I am a latte girl through and through, but in true mom fashion, last week i opened the fridge to see we had run out of milk. As a busy mom, this was a major problem, because how can one get through the day with no coffee, but i did have coffee grounds and some creamer. So i made an iced Americano to fuel my caffeine addiction.
Whether you like your coffee black or with some cream and sugar, this iced americano is perfect for a busy morning or at 3 PM when you need a midday pick-me-up.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Milk: Many people do not like how milky lattes are; this iced americano allows you to have a delicious espresso without the milk.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple; you don’t have to measure or grind coffee.
What Is an Iced Americano
An iced americano is a bold and refreshing espresso drink that is made with 3 simple ingredients: espresso, ice, and water.
It is believed that Americanos were invented during World War II when American soldiers found that Italian Espresso was too strong for their taste. To make the drink more like the drip coffee, they were used to they diluted the espresso with water.
The Iced version of this drink came with evolution as people began taking their coffee over ice.
Iced Americano vs Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
The main differences between Iced Americanos and Iced Coffees are their brewing method and their flavor profile. An iced americano is a diluted espresso drink, while an iced coffee is dripped coffee that is cooled and then poured over ice.
Americanos have a bolder flavor and has more bitterness, whereas iced coffee is milder and lighter-bodied.
Do I Need an Espresso Machine?
To make a traditional iced Americano, you will need an espresso machine. This doesn’t mean you need to spend an arm and a leg to make espresso drinks at home. I have an affordable Chefman Espresso machine that makes delicious espresso comparable to Starbucks.
If you do not want to commit to an espresso machine just yet, you can purchase a Moka Pot, or an AeroPress. These are not an exact replacement to an espresso machine, but they do yield similar results.
Ingredients
- Ground coffee: This is the base of the Iced Americano. You can grind the coffee beans or buy pre-ground espresso. I use the Cafe Bustelo brand, and it’s delicious.
- Water: Water balances out the espresso shot and decreases its intensity. I use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Cream or Creamer (optional): Cream or creamer is optional, but they mellow out the bitternes and adds richness.
- Coffee or Simple Syrup (Optional): Although optional, syrup will reduce the bitterness of the espresso, it adds flavor variety, and pairs well with the cream.
Tools
- Espresso machine
- Drinking glass
- Straw
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare an Espresso Shot
Add ground coffee to a portafilter and tamp down until you have an even, tightly packed bed.
Brew Espresso Shot
Secure the portafilter in the espresso machine and brew a double shot.
Prepare Glass
While the espresso shot is brewing, pour water and ice into your desired glass and pour syrup into the bottom of the glass, if using.
Pour Espresso
Pour the espresso over the ice water and add cream if desired.
Stir and Enjoy
Tips
- Use fresh coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Pour the espresso directly over ice to help dilute and reduce bitterness.
- Use filtered water for the cleanest flavor
Flavor Variations for an Iced Americano
Although an iced Americano is traditionally made with water and espresso, there are a few to customize the drink for your taste.
Syrup
I always add syrup to my iced Americano to enhance its flavor. Start by adding ½ to 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
- Vanilla: Classic and smooth
- Carmeal adds a deep, rich flavor
- Hazelnut: adds nutty notes
- Mocha: a delicious chocolate twist
- Maple or honey: for natural sweetness
Sweetners
If syrups aren’t your thing, here are a few other ways to add sweetness
- Simple Syrup: easy to make and adds subtle sweetness.
- Stevia, Monk Fruit, or other low-calorie options.
- Maple, honey or agave nectar; for natural sweetness.
Cream or Milk
Adding milk or cream mellows out the espresso flavor and adds a creamy texture to the drink.
- Heavy cream: for a rich café-style texture
- Milk: a lighter option
- Oatmilk: creamy and slightly sweet
- Almond milk: Nutty flavor
- Coconut milk: a tropical twist
Extras
- Cinnamon or nutmeg: add a spicy twist, perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
- Salt: It sounds weird, but salt enhances the flavor and can reduce bitterness.
- Cold foam: for a luxurious texture.
FAQ
Can I make an iced Americano without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can use a Moka Pot to get a similar result.
How many shots of espresso should I use in an iced Americano?
For the strongest, boldest flavor, i brew a double shot of espresso.
Is an iced Americano stronger than iced coffee?
Yes, and iced Americano has a stronger, more intense flavor than iced coffee.
Can I add cream or milk to an iced Americano?
Yes, this is actually how i prefer the drink. A splash of cream balances out the bitterness, making it easier to drink.
What kind of syrup goes best with an iced Americano?
I typically use a simple syrup in all of my coffee, but the best syrup is the flavor you enjoy the most.
Does an iced Americano have fewer calories than a latte?
Yes, an iced Americano, with no milk, cream, or sugar, will have fewer calories than a latte. A latte is a milk-based espresso drink and is around 120-150 calories, while an iced Americano has 0-5 calories.
Can I use decaf espresso to make an iced Americano?
Absolutely!
How can I make an iced Americano taste less bitter?
You can make the drink less bitter, dialing in your espresso machine, using fresher, higher-quality coffee beans, increasing the amount of water, adding milk or cream, adding a sweetener, such as coffee syrup, and pouring the espresso over the ice immediately after brewing.
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The Best Iced Americano
Refreshing and bold this iced Americano is perfect for busy morning or for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso
- 3/4 cup of water
- ice
- 1-2 TBS (optional)
- 1-2 TBS Syrup or sweetener (optional)
Instructions
Brew Espresso
Using an espresso machine or an alternative, such as a Moka Pot, brew a double shot of espresso.
Prepare Glass
While the espresso is brewing, add water, ice, and syrup (optional) to the glass.
Pour Espresso
Pour espresso over the water and ice mixture and add cream (optional).
Stir and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1 iced americanoAmount Per Serving: Calories: 5Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 1gNet Carbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information is an estimate based on the iced Americano alone (2 shots of espresso and water) and does not include any optional creamers, milk, syrups, or sweeteners. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Always consult a nutrition calculator if you need precise dietary information.
