Everything about the Americano, from its origins to recipes

The meaning behind the Americano

Why is Americano, called Americano?

The precise name for one of the most basic coffee menu items,
Americano, is 'Caffé Americano'.
Translated literally, it means 'American Coffee', referring to
the distinct American style of coffee compared to Europe.
Unlike the strong espresso enjoyed in Europe,
especially in Italy, American coffee was known and
named for its lighter concentration, and of course,
was initiated by Americans who began drinking it regularly.
So why did Americans start diluting espresso with water?

The origins of Americano

Started by the U.S. Army

Although the exact origin of Americano is uncertain,
the most plausible explanation is that it originated from
the American military during World War II.

At that time, American troops were stationed in Italy,
and found espresso too strong compared to the drip coffee
they were accustomed to back home.
As coffee during the war was mainly consumed as
an energy drink rather than for its taste or as a dessert,
soldiers needed large quantities.

Each American soldier required around 6kg of coffee per year,
but espresso didn't suit their tastes and the volume they could
drink was much less than they were used to,
so they began diluting it with water in haste.
And hence was the birth of 'Caffé Americano'.

Interestingly, Americans themselves don't typically enjoy
Americano. The most popular coffee menu in the US is
the caffe latte, and when Americans want to savor
the true taste of coffee, they prefer drip coffee.
Nonetheless, due to its origin among American troops,
the practice of diluting espresso with water continues to be
known as 'Caffé Americano'.
*Source: Namu Wiki

The effects of Americano

Caffeine boosts your mood

The main component of Americano is 'caffeine', and is widely
known that moderate consumption is good for health.
Let us tell you more about its actual effects on the body.

The biggest effect of caffeine is its 'antioxidant' effect.
Antioxidants prevent cell damage.
Caffeine contains various antioxidants, which not only prevent
cell damage but also strengthen the immune system.

Caffeine also improves exercise performance.
It reduces fatigue and increases adrenaline levels,
improving physical function. So drinking Americano
can help you sustain your workouts longer. Caffeine
increases basal metabolic rate and suppresses appetite.
Especially since Americano doesn't contain sugar, milk,
or whipped cream, it's very low in calories.

Try enjoying the benefits of caffeine with one or
two cups of Americano a day.

*Source: Seoul Economy, 1conomy News, Health Chosun

Making Americano

A cup of delight with capsule coffee

Making Americano is very easy and simple because
all you need to do is add water to espresso.
Depending on your preference, you can add enjoy it as
hot or iced and the taste of Americano can subtly vary.

With Nespresso Professional, you can enjoy various flavors
and aromas of Americano depending on the capsule type.
Here are some recommendations from us.

Intenso: A blend of dark-roasted Brazilian beans
and lightly roasted Ugandan coffee creates a
strong yet smooth flavor profile.
It's a coffee preferred by Koreans for its lower acidity,
best served as an enjoyable hot Americano.

Forte: Initially, it offers a balanced body and
a roasted barley aroma, followed by a clean finish
with a hint of berries.
Recommended for those who prefer a subtle coffee taste
over a strong one, Forte's smooth flavor profile complements
any temperature, whether HOT or ICE.

Leggero: With subtle roasted grain and cocoa aromas,
Legerro offers a refreshing sensation.
Try experiencing its delicate acidity with an iced Americano.

Types of Americano

There are actually various types of Americano. The recipe mentioned above is the most familiar to us. There is also the "red eye," which is made by adding drip coffee instead of hot water, and the "long black," which is made by adding two shots of espresso to hot water while maintaining the crema. It would be nice to try different types of Americano and find your preference.

Americano Culture

Americano is an essential part of our daily lives, and as such, it has given rise to various cultures. Let's explore the related cultures in Korea and abroad.

Korean Americano Culture

Americano is one of the favorite coffees among Koreans. Among them, we enjoy drinking iced Americano. In fact, there is a saying called "Eoljuga" which means "even if it freezes, I still want iced Americano." One of the reasons why iced Americano sells better than warm beverages in Korea, even in cold winters, is because of Korea's "fast-paced" culture. Iced Americano is loved so much in Korea that it is often shortened to "Aa" (Iced Americano).

International Americano Culture

There are also various Americano cultures abroad. In particular, in Australia, known for its coffee, they enjoy drinking "long black," which is made by adding two shots of espresso to hot water while maintaining the crema. In Australia and New Zealand, long black is considered a typical black coffee.By looking into the coffee culture of each country, we can learn about their respective cultures. We look forward to seeing what new Americano cultures will emerge in the future.