What is the difference between espresso and americano?

Modern machines for brewing coffee offer users many different options for making a drink. Espresso and Americano are among the most popular, but what are the differences? In order not to miscalculate and not fall into the dirt face, let's understand together.

Features of americano

The drink is produced on the basis of ground coffee beans. Americano can be done in several different ways. For example, use a home-made coffee maker with a filter or dilute freshly made espresso with a certain amount of hot water.

We are interested in the second option, because it clearly reflects the essence. In its type, Americano is a weakly concentrated espresso. That is, if the second type is diluted with water, you will get American coffee.

To enjoy Americano, you need to brew an espresso and dilute it with water, adhering to an equal ratio. Typically, the proportions are taken 60 to 60 ml. A prerequisite - the water temperature should be in the range of 85-90 degrees.

The drink can be prepared in Swedish or Italian. In the end, it turns out the same coffee - espresso of low concentration (it is American). If you resort to the Italian method, water must be poured into a mug of coffee. A drink in Swedish, by contrast, involves adding a coffee drink to a cup of boiling water.

True gourmets and connoisseurs believe that according to the Swedish technology it turns out to cook Americano with bright flavoring notes, rich smell and invigorating effect. Ordinary coffee followers do not see the difference in preparation.

Espresso Features

Most often, espresso is brewed in a special coffee machine, which has sufficient power to pass water under high pressure through ground grains. Ultimately get 30-60 ml. drink, serving it is no longer recommended due to the high activity of the incoming components.

Americano and Espresso Fortress

The quality of a coffee drink is determined not only by the beans on the basis of which coffee was prepared. Many people evaluate it by fortress, let's see which of the drinks contains more caffeine.

For example, the volume of espresso is 25-30 ml. about 45-50 mg are given. caffeine. But this value may vary depending on which kind of grain is used. Robusta gives strong bitterness and accumulates many times more caffeine than arabica.

If we talk about the strength of Americano, then the above amount of caffeine is concentrated in a portion of the drink with a volume of about 80 ml. The volume is more than 2 times the amount of espresso.

If we take into account the averaged indicators and consider the units of liquid, then 10 ml. americano contains no more than 7 mg. caffeine, and the same amount of espresso boasts as much as 20 mg. invigorating substance. Accordingly, espresso is 2.5-3 times stronger.

Volume of espresso and americano

Earlier it was mentioned that the drinks discussed vary in the volume of preparation and serving (if drinking is carried out in coffee houses). Espresso is usually served in 30 or 60 ml., In some establishments - in 40 or 70 ml. While the usual volume of Americano varies between 150-200 ml.

Some foreign coffee houses do differently.Waiters serve visitors cups filled with espresso, and a kettle with hot water is placed nearby. Visitors dilute coffee to their taste.

Taste of Americano and Espresso

It is extremely difficult to answer the question that many ask subconsciously. What is tastier of these two types? It all depends on personal preferences. Some people like strong, bitter, tart espresso. Others prefer a softer Americano.

After a sip of espresso, a person will be able to feel all the notes, the depth of the drink. Coffee gives a nut mixed with bitter or cinnamon. True connoisseurs or people who need to cheer up quickly always choose espresso.

American is more delicate, for some it will seem too transparent due to the addition of water. Those who are not used to bitterness are advised to give preference to just such a species. Although espresso can always be softened by pouring cream or milk into it.

The difference between Americano and Espresso

1. It is important for a novice gourmet to learn to distinguish between two types of such a drink. American coffee, unlike Italian, does not have such a rich taste and aroma. The reason for this is a large amount of water.
2. It is also worth noting that the drinks have completely different serving. Remember, espresso is always served in small cups. It is customary to drink an American drink from mugs 2 times more. High-quality espresso is always served with a thick foam, which cannot be said about the second version of coffee. It is rarely present in it.
3. Remember, the Italian drink must be consumed immediately after preparation. This coffee is served hot and has a pleasant pronounced aroma. As for Americano, it can be consumed chilled and hot. Often they carry it with them in a special cup. You can sip such coffee slowly.
4. Often, true coffee drinkers prefer espresso. Such people do not like various additives. Therefore, this is the only type of drink that does not need to be improved. If you consume espresso without sugar, it will contain a few calories. Therefore, the drink is often consumed by athletes.
5. Often, espresso is drunk in the morning, the drink perfectly energizes and gives vigor. As for the American drink, it is preferred by individuals who do not like coffee too strong. Americano is not very concentrated and tastes good enough. Such a drink is in demand in offices, so it is so popular.
6. Espresso is often drunk in restaurants and at business meetings. If you are in a circle of friends and a fun company, Americano is best. In some establishments you can order Italian strong coffee, but the waiter in addition will bring you a clean glass and boiling water. In which case you can always dilute the drink.
7. If the waiter serves espresso with a glass of cold water, this means that you can fully enjoy the Italian drink. Take a few sips of water, so you prepare your taste buds. Further you can enjoy coffee.
8. As for the differences, espresso is served in cups with a volume of not more than 50 ml., And Americano can be drunk with glasses with a volume of 150 ml or more. The Italian drink is more suitable for gourmets who like bitterness and appreciate the subtle flavors. If you prefer not too concentrated coffee - Americano is for you.

To visually distinguish that other drink, it is not necessary to have special knowledge. Espresso highly concentrated bitter coffee in a small cup. American is its complete opposite.

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