Why do you drink an Americano?

[aindfan]

This morning I pulled my shot but for some reason did not feel up to tackling the intensity of a pure shot (tea would be best for the oncoming cold, but it just does not have the caffeine I need to get through lectures). I did not have enough time to steam milk, and my shot was already in a small glass. I decided that the solution would be to try making something like an Americano (for the first time) by adding about an ounce of hot water. After drinking it, I thought of this question, and would be interested to know others' thoughts:

Is an Americano a cop-out on stomaching a pure shot, or is it a way to loosen things up a bit without hiding the flavors in milk?

Of course, it could be neither, and I'm missing something here. Thanks for the replies!

[Kuban111]

I'm I big fan of the americano.

IMHO it comes down to taste and preference. Why limit the taste palate.

Did you like the it?

I look at it this way it's just another color to work with in this wonder world of coffee/espresso that might help you to discover or achieve that beautiful painting of a delightful coffee experience.


Like with anything it's an individual's personal choice.


BTW try an americano with steamed milk. The wife drinks hers like that. @ 9th ST espresso in NYC they call it a mezzo.
Enjoy

Michael.

[aindfan]

I should probably have phrased my question differently:

Why do you* drink an Americano?

And yes, I enjoyed it. It certainly did what I needed it to (keep the flavor of espresso in a less intense package, add caffeine to my system).

*EDIT: By "you" I mean in general, the reader of the post.

[ntwkgestapo]

I make a large Americano every weekday to take to work.... I DO drink straight espresso and like a cappa in the evening (usually around 10pm), but the Americano is my "take it to work" drink. Lets me just sip thru the morning getting the tastes of the espresso (in a dilute form) and lets me stretch it out thruout the morning...

Sometimes on a weekend morning I'll make one (or more), but, when I've got the time to sit down and enjoy, usually espresso all the way...

[Kuban111]

Hola
Aindfan,

For me in the mornings I like to drink & enjoy more than 2 oz of coffee.

I've tried pulling/drinking 6 shots of espressos before I head out to work but I got in trouble with my job...coming in late to many times.

Just as much as I look forward to my after dinner 2 oz of joy.
I enjoy my mornings, slowing down sipping on my Americano just before a crazy day in the world.

& were words fail to describe my thoughts, I believe this pic of my normal morning americano can best answer the question.










Michael

[HB]

Is an Americano a cop-out on stomaching a pure shot, or is it a way to loosen things up a bit without hiding the flavors in milk?

I prefer espresso, but I like how Americanos tone down flavors that would otherwise overwhelm the taste. In particular, single origin espressos that are too imbalanced straight are often enjoyable with the addition of a couple ounces of water. I serve Americanos to guests who ask for "a cup of coffee", adjusting the amount of water to their taste. For example, if someone passes on espresso because it's 'too strong', I'll add six ounces, otherwise only four.

[drminpa]

I like both. I got my first real espresso machine for Christmas so my experience is still pretty limited. I made my first Americano a couple of weeks ago. I still like regular coffee in the morning and Americanos are better than any cup of coffee I've ever had.

I am getting a better rate of good shots now and getting some great shots. The Americano you get pretty well reflects the shot. When you pull a good shot, it will make a good Americano. When you pull a great shot, the whole money sucking passion becomes justified.

[caeffe]

When you pull a great shot, the whole money sucking passion becomes justified.

I do believe that this qualifies for one of those memorable 'quotes' The italics are from me. Somehow, I think it defines "hobby" as we practice it here.

Back on topic - I'll have to try doing an Americano, especially for the wife as she complains that espresso is too strong.

[CoffeeOwl]

Because I LOVE IT.

[drminpa]

I think it defines "hobby" as we practice it here.

I liken it to putting, you feel good when you start making the 6-10 footers with some regularity, but when you sink that 20+ footer, you're hooked. Its what keeps you coming back for more.

[woodchuck]

I like Americano's for the road. More volume than a double espresso, holds the temperature and lasts longer.

Cheers

Ian

[quiltmaster]

For the reasons the American soldiers did back after WWII. Espresso is best as a quick shot over the lips and down the tongue. Adding the water gives you a milder, while full bodied, taste but allows for longer enjoyment in a more leisurely fashion. Perfectly for when you actually want to spend time in the coffee shop, just relaxing. I too enjoy a mezzo.

[cappadoc]

I prefer Americani to straight shots most of the time. I prefer to linger over the coffee rather than gulp it.
An Americano lasts ten minutes rather than ten seconds. I prefer the subtler flavors and fruitier aroma (to me) instead of the nutty, chocolate blast of a shot. YMMV.

Jeff

[starry]

I still like regular coffee in the morning and Americanos are better than any cup of coffee I've ever had.

I agree wholeheartedly. I'm a lot better at making a great americano than I am at making great brewed coffee by any method. If I could, I might not be using my espresso machine as much. I also like Americanos because the joy is spread over a longer period of time..... But I still make the straight shot now and then.

[wildbwilson]

Good coffee is good coffee. I like straight shots,Canadianos, capps. Each method has it's merits. Shite is shite no matter how it's mixed.
-Ian

[Ernie]

I like more volume for the drink I take with me when I go to work. But as my first drink in the morning is a cappuccino, I've had enough milk and don't want a second one. So I take an americano with only a hint of steamed milk. In addition it's usually hotter than a cappuccino which I like when I take the drink outside.