What is an Americano? How It Differs from Kopi and Long Black

An Americano is a coffee drink made by adding hot water to espresso. It is longer and milder than a straight espresso shot but still tastes distinctly of espresso, with no milk.

Where the name comes from

The popular story is that American soldiers in Italy, in the Second World War, found espresso too strong and watered it down, so Italians called the result "caffe americano". This is a common explanation, though the exact origin is not certain.

How an Americano is made

A shot or two of espresso is poured into a cup and hot water is added. Cafes differ on the ratio and the order. A typical ratio is about one part espresso to two to three parts water, though it is a matter of taste, and many cafes will make it stronger or weaker if you ask.

Two points that change the drink:

• Water first or espresso first: adding espresso on top of hot water, as in a long black, keeps more of the crema and tastes a little stronger.
• Iced Americano: espresso poured over cold water and ice. It is a very common order in Singapore's warm weather.

How it tastes

An Americano is lighter in body than espresso, with less intensity and less bitterness, but it keeps espresso's roasted, slightly acidic character. Because it is diluted, the quality of the beans and the machine matter, and a poorly pulled shot is easy to taste.

Americano versus other coffees

• Americano versus long black: very similar. A long black is usually espresso poured onto water, which keeps the crema, while an Americano is more often water added to espresso.
• Americano versus filter coffee: filter coffee is brewed by water passing slowly through grounds, so it has a different flavour. The strength can be similar to a diluted espresso, but the taste is not the same.
• Americano versus kopi O: kopi O is a local black coffee brewed through a cloth sock filter and sweetened with sugar. It is darker roasted and often more bitter.

Ordering in Singapore

Most specialty cafes and the big coffee chains serve an Americano, hot or iced. Say if you want it with an extra shot or less water, and ask for no sugar if you prefer. Prices vary by cafe, so check the menu.