What is the difference between espresso and Americano

Let's imagine for a moment that the two most popular coffee drinks are representatives of the human race. Then modern genetic testing would easily prove their relationship. In this “family,” espresso could claim the place of father or older brother, and Americano would be content with the role of a younger relative. The drinks have a single coffee gene pool and a common biological origin, but differences between them also exist. Everything is like people! Let’s leave our human fantasies for now and find out what is the difference between espresso and Americano. Drinks that are similar in composition have two main fundamental differences:

Different serving sizes.
Different strengths.

Other differences are less significant, but we will talk about them too. Let's start from afar.

Selection of coffee beans

For delicious espresso, special blends are made from several varieties. Arabica predominates in them, and the share of robusta added for strength can reach 15-20%. The beans are roasted heavily: Italian or French roasting is preferable.

The choice of variety for preparing Americano is even more important. With the addition of hot water, all the shortcomings of the blend will appear. To avoid excess bitterness, only 10% robusta is added to the mixture. You can do without it completely, but then the density of the drink will be insignificant and the foam will be very weak. There are also differences in roasting: it is lighter – Viennese or, less commonly, French.

Read more: Types of coffee roasting - what they are and what they influence

There is no difference in grinding - it is a fine fraction, the particle size resembling fine salt. The coffee powder should be as fresh as possible for both drinks.

Distinctive features of Americano

Another type of coffee drink, which is based on a portion of specially prepared strong coffee, which is diluted with hot water. In the classic recipe, the ratio of ingredients is 1 to 3. If desired, the proportion of the first can be increased.

Cooking technology

Today there are several ways to prepare the drink:

Classic way. It is based on the traditional mixing of a shot of espresso with the required amount of water.
Swedish version. The main difference between this method and the classic one is the sequence of actions: 35-40 ml of strong coffee is added in a thin stream to 200 ml of hot water. Thanks to this, the taste and aroma are preserved, and foam is formed on the surface.
European. Becoming more and more popular. It involves separate serving of espresso and hot water, which allows you to mix the ingredients at your own request.

Read more: How to make Americano

Preparation

The difference between espresso and Americano coffee is the preparation. The first one is made in a coffee machine. Ground coffee beans are poured into the cone, and then the device is turned on. Hot, but not boiling water (its temperature should be 86-92°C) is supplied under a pressure of 9 bar and extracts essential oils, flavoring and coloring substances and partly caffeine from the powder. Extraction time is 25-30 seconds. The result is a thick, completely opaque liquid with a rich aroma and dense foam of golden brown color.

Americano is prepared on the basis of espresso by adding hot water from a kettle or a special tap of a coffee machine. As a result, the coffee is covered with weak foam (Swedish method of preparation) or has no foam at all (Italian method). The version with foam is considered tastier and has a more pleasant consistency. Low density, no ductility. The subtleties of technology also entail differences in taste, consistency, aroma and strength.

They are considered drinks on the basis of which other types of coffee are prepared with various additives in the form of milk and cream, ice cream, alcohol, and various spices.

For coffee lovers, the main difference between Americano coffee and espresso is the different volume and strength of the finished drink.

Americano appeared during World War II. To American soldiers, espresso seemed too strong and its volume was insufficient. Therefore, Italian baristas began to dilute it with hot water to the required volume.

Coffee drinks based on espresso do not differ from it in caffeine content. The only difference is the taste. When diluted with water, their taste and aroma become softer and lighter.

Preparing the drink

The taste directly depends on how the beans are roasted. The more intense the roasting of the beans, the stronger the drink. There are four types based on the degree of roasting:

Scandinavian
Viennese;
French;
Italian.

The taste also depends on the degree of grinding of the grains. There are many different coffee grinders: manual, mechanical, electric, built into professional or home coffee machines. For cooking in a Turk, fine grinding is best; for drip coffee makers, medium grinding is best. Coarse grinding is usually used in professional coffee machines.

Taste

There's a reason why espresso is a favorite in the coffee world: this sugar-free black coffee has a concentrated flavor and aroma. Coffee lovers call this “thick body.” Both acidity and bitterness are clearly evident. In a properly prepared drink, all notes are in harmony and complement each other. There is no need for sugar, milk or other additives.

Espresso tastes better than Americano because the diluted version is watery, soft, and neutral. To make the taste more interesting and rich, use milk, cognac, and chocolate.

What is espresso

To make espresso, the coffee is first ground and then steam is forced through it using a coffee machine.

The best option is to use equipment characterized by the presence of increased pressure - about 9 bar. The product prepared with its help turns out tastier, and the grains reveal their taste and aroma to the maximum.

Espresso is usually drunk hot. If the technology is fully observed, the cup is even heated before serving the product to the table. The order is served in small cups with thickened walls. There should be elastic foam on the surface, colored brownish. Darkened or lightened stains are not considered a flaw.

Innings

The significant difference is in presentation. Espresso is served with a glass of clean, cool water. You should drink it first to prepare your taste buds for the noble drink. A serving is only a few sips, so you need to drink it right away, hot.

No sweets or pastries are served; this drink is good on its own. People drink it in the morning in coffee shops on the way to work. Moreover, in this case they do not sit at the table, but wait for the ordered cup right at the bar counter. This recipe is also appropriate during business meetings.

Americano is served ready-made or in two cups: one with coffee, the other with hot water. An important difference: you can drink it chilled and even with ice. A large portion is complemented with chocolate, cheese or donuts.
This option is often used as “coffee to go”, so it is sold in cardboard or plastic cups with a lid and straw, making it convenient to drink on the go. Suitable for friendly get-togethers.

The fourth difference. Presenter

No matter how the Americano is prepared - espresso is poured into water or espresso is added to water - the volume of the drink will always be larger than a serving of Italian “fast” coffee. If it is served in the “espresso plus a container of hot water” version, then the strong drink is poured into a cup with a volume of at least 120 ml so that there is room for dilution.

To serve Americano, it is not necessary to use dishes with thick walls that conserve heat. The light drink is pleasant to drink even when cooled. Even paper or plastic cups, which are more popular today than ever, will do.

Interesting. The disposable cup played a significant role in popularizing the Americano. A well-promoted image of a business man with a glass of coffee in his hands, a spectacular lady at a ski resort warming up with a hot coffee drink in a cable car gondola, a group of advanced young people emotionally communicating in public. And everyone has a mandatory glass in their hand! Marketers and image makers did a good job; they managed to attach a paper cup to the image of a successful person. And we so want, if not to be, then at least to look like “lucky”! Advertising, whatever you say, it’s a powerful engine.

A decent volume of a disposable glass suggests that it is Americano poured into it, because espresso uses different utensils and is served differently. In the classic version, a pair of coffee is poured into a small cup made of white, thick-walled porcelain or ceramics. On the saucer there is a spoon and a stick of sugar, a piece of chocolate or another small sweet. They drink espresso immediately after preparation, often right at the bar, savoring every sip. Following coffee etiquette, a glass of clean, cool water is served with hot espresso.

Note: the temperature of the espresso served should not be lower than +70°; if the coffee has cooled down, you have the right to ask for a replacement. You will not be refused in establishments that respect the client and maintain a positive reputation. Well, in Italy every coffee shop will do this.

Serving espresso looks aristocratic, despite the fact that it is drunk quickly. Serving Americano in the spirit of our dynamic life “on the run”, you can take it with you, including from a street vending machine. Each of us has our own lifestyle and our own coffee.

Espresso Recipes

Making coffee is a separate art form, with its own subtleties and nuances. But one way or another, all espresso recipes are based on the traditional preparation of this coffee drink. But there is a difference. So what is the difference between espresso and Americano? The difference is that traditionally espresso does not require any additives. But if you really want it, you can add alcohol, add sugar, cream, milk or ice cream.

What is stronger Americano or espresso

Many coffee lovers are interested in whether there is a difference in strength between these drinks. As a rule, it is customary to drink espresso without any additives (milk, sugar, cream). It has a bright, well-defined coffee aroma and rich taste, with a slight bitterness. There is no excess water in it. This creates a feeling of strength.

Americano connoisseurs often supplement the drink with various additives, which significantly softens its taste. Despite the significant differences in taste, the caffeine content in both types of coffee is the same. When choosing between these types, you should only take into account personal taste preferences.

How to prepare Americano

Americano is prepared in the same way as espresso, but diluted with water. The ratio of water to espresso may vary. Add two to three parts water to one part espresso. The water is usually hot, but in some cases, both chilled and warm water may be supplied.

Americans came up with the idea of making Americano, hence the name. For big Americans, a small cup of coffee did not represent a separate independent drink, so in order to increase the volume of the cup to what they were used to, baristas began to dilute a tiny cup of espresso with water in order to please all coffee shop customers.

Close-up of a delicious cup of coffee or hot chocolate

There are two ways to prepare Americano

Add boiling water to the finished espresso.
Brew espresso not in 60 ml of water, but in 150 ml.

The preparation of Americano in different countries is not significant, but it differs. For example, the Swedish version is good because coffee is added to water, while the characteristic foam on the surface of the drink is preserved and it does not lose its aroma. Italians simply add boiling water to their coffee. In expensive establishments, a cup of espresso and a cup of water are served separately, and the visitor decides which method to use.

Varieties of coffee beans

About a thousand years have passed since the discovery of coffee berries. During this time, hundreds of recipes for making a great drink have appeared. Before describing the classifications of coffee drinks, it should be noted that coffee is primarily divided into varieties of berries, their place of cultivation and the subsequent degree of roasting.

The most popular types of coffee beans are Robusta and Arabica varieties.

Arabica is considered the most ancient variety of coffee berries and contains more than 55 subtypes of coffee crops. They all differ from each other in their growing area and taste. Arabica has a velvety and soft taste.

Robusta beans have a rather sharp taste and a large amount of caffeine. In its pure form, a drink made from this berry is rarely consumed because of its bitterness and strength. A clear advantage of this variety is its unpretentiousness in the growing process and low cost. Robusta is also rich in amino acids and oils.

Differences in serving sizes

Serving size is the main difference between drinks. How much water to add is a matter of personal taste, but classic recipes contain specific numbers:

40 or 50 ml for espresso;
150 ml for Americano.

The volume of espresso in a coffee shop can be reduced to 25 ml, and Americano - increased to 200 ml.

Some establishments serve a glass of cold water with lemon along with espresso.

Raf coffee - what is it? The history of the appearance of the drink and recipes are in this publication.
Which ground coffee is best? Tips for choosing and purchasing are in this article.
Find out how to make cappuccino at home without a coffee machine here: https://chay-i-kofe.com/kofe/vidy-kf/kapuchino-sostav-retsepty-kak-sdelat-kofe-v-domashnih-usloviyah -bez-kofemashiny/

How to make espresso

Immediately before preparation, coffee beans are ground and steam is passed through them. The steam is expelled under pressure. In modern coffee machines, steam power reaches 15 atmospheres. The drink prepared in this way has a strong aroma and strength, which cannot be done without the use of technology.

Espresso is drunk hot. The container itself is heated before serving. An espresso cup has thick walls. A brownish foam is clearly visible on the surface of the drink; the shade can vary from milky to dark brown. This is not considered improper preparation. It all depends on the roasting of the coffee, the power of the coffee machine, and the type of coffee.

American - origin

It is believed that Americano was invented at student youth parties, where you could drink it all evening, maintaining your tone thanks to caffeine. Many people believe that espresso is stronger than Americano, but this is not true. The amount of energy drink per serving is the same, but the effect occurs gradually with a larger amount of liquid.

Office workers love the American version. Not a single series is complete without a large glass with a straw. Thus, the 25th frame effect is triggered to increase sales of the drink thanks to your favorite actors.

You can cook it in two ways:

in an old type coffee maker - filter;

in a regular coffee machine followed by adding boiling water.

Dairy products, fruits, juices, and ice are also added for taste in the summer.

The strength of Americano can be increased by using the finest grinding beans or by first brewing coffee in a Turk. With this method, all active substances are completely extracted into water.

Disadvantages of the American method according to lovers of traditional coffee:

weak aroma;

diluted taste;

It's unpleasant to drink warm.

In addition, the invigorating effect is reduced and it does not fulfill its functions - to wake a person up and stimulate him to activity.

How to drink an Americano

The American drink is served in large mugs or disposable take-out cups. Cover it with a plastic lid on top to keep it hot longer.

Video: Espresso and Americano - what's the difference

In summer, the drink is mixed with ice or crumbs. To experience the taste of the grains, you must use the highest quality grains or ask for a double dose.

The number of calories is not affected by which coffee is stronger - espresso or Americano. If you drink it without additives and sugar, then these drinks help maintain your normal figure.

Green grains for weight loss - how to take them correctly

People who are trying to lose weight with caffeine can be advised to drink ground green beans in the form of an American brew. This option effectively eliminates “hungry” drowsiness, when the brain refuses to think without glucose.

It is better to consume it on an empty stomach, then your appetite will not appear for 3 to 4 hours. The only warning: green grains are milder, but can lead to dehydration, so it is advisable to drink a glass or two of clean water before drinking a green American energy drink.

The differences between green espresso and Americano coffee are not only in taste. By the way, green grains are better for health - blood vessels, brain, digestive system - but they do not have such a magical aroma as fried ones. If the problem is waking up quickly in the morning, then it is better to drink a small cup of 50 ml. The effect will be immediate.

Ingredients for making Americano and espresso coffee

The finer the beans are ground, the better the drink will be.
Fortunately for coffee lovers, to make Americano and espresso you only need ground beans and water. The coffee should be finely ground and have a consistency similar to dust. Italians test whether coffee is suitable for preparation in an interesting way. They put the ground powder on the back of their hand and blow it away.

If the coffee has flown away like dust, then it can be brewed; if not, then the grind is too coarse and it will not make a real Americano or espresso.

Still, what is the difference between espresso and Americano?

A consumer who can hardly be called a gourmet still cannot immediately determine what is the global difference between American-style coffee and true espresso?

Americano is a drink that contains more water than coffee raw materials, which cannot but affect its aroma and taste parameters. The taste is less concentrated, and its smell is not at all as bright and strong as Italian coffee;
size and strength affect how drinks are served. So for espresso there is a special small cup, and for American coffee it is the same in shape, but twice as large;
foam and espresso are two inseparable comrades. That is, true espresso, prepared according to Italian canons, should always be topped with dense and thick foam. Whereas on an Americano there may not be any foam;
espresso is drunk immediately after preparation, as the Italians say, “without leaving the bar,” so that the drink does not cool down, lose its taste, or lose its aroma. Whereas you can carry an Americano with you in a beautiful glass with a lid and slowly sip the drink through a special hole.

By the way, the temperature for espresso is so important that if you are served warm rather than hot coffee, you have the right to ask the waiter for another, hot one. Return to content

Appearance

The classic version of coffee must have an elastic, nut-colored foam on the surface. It should completely cover the drink. The quality of the foam can be checked by placing a few grains of sugar on it. If the granules stick to the surface, the espresso is prepared correctly.

If the drink shines through the foam and the sugar grains do not linger on it and sink, it means that the technology was broken somewhere, and the coffee turned out not quite as it should be.

As for Americano, there may not be any foam on its surface at all - for it this is not a mandatory attribute.

Classic espresso recipe

Ingredients for one serving:

20 g very finely ground coffee, roasted until dark;
50 ml of drinking water.

Cooking process:

To prepare coffee in a coffee maker, first rinse the horn with boiling water, pour ground coffee into it and smooth it out.
Insert into coffee maker.
To prepare one serving of espresso in a Turk, you need to pour 20 g of coffee with water, put the Turk on the fire, wait for the drink to boil and remove from the heat.