How to make Nespresso Americano (Easy Recipe)

Learn how to make a cup of perfect Americano using any Nespresso coffee machine. This classic Nespresso Americano coffee is so quick and easy to make – and tastes delicious!

Freshly Brewed Americano

Are you a coffee lover?

Grab your cup and fill it with this easy Americano drink!

Whether you are looking for a classic cup of Americano coffee or need subtle caffeine fix – this simple Nespresso Americano recipe is for you! Plus it saves you from relying on your coffee shop whenever you have a craving for a classic Americano.

This post covers how you can make a tasty and warming cup of fresh Americano – without having to grind coffee beans (or espresso beans).

If you have tried our iced coffee – you’ll know I am a huge fan of Nespresso! Using the Nespresso machine has transformed my coffee experience – and simplified it too!

This Americano recipe can be made using any of the Nespresso coffee capsules (or Nespresso pods) – depending on your desired flavour and preferences. 

Jump to:

• Freshly Brewed Americano
• What is an americano?
• History of the americano
• What is the difference between an americano and a long black?
• What you need to make an americano
• What is the correct ratio of espresso and water to make an Americano?
• How to make nespresso americano 
• Equipment
• Tips for success
• Variations
• Something sweet with your coffee?
• Related
• How to make Nespresso Americano (Easy Recipe)

What is an americano?

An Americano (also known as caffè americano) is popular drink and type of coffee beverage made by diluting a shot of espresso coffee with hot water. This drink can be made using a coffee machine or espresso maker. 

This espresso drink is a milder coffee whilst keeping the bold flavours of espresso coffee.

History of the americano

The Americano is said to have originated during World War II where American soldiers stationed in Italy diluted the espresso with hot water as the local espresso tasted too strong for them. This is also where the word “Americano” came from and since then has been used to describe this popular coffee drink.

What is the difference between an americano and a long black?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso whereas a long black is made by pouring a shot of espresso over hot water.

A long black typically has more crema (foam) due to its preparation and appears to taste a little stronger. ​

What you need to make an americano

To prepare this espresso-based drink, you will need:

• Nespresso coffee capsule (Espresso): you can use any Nespresso coffee capsule (or pod) depending on preferences. I recommend looking for capsules designed to be made as a regular espresso or lungo. The best Nespresso pods  (or capsules) for a stronger coffee flavor include Ristretto Italiano, Firenze Arpeggio or Ispirazione Napoli (made as espresso shots).  
• Hot water: you can use the Nespresso machine to add the hot water to the espresso shot. Be sure to measure the water before adding to the coffee.
• Optional – you can add milk, cream or sweetner of choice (including honey or maple syrup) as desired.

You will also need a Nespresso machine to make this Nespresso Americano. You can use the original Nespresso machine with original capsules or the vertuo Nespresso machine with Vertuo capsules. (If you are in the US - you can use this Nespresso guide to check which machine is best for you).

What is the correct ratio of espresso and water to make an Americano?

• Typically an americano has a 1:3 standard ratio of one part espresso and 3 parts water but the ratio can vary between 1:1 and 1:3 based on preferences.
• An americano can be made stronger by adding more shots of espresso or milder by adding a larger amount of water.
• For coffee lovers who prefer an intense flavor - I would recommend making a double shot of espresso vs single shot of espresso. This will give you a strong cup of coffee with a greater amount of caffeine. 

How to make nespresso americano 

1. Make your Nespresso espresso coffee using desired coffee capsule. Start by selecting your favourite/desired coffee capsule. Insert the capsule into the machine and select the espresso button to brew the hot coffee. 
2. Pour the hot water on top. Optional: add cold milk or sweetener of choice if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment

Nespresso original machine or vertuo machine – you will need this to make the Nespresso americano. You can browse the various Nespresso machines (for UK customers), (for US customers - these Nespresso machines are similar).

Nespresso coffee capsules (or coffee pods) – you can use any nespresso capsule to make this beverage depending on taste. I recommend selecting the capsule according to your taste and preferences as each capsule has a different roasted flavour. Nespresso have flavour profiles outlined in each of the coffee capsule sleeves.

Tips for success

• Ensure the tank is filled with water before brewing your coffee: the water can be room temperature or cold water (you don’t need to add hot water to brew the coffee).
• Adjust as desired: this recipe can be adjusted according to taste. This recipe uses 40ml of espresso coffee for 80ml of hot water for a 1:2 ratio. If you prefer a milder version you can use 100ml of water. For a 1:3 ratio, you will need 120ml of water for every 40ml shot of espresso. 
• Measure hot water before adding to coffee: depending on your coffee machine, you may be able to add hot water directly from the machine. I recommend measuring the hot water before adding to your coffee. If your machine does not have this setting, you can use boiling water from the kettle or stove. 

Variations

You can adjust this espresso-based beverage depending on whether you prefer a regular coffee, cold brew coffee or white americano.

• Iced americano: add a large handful of ice cubes with one or two shots of espresso coffee. This drink does not need much water as you are adding ice, for a milder drink you can add a few tablespoons of cold water. 
• White americano: add a splash of milk (you can use whole milk or semi-skimmed/2%), (you don't need too much milk - just a few tablespoons). You can use cold or hot milk. 
• Other coffee beverages: a shot of espresso can be added to make lattes or cappaccinos. Check out our guide on latte and cappuccino for more on the different flavor profiles!

Something sweet with your coffee?

Looking for something with your cup of americano? Check out our refined sugar-free sweet snacks and healthy desserts:

Related

Looking for other drinks? Try these: