cocoa when sipping on this cuppa. 

This blend was the first one created by Starbucks back in 1971, and we know why we love it so much. Each cup is fresh and aromatic. Simply pop a capsule in your machine, and you’ll quickly get a rich and delicious Americano! A single capsule is worth $0.89. 

Best Priced: Maxwell House International The Original Roast

This classic ground coffee from Maxwell House International is medium-roasted to attain a perfectly rich flavor. You won’t find your coffee bitter and acidic with this blend. Each sip is smooth and flavorful right till the last drop. 

Once you brew your cup of espresso, you have to top it off with water to make an aromatic Americano. Adding water won’t make this blend runny or less flavorful. The caffeine punch will be there with hints of toasty flavor. This ground coffee will only cost you $0.26/ounce. 

Best Dark-Roast: Community Coffee Premium Ground Coffee

After tasting this signature blend, we know the love a family can put in a single cup of brewed coffee. These dark-roasted 100% Arabica coffee beans contain a sweet flavor note without making your drink bitter. Full-bodied and balanced in flavor, espresso made with the Community Coffee Signature Blend will leave you speechless. 

The Americano made from this brew will be mellow and less acidic. However, the caffeine kick will be there to wake you right up. You can brew this coffee for $0.75/ounce, and you’ll love every sip you take. 

Best Mushroom Coffee: Top Shelf Grind Mushroom Coffee

A dark-roasted blend with Lion’s Mane mushroom will act as a brain booster with a dose of caffeine and superfood. This brew will do wonders if you want to start your day healthy. The Lion’s Mane mushroom has a natural nootropic effect that will improve focus, clarity, and concentration. 

When combined with mushrooms, dark-roasted coffee has a powerful impact on overall cognition and alertness. Without an aftertaste of mushroom, you will love a hot cup of Americano made from this blend that costs $2.00/ounce. If you don’t like it, there’s also an option for a refund!

Best Whole Bean: Dois Americanos Americano Whole Bean Coffee 

While providing you with a rich and flavorful cup of coffee, Dois Americanos is Fair Trade USA and Rainforest Alliance certified. These whole beans are dark-roasted with enhanced flavors of dark chocolate, marzipan, and walnut. You can brew a cup of Americano with these beans, along with desserts to enjoy in the evening. 

These single-origin 100% Arabica beans are sourced from Brazil and are roasted in small batches to attain the perfect flavor and retain freshness in each batch. You’ll love the aroma of these coffee beans when you brew them. These whole beans will cost you $1.17/ounce. 

Best Single Serve Pods: Skinnygirl Coffee Pods Americano 

When you’re not in the mood to brew a cup or make coffee, the Skinnygirl Coffee Pods Americano will do the work for you. These pods are compatible with all Keurig K cup brewers. This dark-roasted brew is made from 100% high-quality Arabica beans, so the flavor isn’t compromised. 

This is a rich blend that is sugar-free, gluten-free, and without any artificial flavorings. The Americano brewed from these pods is packed with flavor and not watered down. Even though a single pod will cost you $0.92, it is still less than what you’ll pay in a cafe for a single Americano!

Best Medium-Roast: Donut Cafe Coffee Gourmet Pods

Make yourself a highly convenient and delicious cup of Americano using the Donut Cafe Coffee Gourmet Pods. Medium-roasted coffee with smoky notes and a touch of cocoa will leave you wanting more. These super simple pods are compatible with all Keurig K cup brewers. 

A single espresso made from a pod can be used to make a flavorful cup of Americano. Just be sure to keep a good ratio of espresso to water. This coffee is non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free, so you can sip on it without worries. A premium cafe-style cup of coffee will cost you $0.91 only. 

Best Flavored Coffee: Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog Flavored Coffee Beans

Tired of plain coffee and want to try something different with your Americano? Bones Coffee Highland Grog with a butterscotch and caramel flavor is a real game changer. Low in acidity, this ground coffee has rich notes of spiced rum with a caramel-sweet undertone. 

100% pure Arabica beans sourced from Brazil and then medium-roasted make an addictive cup of coffee that wakes you right up. The ground coffee is perfect for auto drip machines from which you can make your cup of Americano. This ground coffee will cost you $1.50/ounce. 

Best Premium: McCafe Premium Medium Roast K-Cup Coffee Pods

Craving a cup of coffee from McCafe? Make one right at home with the same robust flavor. This premium coffee is medium-roasted and has a rich flavor profile, making it the perfect espresso for an Americano. Add water according to your preferred ratio, and your Americano is ready.

Simply pop a pod into your Keurig coffee brewer, and you’re good to go! Using 100% Arabica beans, these coffee pods retain the freshness in each serving so you can enjoy your coffee. You can make your McCafe coffee for $0.50 only!

Best automatic coffee maker for Americanos

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If you’re hesitant to use a more hands-on method, rest assured, there are options for you. Pod machines, semi-automatic, and automatic coffee makers take all the faff out of brewing. All you need to do is press a button and you'll have an Americano in minutes. It's hard to say America-no to coffee when it's that easy.

Best Manual Coffee Maker for Americanos

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Strictly speaking, you need an espresso machine to make a good Americano. These are durable, but expensive, and use high pressure and temperatures to extract the maximum amount of oil from your coffee beans. This is what gives your coffee rich, smooth, intense flavors. 

Even though espresso machines are key to making espressos, they come with lots of extra features, such as milk wands and settings for alternative coffee concoctions. If you’re after the perfect Americano, this might mean that you're spending money on cappuccino-making capacity where you don’t need to.

They're also very expensive, and there are much friendlier alternatives. A pour over or French press are the closest you get to barista-quality coffee, without breaking the bank. I’ve compared the two methods in extensive detail. In short, pour-over coffee makers give smooth, filter-coffee results. They tend to be small, quiet, easy to use, and easy to clean. French press coffee makers produce more intense, rich, and acidic flavorful cups of coffee. This is because the coffee grounds are immersed in water, so the aromatic oils are extracted better. French presses are also relatively inexpensive, easy to store, and easy to clean. 

If neither of those appeal, you could use a Moka Pot. This looks a lot like a French press, but it uses boiling water to force steam through coffee grounds. The coffee bubbles into the pot and tastes almost identical to an espresso. Technically, none of these machines make espressos, but they’ll make really good quality coffee, which tastes almost identical to an Americano. 

Best espresso machine for Americanos

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If you really want to make Americanos like a barista, this is the machine you’ll need. It’s my appliance of choice, but they’re bigger and noisier than French press and pour-over machines. As the name suggests, espresso machines are specialists in espressos.  This means that they’re also Americano experts. These can get pricey - I’ve tested a ,000 one - but there’s no need to spend that much money. 

Do all espresso machines make Americano?

Since an Americano is espresso and hot water, yes, they do.  

Do I need a grinder for a good Americano?

You have two choices. You can buy coffee grounds from the stores, or buy beans and then grind them. If you buy them from the store, you save yourself a lot of hassle and effort. However, as soon as your beans have been ground the oils and flavors will start to degrade, compromising on the taste. For a few minutes of work, I think it’s worth investing in a grinder. It can be a small manual one, or a more substantial one, and you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars either. 

What is the perfect Americano ratio?

This is a hotly contested debate and every barista has their own opinion. I would recommend that you follow the rule of 1:4 espresso to water ratio. If you have 2 oz of espresso, add 8 oz of water. 

Preparation

The drink is made by combining a single or double shot of espresso with water. In the UK (and Italy), anywhere from 1 to 16 fluid ounces or 28 to 455 ml of hot water is added to a double espresso.

In Australasia, a Long Black is similar to an Americano, but the order of preparation is different. Hot water is added to the cup first, followed by pouring the espresso on top.

In the Western United States, the term "Italiano" refers to a short Americano with a 1:1 espresso-to-water ratio.

The hot water can come from the same espresso machine used to brew the espresso or from a separate water heater or kettle. Using the same heater is convenient for home use, as it eliminates the need for a separate heater. The water can be drawn directly into the glass, either before or after pulling the espresso shot. Some espresso machines have a dedicated hot water spout, while others use the steam wand. In a commercial setting, a separate water heater is more practical as it reduces demands on the espresso machine and allows for simpler heating of the water.

How to make an Americano coffee?

You can make an Americano using either a drip coffee maker or an espresso machine.

For an authentic Italian Cafe Americano, use fresh roasted whole bean grind in an espresso machine. Start by pouring hot water into your cup before brewing. Then, pour a double espresso shot on top. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can scoop off some of the espresso crema to reduce intensity and strength.

For an Americano made the American way, use a custom fine grind of freshly roasted coffee beans for a drip coffee maker. Brew your coffee as usual and add a little water at the end to create an American-style Americano.

At Peak Flavor, we use Italian roasting techniques with extended caramelization to create naturally sweet coffee bean blends. This results in a sweeter Americano coffee, similar to how American soldiers enjoyed their Americano in Italy after World War II.

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Brewing Your Espresso

When brewing your espresso, make sure to use a separate mug or glass for the espresso.

The crema, the creamy layer on top of the coffee, is a sign of a great espresso. To preserve the crema, add your espresso to your hot water instead of the other way around.

To make hot water, use the steam boiler tap on your coffee or espresso machine, or use a kettle. Heat the water to around 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once your water is ready, add it to your coffee mug. The typical ratio is two parts water to one part espresso, but you can adjust this to your preference. Slowly pour the espresso into the mug, allowing it to blend with the water.

Americano coffee is usually served black, but you can add sugar and milk to taste. With its nutty and rich flavor, Americanos pair well with alternative milk options like macadamia or almond milk. For a creamier texture, you can also add a small amount of cream.

Can I make an espresso with a French press?

While an espresso machine is the best way to make authentic espresso, you can achieve a similar taste using a French press. The pressure won't be as high, but the result will still be dark, smooth, and suitable for Americanos.

How Do You Make an Iced Americano?

To make an iced Americano, which is a less concentrated alternative to cold brew, use cold water instead of hot water to dilute the espresso.

Thank you for your feedback!

Which is best?

The best coffee bean depends on the coffee drink being made and personal taste. Finding the perfect bean is a matter of trial and error. Once you find what you love, simply enjoy.

Our Verdict


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If budget and space allow, an espresso machine is the best way to make an authentic, aromatic Americano. It also offers the versatility to make lattes and cappuccinos. However, if you prefer a simpler and more cost-effective method, you can still make a good Americano-style coffee in a French press. Just make sure to use good quality coffee beans.

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In conclusion, the Americano coffee is an intriguing blend of history and flavor that continues to captivate coffee enthusiasts around the world. Whether you prefer the bold richness of Italian Americano or the smoothness of a traditional Americano, there are endless possibilities to explore and customize. So, grab your favorite beans, perfect your brewing technique, and savor the delightful experience of a well-crafted Americano. With its health benefits and versatility, it's no wonder why the Americano has become a popular choice among coffee lovers everywhere.