Americano: Espresso and Hot Water to Taste
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Instructions 👩🍳
Step-by-step:
- Prepare the espresso: Brew fresh espresso into the serving cup. Prepare the water separately. Refer to the illustrated recipe for the exact preparation details.
- Add the water: Pour the water into the espresso and stir gently until the coffee is evenly combined.
- Serve the Americano: Serve the Americano freshly prepared.
Americano with espresso and hot water to your taste
A fresh espresso and a little hot water: that is all you need for an Americano. It is a lovely coffee to linger over after a meal. Add the water gradually and make the cup as bold or gentle as you like.
Brew the espresso, then add water
Choose a heatproof cup with enough room for the finished drink. Prepare hot water separately and brew fresh espresso into the cup. Complete the espresso extraction before adding the extra water.
Pour in some hot water, keeping the stream low and leaving space beneath the rim. Stir gently to combine. Once the coffee is comfortable to sip, taste it and add more water if you prefer. The added water makes the coffee less concentrated.
Serve with something crisp
Bring the coffee to the table freshly made, with a few speculaas cookies. Their brown sugar and warm spices suit the black coffee.
For an optional citrus finish, wash a lemon before cutting a thin strip of peel. Add the twist to the finished cup for its aroma. Plain espresso and water work just as well without a garnish.
Remember your preferred strength
Keep the espresso preparation the same when trying different water amounts. Once you find a cup you enjoy, use that finished amount as a starting point next time.
Add a splash of milk
If you like milk in your coffee, stir a little into the finished Americano. Keep it refrigerated until needed and return the unused milk promptly.
Get ready before brewing
Put out cups, spoons and cookies first. Keep the water ready so each freshly brewed espresso can be topped up and served straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Should the extra water run through the grounds?
No. Add it to the brewed espresso in the cup; extending the extraction makes a different drink.
How much water do I need?
There is no fixed amount for this version. Add a little at a time and taste once the coffee has cooled enough to sip.
Will water fix a bitter espresso?
It dilutes the drink but does not remove bitterness. Adjust the espresso preparation for the next cup rather than endlessly topping this one up.