Americano is a classic of the coffee world and the choice of those who drink coffee in large portions but do not like milky recipes. The advent of home coffee makers has made #Americano affordable to prepare at home, but not everyone has them.
What is an Americano and how is it different from regular coffee?
The Americano, according to legend, is an espresso-based beverage invented by American soldiers during WWII: regular Italian coffee was too strong for them, so they poured their espresso into a large glass and then filled it with hot water. This method made it possible to extend the time to enjoy a drink without the cost of additional servings.
Over the decades, the Americano recipe hasn't changed at all: it's still 1-2 servings of espresso diluted with hot water. And how much water to add to a glass is always the individual choice of the coffee shop owner or #barista.
As you already understood, the main difference between Americano and other coffee-based drinks is the espresso part in the composition.
Three ways to make an "almost Americano" without a coffee maker;
Coffee from a coffee machine is subjected to a pressure of about nine bars, and a classic Americano based on an espresso shot has the crema – a characteristic layer of foam on top. Non-machine brewing methods cannot create such conditions, but it is possible to prepare an analogue - "almost Americano", so to speak. There are three simple solutions to do this: French press, #aeropress and moka pot.
Moka Pot
If you want as authentic an Americano as can be, mocha is the best way to get it. These Italian "stove top coffee machines" also use steam pressure to make concentrated coffee.
You will need: moka pot, dark roast coffee (about 2 tablespoons), hot water (150 ml + 100-200 ml).
Recipe:
Fill the bottom compartment of the #Moka with hot or lukewarm water (not above the steam release valve).
Put the ground coffee in the strainer (fill almost completely, but do not squeeze the coffee) and place it on top of the lower bowl. Attach the upper camera to the lower one.
Put the coffee maker on medium heat (if you have a gas stove, make sure that the flame does not touch the walls of the mocha). Gradually, the water from the lower chamber will rise from the coffee filter to the upper bottle.
Wait for the water to boil: you will hear a characteristic gurgling sound, which means your espresso is almost ready. Turn off the stove and wait a few seconds.
Pour the espresso into cups (usually 2 servings) and dilute with heated hot water in a separate bowl. You will get an analogue of Americano.
In this recipe we have given the proportions of a standard 150 ml coffee machine.
French Press
This method produces the smoothest americano in our range of non-machine coffee makers. If you prefer a delicate taste and low intensity, this cooking method may be your favourite.
You will need: French press, dark roast coffee (2 tablespoons), hot water (200 ml).
Recipe:
Heat a glass of water (in a kettle or mug using a microwave oven) to about 95 degrees. A special kitchen thermometer can be used for measurements the first few times.
Put the coffee under a French press and drizzle with some hot water, starting a process called blooming (it keeps the flavor more).
Let the coffee mass swell for 30 seconds, then add the remaining hot water to the French press.
Lift the plunger, fix the French press cover and let your coffee brew for 4 minutes. Wait another 1-2 minutes for the drink to become stronger.
Slowly depress the piston with even pressure. After halving, pull back and then dip again - all the way. With the plunger in the down position, pour the Americano into the glass.
Aeropress (AeroPress)
Aeropress is another simple tool for making "almost americano". Its mechanism is very similar to a French press - it also uses a piston to create pressure. But the result will be different: Coffee made with Aeropress usually has a richer and more intense flavor.
You will need: Aeropress, dark roast coffee (1.5 tbsp), hot water (60 + 100 ml).
Recipe:
Heat a glass of water (in a kettle or mug using a microwave oven) to about 90-95 degrees.
Place the ground coffee in the Aeropress chamber and set the plunger to the middle position.
Slowly pour hot water (60 ml) into the Aeropress and swish gently for 5 seconds to mix the contents.
Let your espresso brew for about 2 minutes, and while you're on your Aeropress mug, press the plunger to force the liquid through the filter.
Dilute the finished coffee with a pleasant amount of hot water (approximately 100 ml).
If the methods presented here seem too complicated to you, perhaps a good coffee machine is still your option.
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