Cafe' Americano - A Brief History


The Americano has a fascinating history rooted in World War II. Legend has it that during the war, American soldiers stationed in Italy found the local espresso too strong for their taste. To dilute the intensity, they began adding hot water to their shots of espresso, creating a milder and more palatable drink. This practice earned the concoction the name “Caffè Americano,” literally meaning “American coffee” in Italian. However, the origins of diluting espresso with water date back further, with some attributing the creation of similar drinks to American tourists visiting Europe in the early 20th century. Regardless of its exact inception, the Americano has become a beloved classic in the coffee world, enjoyed by countless enthusiasts worldwide for its smooth and approachable flavor profile.

Ingredients

– Filtered Water
– Coffee Beans
– Kettle/ Water Heater

Optional:
– Milk
– Sweetener of choice

How To Make An Americano

Recipe

  1. cafe americano on a wooden tableGrind Your Beans: Measure out about 18 grams of coffee beans and grind them on a fine setting. The grind should be similar to table salt.

  2. Preheat your mug: Fill your mug with hot water to preheat it. This helps maintain the temperature of your Americano.

  3. Pull your espresso shot: Extract a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces or 60 ml). If you don’t have an espresso machine, brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method, such as a drip coffee maker or a French press.

  4. Heat your water:  While the espresso is brewing, heat water in a kettle or a water heater. You’ll need about 130 – 160 grams of hot water for a standard Americano. Go less for a stronger brew or more water for a lighter coffee.

  5. Optional – Add milk or sweeteners: If you like your Americano with milk, you can add a splash of steamed or cold milk to taste. You can also add sweeteners like sugar, syrup, or flavored creamers if desired.

    Stir and enjoy: Use a spoon to gently stir the Americano to ensure that the espresso and hot water are well combined. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your freshly brewed Americano!

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