How to make an americano with an espresso machine

Americano vs long black

A lungo is often confused with an americano. A lungo forces more water through the same coffee, which extracts more bitter compounds. An americano keeps a normal espresso and adds water afterwards, so it usually tastes cleaner.

Step by step on a manual machine

Our espresso dose and ratio guide helps you dial in the shot itself, which matters more than the water.

1. 1

   Preheat your mug with hot water and tip it out.

2. 2

   Pull a double espresso as normal, for example about 18 g of coffee to 36 g of liquid.

3. 3

   Use the machine's hot water outlet, or a kettle left to settle for a moment, to add water.

4. 4

   Start with about 100 to 150 ml of water for a double, then adjust to taste.

5. 5

   For a long black, put the water in the cup first and pull the espresso straight on top.

Using the hot water outlet

Machines such as the Sage Barista Express have a dedicated hot water outlet next to the steam wand. It is ideal for americanos because the water is already near brewing temperature. On single boiler machines like the Gaggia Classic, hot water comes through the steam wand, but the boiler may need a moment to settle afterwards. A kettle works perfectly well too; just let it sit for 30 seconds after boiling so the water is not scalding the coffee.

Water quality matters because most of the drink is water. If your tap water tastes of chlorine or is very hard, filtered water makes a noticeable difference. See our water explainer.

Americano on a bean-to-cup machine

Many bean-to-cup machines have a dedicated americano or long coffee button. The better ones brew a normal espresso and then add hot water separately through a bypass, which tastes cleaner than pushing a lot of water through the coffee. Others simply brew a very long coffee, which can taste bitter or thin. Check the manual or listing for wording such as americano with hot water bypass.

If your machine lacks the button, brew an espresso or a short coffee and add hot water from the hot water spout. Our bean-to-cup guide covers models with strong drink menus.

Getting the taste right

• Too bitter: use more water, or grind the espresso slightly coarser.
• Too weak: use less water or a double shot instead of a single.
• Sour: grind finer for the espresso; the shot is under-extracted.
• Flat: use fresher beans, ideally roasted within the last few weeks.
• Medium roasts suit americanos well, balancing body with clarity.

See espresso machines with a grinder →

Iced americano

An iced americano is just as easy. Fill a glass with ice, add cold water to about two thirds, then pull a double espresso straight over the top. The ice chills the shot quickly and keeps the flavour bright. Some newer bean-to-cup machines have an iced coffee setting that brews a stronger, shorter coffee designed to be poured over ice.

Use slightly less water than for a hot americano, because the ice melts and dilutes the drink as you sip it. If you find iced americanos taste sharp, try a medium or darker roast, which tends to taste smoother when cold.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an espresso machine to make an americano? A true americano starts with espresso, so yes. A strong AeroPress or moka pot coffee topped up with hot water makes a similar drink.

How much water goes in an americano? There is no fixed rule. One part espresso to two to four parts water is a common range; adjust to taste.

Is an americano stronger than filter coffee? It depends on the dose and water. A double espresso americano often has similar caffeine to a mug of filter coffee.

Can I add milk to an americano? Yes, a splash of cold or steamed milk makes a white americano.