Americanos: What proportion of espresso to water do you use?

[DC]

I've been tinkering with producing a decent Americano, trying to get the 'strength' right.

I find 1 part espresso to 5 or even 4 parts water, as I have seen mentioned elsewhere, to be far too weak. At the moment, I'm making 6oz Americanos that are one-third espresso and two-thirds hot water (espresso pulled into the hot water to keep the crema).

Someone somewhere has probably laid down the law as to what an Americano 'should' be but I just wondered how people on this site like to make theirs?

Thanks,
Dave

[Dogshot]

Americanos definitely seem to vary according to individual preference more than most espresso-based beverages. My preference is to pour a double (2oz) into 2-3oz water. I always use a 6oz cup for an Americano, and occasionally put in .5oz steamed milk. It is a beautiful beverage.

Mark

[JimG]

2.0-2.5 oz espresso poured into 12 oz of hot water (for the morning drive to the office).

Jim

[jesawdy]

Mine are always between 1 and 2 parts water to 1 part espresso. If you're wanting someting a bit longer to go, I think most doubles can stand up reasonably well in ~8-10 ounces, but not my preferred ratio.

[bill]

1.5 - 2.0 oz. espresso to 6.0 oz. water in an 8 oz. cup is my favorite.

[BelAirSteve]

I didn't know about the Americano until I started reading this site, as I am to to the espresso making world. I have tried different ratios, but I have found the 2 oz. espresso to 6 oz. water tastes best.

Remember what a lot of the regulars here and at CG say...there are no rules. If it tastes good to you, you're making it right!

[mattwells]

I like 5 oz. total volume after a 1-1.5 oz. shot.

It also happens that my cappuccino glasses are 5 ounces.

[woodchuck]

Finally have a few minutes to get caught up at Home-Barista. Sorry for the late post. I generally start the day with a 6oz. cap and head out the door with a Americano: 4 to 5 oz. of water topped with a double espresso.

Cheers

Ian

[patrick820]

Lately i've been liking about 2 ounces of water and a double shot poured on top, my roommate likes them like that too.

[hopson]

I like to wake up fast, so I have 2 doubles, about 4oz and 4 oz water and 1-2 oz half and half with 1 packet of splenda. Its like drinking a milk shake. I like even when its cold