Espresso and Americano are two of the most popular coffee variations worldwide.
Choosing between an espresso and an Americano can seem like a huge decision, especially if you're new to these drinks.
Quick Answer: What's the difference between an espresso and an Americano?
The main difference between an espresso and an Americano is that an espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee, whereas an Americano is created by diluting an espresso shot with hot water to produce a larger drink that resembles traditional drip coffee.
To help you decide, I'll outline all the differences between the two, so you can easily see which one suits you best!
Espresso vs. Americano: How do they differ?
Espresso is a strong, rich, and concentrated brew that is beloved by caffeine enthusiasts worldwide.
On the other hand, Americano has a reputation as the drink of choice for those who aren't as much into coffee as they are about the caffeine hit.
You can have a look at the overview below to see the differences between these delicious coffees:
| Comparison: | Espresso: | Americano: |
| Flavor notes | A smoky, complex, and bittersweet flavor | A slightly bitter and robust taste |
| Milk used? | No milk used | No milk used |
| Caffeine content | 68 mg of caffeine | 68 mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | Virtually no calories | Virtually no calories |
| Any toppings? | Has a nice crema on top | Served as is |
| Add-in used? | Sweetener of choice | Hot water |
In the image below, you can clearly see the difference between these drinks and how they are served:
The flavor profile of the Americano differs a lot compared to an espresso. Although they use the same coffee base, the flavors are different.
Below, you'll find a small summary of both drinks. After that, I'll discuss the flavor difference, caffeine content, and which might suit you better.
What is an espresso?
An espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure using an espresso machine.
I like to use a Moka pot to brew my espresso coffee. It looks like this when the brew is finished:
Besides an Americano, you can make lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, and a platter of iced coffees with an espresso shot.
Because of the robust flavor, you can add any type of milk and sweeteners to your drink while still enjoying the espresso flavor.
What is an Americano?
An Americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water. This results in a longer drink with a milder taste than an intense espresso shot.
It makes for a flavorful coffee that isn't overpowering.
Most people prefer an Americano over an espresso shot because it allows for a longer enjoyment period and still delivers those amazing espresso flavors.
Americanos are flexible. Start with 1 shot (or 2 shots) of espresso, then add hot water until it reaches the desired taste for you.
Many cafés make an Americano with a shot of espresso, plus roughly 8 to 12 ounces of hot water, and adjust the recipe from there depending on the number of shots and your preferred strength.
I made an Americano with a single shot of espresso and added the same amount of hot water. This is what it looks like when finished:
Tip: If you'd like to try an Americano, you can find the full recipe here.
Which is stronger, an espresso or an Americano?
Let's discuss taste and compare which of these drinks is stronger.
While both drinks start with a base of rich and robust espresso shots, one key difference is the water.
An Americano is essentially diluted espresso with additional hot water added to it in order to mimic the strength and consistency of regular brewed coffee.
On the other hand, an espresso remains concentrated and unadulterated.
This means that in terms of taste intensity and strength, an espresso reigns supreme over its diluted counterpart.
It retains its bold flavors without being diluted by additional water.
Espresso vs. Americano: Caffeine difference
The caffeine difference mostly comes down to the number of espresso shots used, rather than the amount of water added.
Typically, an Americano is prepared with a double espresso shot, but it can also be made with a single shot.
Let's have a look at the difference in caffeine:
- Espresso has a total of 68 mg of caffeine. (Source)
- An Americano, made with two espresso shots, contains a total of 136mg of caffeine.
Depending on the number of espresso shots used to make your Americano, it might have the same amount of caffeine as an espresso.
I like my Americanos with a double shot of espresso, which gives them a more robust flavor that I prefer.
If you prefer a milder-tasting coffee, a single shot of Americano has the same caffeine content as a single espresso shot.
Does an Americano taste like espresso?
An Americano has the same flavor notes as an espresso, but it tastes slightly weaker and more laid-back due to the added water.
It has a smooth taste, allowing you to distinctly taste the robust flavor of a great espresso.
This is the best part about using dark-roasted coffee beans for such an amazing drink.
The best thing about Americanos is that you can enjoy them longer.
The added water makes for a larger drink that you can slowly sip on, while the espresso is gone within two slurps.
Is there a difference in calories?
Both coffees are made with espresso coffee as the basis, and while the Americano has water added, they both have virtually no calories.
Which coffee suits you better?
Now that you know about the differences between these two espresso-based drinks, you might already have a favorite out of the two.
If you're still on the fence about which suits you better, have a look below for my suggestion:
- Do you prefer a stronger coffee drink that you can drink within minutes? Then an espresso is perfect for you.
- If you prefer a drink that you can enjoy for longer, with smoother coffee notes, then an Americano is the best choice for you.
Although the difference between these drinks lies in the water added, there is a significant difference in taste, making it an even harder choice.
I prefer an espresso shot over an Americano when I'm busy and want a strong coffee with a high caffeine content.
However, I start my mornings with an Americano to savor the coffee flavor a little longer.
Most of the time, I'll switch to espresso shots or strong-brewed coffee after lunch.
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the espresso and americano compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Americano vs. Coffee
- Americano vs. Long Black
- Espresso vs. Cappuccino
- Espresso vs. Coffee
- Espresso vs. Cold Brew
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
Although both espresso and Americano use the same coffee base, there's a significant flavor difference, as well as several other differences that make them unique.
I've discussed the differences in caffeine and how these coffees have their unique flavors.
I hope I have helped you make a decision on which coffee you prefer more. I highly suggest tasting these coffees side by side if you're still unsure which is right for you.
You'll notice the difference in taste, and you'll have a better understanding of the differences while enjoying some good coffee!
Which coffee do you prefer? Let me know by leaving a comment down below.
If you have any other questions about coffee, you can also contact me directly by clicking the “Contact Me” button at the top.
