Americano With Milk: How to Make One, What It Tastes Like, and More

An americano with milk is an espresso-based coffee drink that captures the strong, bold flavor of an espresso shot while offering the larger volume of a standard cup of drip coffee, plus the smooth and creamy texture of dairy.

To make an americano with milk, you add hot water to a freshly pulled espresso shot or two, diluting the espresso with hot water to produce a less intense, lighter drink than espresso on its own. Adding steamed or frothed milk takes the americano to the next level, creating a milky, creamy coffee drink with layers of flavor.

In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what an americano with milk is, how it differs from similar espresso and milk-based coffee drinks, and why the combination of espresso, hot water, and steamed milk creates such a uniquely delicious beverage.

What Exactly Is an Americano With Milk?

An americano with milk is a coffee drink made by adding steamed or foamed milk to an americano. An americano on its own is espresso mixed with hot water, made by pulling one or two shots of espresso and topping it off with hot water to reach your desired coffee volume. Adding milk takes the drink in a creamier, sweeter, and slightly less intense direction.

The americano with milk is similar to a cappuccino or latte, which are also made with espresso and milk. However, americanos have more water added in proportion to the shots of espresso.

Lattes are typically made with just one or two shots topped up with steamed milk and just a bit of foam. Cappuccinos have less milk than a latte, but they contain more milk foam. So while an americano with milk contains espresso and milk like these other drinks, the balance of ingredients is a bit different.

You can also make an americano with just cold milk added, similar to adding creamer to drip coffee. But using steamed or foamed milk brings out more sweetness and makes the drink taste richer and creamier. Americanos with milk are a great option if you love the taste of espresso but want something a bit toned down in strength that you can savor over time, versus intense straight espresso.

History of the Americano With Milk

The origins of the americano date back to World War II era Italy. American soldiers stationed there would order customized espresso drinks, which were made by adding hot water to espresso to dilute the strong flavor profile that the soldiers were not accustomed to. Adding milk likely emerged shortly after, giving the drink a sweeter, creamier taste.

The americano grew popular in the United States in the 1950s and 60s as espresso-based coffee houses emerged, though it took time to catch on with the broader public accustomed to regular drip coffee.

Today, the americano remains popular in coffee shops globally as an alternative to straight espresso or milk-heavy cappuccinos and lattes. Adding milk brings out more sweetness and creaminess from the espresso and offers another distinctive flavor profile in the wide world of espresso drinks.

What Does an Americano With Milk Taste Like?

Taking that first sip of a well-crafted americano with milk is an experience for the senses. The interplay of flavors between the bold espresso, hot water dilution, and steamed milk is complex and immensely satisfying.

You get an initial taste of the milk’s sweetness and creaminess, which coats your tongue. Then the signature flavors of espresso take over. Tasting notes like chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts come to the front but aren’t overly bitter or intense.

An americano is less potent than a straight espresso, so these flavors are more restrained compared to a shot of espresso on its own. The intensity is smoothed out while still making its presence known in the drink. It’s totally different than the flavor profile you get from standard brewed coffee, too.

As you continue to sip, the milk and espresso mingle and balance each other out. The milk’s sweetness rounds out the espresso’s sharper and somewhat bitter edges. The finish is smooth with some lingering caramel and cocoa flavors bolstered by the milk fats. An aftertaste of roasted coffee remains but fades gracefully.

The hot water is a nearly invisible player, mostly serving to open up and mellow the espresso flavors. This allows the milk to shine through more compared to drinks made with just espresso and milk like cappuccinos and lattes. The complexity of an americano comes through, but it’s softened by dilution and enhanced by the milk.

These layered flavors develop from the unique way espresso is brewed. Pressure of over nine atmospheres and water heated to 190 to 195 degrees (F) extracts oils and soluble compounds from the finely ground coffee. This yields potent flavor compounds that dissolve during brewing to create espresso’s syrupy body and intense taste. Adding hot water mellows these flavors, while milk provides sweetness and creaminess that balance the espresso beautifully.

How Do You Make an Americano With Milk?

Making an americano with milk requires pulling shots of high-quality espresso and using freshly steamed or foamed milk. As such, you’ll need to have or buy an espresso machine, and you ideally should have a grinder that can grind for espresso. With the right gear and some practice, you can make cafe-quality americanos with milk at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Brew one or two shots of espresso using your espresso machine. Pulling the shots directly into your preheated cup or mug is preferred so you don’t lose any heat.
Add hot water to dilute the espresso. Use about 1 to 2 parts hot water for every 1 part espresso. The exact ratio comes down to personal taste. For a standard 8 oz mug with 2 shots of espresso, 2 to 4 oz of hot water is typical.
Steam or froth fresh cold milk using the steam wand on your espresso machine. For americanos, you want silky steamed milk rather than very foamy, textured milk.
Add your steamed milk to taste. Using anywhere from 1 to 4 oz of milk is common for an 8 oz drink. The milk should float on top of the espresso and water mixture.
Stir gently before drinking to incorporate the milk.
Drink soon after making for optimal flavor.

Dairy Options for an Americano With Milk

The milk you choose for your americano makes a difference in flavor and texture, and today’s dairy or “dairy” options are more plentiful than they were in in the mid-1900s when the drink was popularized.

Cream: Extremely rich and decadent. Cream might overpower the coffee flavor and might be best for those who still find an americano too intense.
Whole milk: Rich and creamy, brings balance without overpowering the coffee.
2% milk: Mild and smooth, allows more nuanced coffee flavors to shine. A versatile choice, and better for a reduced-fat americano.
Skim milk: Thinner mouthfeel, but still adds sweetness with minimal fat.
Soy milk: Creamy texture with a nutty-sweet flavor. Tends to enhance chocolate notes, and ideal for those with a dairy allergy.
Almond milk: Another great option for those allergic to dairy. Produces light and subtly nutty overtones. Allows coffee’s clarity and acidity to push through.
Oat milk: Naturally sweet, silky thickness. Excellent complement to coffee flavors and produces a thicker mouthfeel than soy or almond milk. Great option for people who are lactose intolerant.

Experiment to find your perfect milk match!

Americano With Milk Variations

There are so many ways to put your own spin on an americano with milk, so feel free to experiment with the following variations on an americano with milk:

Flavored syrups, including vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, peach, and more
Chocolate sauce or powder
Cinnamon or other spice powders
Sweeteners like white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and agave
Whipped cream on top
Ice for an iced americano with milk
Combine with fall spice flavors like pumpkin and nutmeg for a seasonal beverage
Salt topping to balance and enhance flavors
Regional styles like Spanish Café Bombón with condensed milk
Make it yourself with instant coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine

The options are endless for customizing your perfect americano with milk!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Americano With Milk

Here are my pro tips for brewing an amazing americano with milk every time:

Use freshly roasted, quality coffee beans with medium grind size optimized for espresso.
Time your shots and aim for 1 to 2 oz espresso in 25 to 30 seconds. Adjust grind size if needed to get that shot time dialed in.
Choose milk with your desired fat content and flavor. Whole milk makes a lush drink and is the most popular option.
Heat milk to between 145 and 155 degrees (F) to steam and froth properly. Use a thermometer to check until you get accustomed to the feel of the milk pitcher.
Swirl the milk pitcher after steaming to make silky, homogenized milk for americanos. Tap once or twice on the counter before pouring to flatten the mixture a bit.
Add milk slowly over the back of a spoon to “float” it on top of the coffee.
Start with less milk and add more to taste; you can add more if needed but can never take out what’s already in your cup!
Avoid over-frothing or burning the milk, as this creates unpleasant flavors.
Enjoy immediately for best results. Milk foam will collapse if left to sit.

With quality ingredients and these tips, you’ll be an americano artist in no time.

Health Benefits: Is an Americano With Milk a Healthy Coffee Option?

When it comes to health, coffee and milk each have their pros and cons. Looking at an americano with milk, does the combination make for a healthy brew?

On the plus side, coffee delivers antioxidants and polyphenols that offer potential health benefits like improved heart health, better blood sugar control, and enhanced brain function. These compounds come from the coffee beans themselves.

Coffee also contains small amounts of essential nutrients like niacin, potassium, and magnesium.

Plus, research shows that caffeine in moderation can be an overall benefit to health. Too much can be dangerous and unhealthy. Generally speaking, up to around 400mg of caffeine a day has been shown not to cause any serious health complications in people who don’t have sensitivities to caffeine or existing heart health issues.

The milk used in an americano adds protein, vitamins A and D, calcium, and beneficial fats if using whole milk. Milk provides an added dose of nutrition to complement the coffee.

There are some downsides to consider, too, though. The caffeine in coffee can cause side effects like jitteriness and anxiety when over-consumed. High coffee intake may also worsen acid reflux, although adding milk to your americano can bring down the pH a bit.

Milk contains natural sugars in the form of lactose that can cause digestive issues for some people. The saturated fat and calories in whole milk are another downside, especially for those who are calorie conscious.

Overall, in moderation, an americano with milk can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle for many people. Limiting added sugar and using low-fat or non-dairy milk helps control calories and fat intake.

Those with sensitivities should use caution and avoid ingredients that cause adverse reactions. Opt for decaf coffee if you can’t handle the caffeine, and choose a non-dairy milk substitute if you can’t take the lactose.

As with most things, enjoying americanos with milk in balance with an overall healthy diet and active lifestyle is key to harnessing the drink’s potential upsides and avoiding the potential drawbacks. Moderating caffeine, thinking about calorie and fat intake, and choosing ingredients wisely makes this delicious drink a nourishing part of your day.

How Do You Serve an Americano With Milk?

Serving an americano with milk properly brings out the flavors and aromas that make this drink special. Here are some tips based on my own experience:

Serve in a warm 8 to 10 oz mug or cup to maintain heat
Glass or ceramic mugs allow you to see the layered espresso and milk, which makes for a more visually appealing beverage
Pour the fresh americano first, then add milk second to preserve some of that foam and texture
Use a spoon to fold milk gently through drink rather than stirring to mix
Add any toppings like spices or chocolate shavings after milk to preserve the presentation
Serve at between 140 and 160 degrees (F); hot enough to savor aromatics but not scald
Provide a stirring spoon if adding sweeteners or toppings needing incorporation
Offer accompaniments like biscotti, scones, croissants, or muffins on the side. These pair particularly well with the balanced beverage
Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired for a unique flavor and upscale presentation

An americano with milk should be enjoyed soon after brewing for ideal flavor and temperature. Sip slowly to appreciate the interplay of espresso, hot water, and milk transforming with each taste. Let the drink’s layers shine through with proper serving style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an americano with milk and a latte?

The key difference is that an americano contains hot water in addition to espresso and milk. Lattes are typically made with just espresso and steamed milk. The added water in an americano dilutes the espresso slightly, giving it a less intense flavor profile compared to a latte. Lattes also generally contain more milk than an americano. With an americano, less milk is added after the water and espresso, letting the espresso shine through more prominently.

Can I make an americano with milk without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can mimic an americano with milk using instant espresso or strong brewed coffee. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of instant espresso powder or freshly brewed coffee to a mug. Add hot water until the mug is mostly full. Heat and froth milk using a microwave or milk frother, then pour milk into the mug. Stir gently to combine. This creates a similar flavor profile without the need for specialized brewing equipment. However, the flavor will not be quite as complex and nuanced as using fresh espresso.

What milk should I use to make the best americano with milk at home?

Whole milk or 2% milk are great options for making americanos with milk at home. The higher fat content creates a richer, creamier, and sweeter flavor profile that nicely balances the coffee. Non-dairy milks like oat, almond, and soy can also work well. Avoid skim milk since the lack of fat content results in a thinner, less creamy mouthfeel. Ultimately use the milk that provides the flavor, sweetness, and texture you prefer. Experiment with different types to find your favorite.