What Is Coffee With Water Called? (Solved & Explained!)

There is no such thing as a coffee drink mixed with water. However, there is an espresso drink that mixes with hot water and that’s called an Americano. This is simply one shot of espresso with hot water added after brewing. It frequently comes served as two parts water to one part espresso.

This is one of the more interesting black versions of “coffee” to drink. It simulates the taste of a drip coffee but with a fuller taste. This is because it’s espresso, which isn’t coffee because of the process used to brew it. Espresso is tightly packed fine grounds that come into contact with super hot pressurized water.

How Do You Make an Americano?

Also called a Long Black, you boil about ⅔ cup of water to 205°F. Then, extract a two ounce shot of espresso and put it into a coffee cup. Pour the heated water over the espresso. You can use more espresso if you want something stronger.

What Does an Americano Taste Like?

An Americano tastes very similar to what comes out of a drip machine. But the flavor is a little more intense. There’s a clear flavor of espresso that accompanies the beautiful crema commonplace with espresso.

Do You Have to Drink an Americano Black?

No, you don’t have to drink Americano black. You can mix your favorite cream, milk or milk substitute. You can also add sugar, chocolate syrup, caramel flavor or whatever else you like to your preferences. But, understand that things like milk will further dilute the flavor of the espresso.

If what you’re looking for is something with a creamy texture but full of espresso flavor, then order a latte or cappuccino.

Why Not Just Have a Drip or Pour Over Coffee Instead?

Ideally, you could just have a drip or pour over coffee rather than an Americano. But, there’s a good reason why people prefer them. When you add water to a strong shot of espresso, it opens it up. This means it allows for a more aromatic and nuanced experience of the coffee’s unique flavor profile.

It’s perfect for those that like the strength and taste of espresso but want something a little more than what drip provides. Likewise, it gives a bit more bitterness than what a pour over gives.

Can You Make an Americano with a French Press or an AeroPress?

You can make an Americano-style cup of coffee with a French press or an AeroPress. It won’t be a true Americano though because the coffee produced by either device is just coffee, not espresso. You simply brew the coffee as required by each device.

When you pour your cup, add some hot water on top. However, you want to ensure you keep to the 2:1 ratio of water to coffee. Remember, one shot is one ounce and two shots are two ounces.

When Was the Americano Invented?

The Americano came about during World War II. American soldiers had to ration their food and, when stationed in Italy, wanted something that resembled a drip coffee. Therefore, pouring hot water over their daily shot of espresso was the perfect solution.

In Italy at the time, the only kind of coffee available was espresso. So, they named it after consumer demand: caffé Americano or just Americano.

There are other theories too, but there isn’t any way to verify them. But, it’s interesting to note that there are a few mentions of soldiers during World War I also drinking something called an Americano. However, we don’t know if this is the same as what we know it to be today.

Which Countries Drink the Most Americano Style Drinks?

The Americano is obviously very popular throughout the United States and Italy. However, it has even more widespread fame in South Korea and Russia. When you order a coffee in South Korea, the standby is an Americano unless you order otherwise. In Russia, they drink it so much they changed the name of an Americano to Russiano.

Are There Any Other Types or Versions of Americano?

There are a few different types of Americano versions available, but this will largely depend on where you are in the world. Regardless, the ones listed below are interesting and delicious to try.

• Allongé – Popular in the French sections of Quebec, Canada, this requires a long pull for the shot of espresso. The additional hot water comes from the machine itself rather than pouring in an additional amount. The Italians do this to and they call it a “Lungo.”
• Long Black – This is just like an Americano but you add the hot water first and then pour in the espresso, rather than the other way around. It’s popular in New Zealand and Australia. The idea is that it retains the crema better than the Americano way. Also, the ratio is 1:1 rather than 2:1.
• Little Buddy – Like the Long Black, the Little Buddy uses two ounces of espresso to two ounces of hot water. Some people even have other names for it such as “Danny DeVito,” “Two and Two” or “Italiano.”
• Red Eye – Rather than using hot water, people will add drip coffee to a shot of espresso in the same way with the same ratio; one ounce of drip coffee to one ounce of espresso. It came about for those who took flights in the middle of the night to help them stay awake.
• Iced Americano – You make an Americano in the proper 2:1 ratio, but you use cold water and ice instead of hot water. However, many baristas recommend a 3:1 ratio to ensure you get a strong flavor without too much dilution.
• Caffé Crema – This is a long shot pull of espresso, but done even longer than the Allongé or Lungo. This is for those that love that espresso crema in their cup of coffee. You don’t add more water since the extra water will come from the longer pull.