Recipe

Americano

Espresso lengthened with hot water. Long, clean, bold.

Ingredients

Espresso

36 g double shot

Hot water

120–180 ml at 90 °C

Equipment

• Espresso machine
• 200–300 ml mug
• Hot water source (kettle or hot water tap on machine)

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Heat 120–180 ml of water to ~90 °C (slightly below boiling so it doesn't scorch the shot).

2. 2

   Pour the hot water into a 250 ml mug FIRST — this 'long black' technique preserves the crema.

3. 3

   Pull a 36 g double espresso directly on top of the hot water. The crema floats and stays intact.

4. 4

   Stir gently if you want to homogenize, or sip through the crema for layered flavor.

5. 5

   Adjust strength: more water = milder, less water = stronger. Standard is 1 part espresso : 4 parts water.