What Is a Black Americano, and What Does It Taste Like?

A black americano is a bold, yet comforting coffee drink that combines the richness of espresso with the smoothness of a regular cup of coffee. This simple beverage highlights the complex flavors of espresso in a mellow, diluted format that’s easy to sip and enjoy.

In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what a black americano is, tracing its origins and modern significance. I’ll explore the nuanced flavor profile of this drink and explain how it differs from a standard espresso shot. Finally, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide to making a delicious black americano at home. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!

What Exactly Is a Black Americano?

A black americano is made by pulling a standard espresso shot, then diluting it with hot water, although the ratio of coffee to water depends on your taste and can vary wildly. This results in a bolder, lighter drink that has some, but not all, of the richness of straight espresso.

Unlike a ristretto, which uses less water for a more concentrated shot, or a lungo, which flows for an extra 5 to 15 seconds, an americano uses the standard amount of water for espresso brewing. The key difference is the added water at the end.

Some people add dairy to cut the bitterness of black coffee. But in my opinion, a proper americano is best enjoyed straight black. The water provides enough mellowness, allowing the espresso’s flavor notes to shine, while the bitterness gets mellowed out nicely by the dilution.

History of the Black Americano

The americano was invented during World War II when American GIs in Italy would water down espresso to mimic the flavor of coffee back home. Since they were so used to drip coffee, they found straight espresso to be too intense.

The drink grew popular in the 1950s and 1960s as espresso culture spread. Today it’s a coffee shop staple, ideal for those who want robust flavor without the punch of plain espresso.

While some say adding water ruins espresso’s intended flavor, I believe dilution can highlight complexity in a unique way. While I don’t think americanos could or should replace espresso, it’s a really nice additional beverage to add to your coffee repertoire.

What Does a Black Americano Taste Like?

Sipping a black americano is a journey that evolves with each taste. Straight espresso hits you with an upfront punch of bitter aromatics. But an americano starts with sweetness before transitioning to fruitiness.

The first sip grants a fleeting sweetness, like brown sugar or mild caramel. This fades quickly as zesty citrus notes emerge. Bright acidity combines with a medium body and the lingering finish reveals subtle nutty and chocolatey undertones.

Overall, it’s a mellower experience than pure espresso. The diluted shot softens bitterness and astringency. You still get that caffeine kick, but with approachable flavor for slow savoring. And many people who find straight espresso or something like a Cuban coffee cortadito to be too intense will very likely enjoy the more subtle but still complex flavors of a black americano.

How Do You Make a Black Americano?

Brewing a proper americano relies on pulling an excellent espresso shot. So, if you don’t have a means of making espresso, you’ll need to start there. Once you do, you can use the step-by-step guide below on how to make a black americano.

1. Choose an aromatic, chocolatey dark roast coffee. I prefer a Central or South American single origin.
2. Grind beans just before brewing. Use a fine espresso grind for optimal extraction.
3. Dose 18 to 22 grams of coffee into the espresso portafilter basket. Distribute evenly, use your preferred preparation methods, and tamp firmly.
4. Attach the portafilter tightly and lock it into the group head.
5. Brew a 1 to 1.5 oz double shot in 25 to 30 seconds. The shot timing depends on your beans and your machine.
6. Preheat a tall cup with hot water while your shot extracts. Discard water before adding espresso.
7. Pour your freshly pulled shot into the cup.
8. Add 3 to 6 oz of nearly boiling water from a kettle. Stir gently to integrate.

Be exacting on grind size, dose, and yield for flavorful extraction. Let the espresso shine before you start experimenting with dilution. And be sure to use purified or filtered water, not tap, for best results.

With the right beans and proper technique, a black americano is heavenly. The complexity of espresso combines with the smoothness of hot water for an incredibly gratifying coffee experience. I hope you’ll give this classic drink a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an americano taste different than regular drip coffee?

While an americano contains espresso and water like drip coffee, the difference lies in the brewing. Espresso uses high pressure to extract bold, aromatic flavors rapidly from finely ground beans. This yields more complexity and intensity. The flavor is then diluted, but that espresso character remains. Drip brewing steeps coarsely ground coffee in lower heat over a longer time. This makes a smooth, well-balanced, but less intense cup.

Can you make an americano with instant coffee?

I don’t recommend using instant coffee to make americanos. Instant coffee is freeze-dried soluble coffee extract that simply dissolves in water. It lacks the fresh, nuanced flavor or velvety body of properly extracted espresso. Plus, instant coffee is usually made from robusta beans and not arabica coffee beans, which means more bitterness and less complexity. Using instant coffee in hot water makes a beverage more similar to drip coffee. For an authentic americano flavor, you really need freshly ground beans and an espresso machine.

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

While both americanos and caffe lattes can contain espresso and hot milk, the key difference is the amount of milk. A caffe latte is primarily steamed milk with just a shot or two of espresso added. An americano contains mostly hot water and espresso. Since milk has a naturally sweet, creamy flavor, it dominates in a latte. But in an americano, the coffee flavors take center stage. Americanos highlight espresso, while lattes lean more on the milk.