What Is an Americano? How It's Made, What It Tastes Like, and How It Differs from Black Coffee

An Americano is a shot of espresso diluted with hot water to produce a full-sized black coffee drink. The standard recipe is one or two espresso shots topped with 4–6 oz of hot water, resulting in a drink similar in volume to drip coffee but with a distinctly different flavor profile — brighter, more transparent, and with a thin crema layer on top. It is one of the simplest espresso drinks to make, requires no milk, no special technique beyond pulling a good espresso, and serves as an excellent way to experience the full flavor of a coffee bean without dairy masking the character. ...

April 17, 2026 · 6 min · Barista At Home

Long Black Coffee: What It Is, How to Make It, and How It Differs from an Americano

Long black coffee is a double shot of espresso poured over hot water, preserving the crema intact on top. It originated in Australia and New Zealand and is distinguished from an Americano by one key detail: the espresso goes in second, not first. That single difference in pour order changes everything about the drink’s texture, appearance, and flavor. What Is Long Black Coffee? A long black is made by filling a cup with 60–90 ml (2–3 oz) of hot water, then pulling a ristretto or double espresso shot directly over it. The hot water sits underneath, while the espresso floats on top with its crema preserved. ...

April 13, 2026 · 6 min · Barista At Home

How to Make an Americano at Home: Recipe, Ratios, and Variations

An americano is espresso diluted with hot water to create a full-sized black coffee drink. It is the simplest espresso-based drink to make, produces a cleaner and brighter cup than drip coffee, and is an excellent way to evaluate your espresso quality without milk masking any flaws. Americano Recipe Component Amount Espresso 1 double shot (~36g / 2oz) Hot water 4-6oz (120-180ml) Total drink 6-8oz The ratio is flexible. Start with 1 part espresso to 3 parts water and adjust to your taste. ...

April 4, 2026 · 5 min · Barista At Home