The History of the Americano

The Americano, (or Caffé Americano as it is called in Latin speaking countries), is a variation of coffee using espresso rather than regular brewed coffee. It consists of espresso, topped with hot water (usually enough to fill the rest of the cup). As we discussed in our latest Café Session, coffee in Europe begins with a strong espresso shot or two, to which sugar or milk is then added to satisfy your desired taste. Here in America however, coffee is brewed in large batches (usually using a filtration method like drip coffee, a French Press, etc.) to create a more extended beverage experience as opposed to the small, sipper, cup of an espresso drink.

Legend has it, Americanos were first created during World War II, while the US troops were stationed in Italy. These Americans would order coffee, or caffé, which would be served as an espresso. For many of these soldiers though, this was not the kind of coffee they were looking for – they were looking for the American, filtered/watered down version. So, in order to make a coffee drink these Americans would enjoy while in Europe, hot water was added to espresso to dilute the strong, bitter taste. In fact, Caffé Americano translates to "American Coffee".

That said, Americano’s have changed since their origin. Now, instead of just diluting the espresso shot by pouring hot water over the top of it, we top hot water with the espresso instead. This simple act of adjusting how the espresso and water are added together really helps to refine the taste of the drink. This altered method allows the drink to retain the nice layer of caramel-colored, creamy, foam which comes from a well pulled shot of espresso called “crema”, which would otherwise dissolve if the ingredients were reversed. Thus, the rich full flavor of the beans is brought to the top of the beverage to slowly seep throughout the water.

Hence – the Americano!