Iced Coffee, no matter as a latte, cold brew, or whatever, is just such a refreshing & rewarding treat. For someone who enjoys espresso but finds it a bit too strong & wants a cold drink, an Iced Americano is the perfect choice! Find here some background info on the popular drink & the ULTIMATE Iced Americano Coffee Recipe for the BEST one you´ll ever have!
What is an Americano Coffee?
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s examine what an Americano is. An Americano is a style of coffee made by diluting one or more shots of espresso with hot water. This method produces coffee with a similar strength and consistency to drip coffee but with a distinct flavor profile. The amount of water added can adjust the Americano’s strength based on your preference.
Fun Fact: It is said that the Americano was “invented” during World War 2. American soldiers stationed in Italy supposedly found the local espresso too strong. To adjust it to the coffee they were used to back home, they would dilute the espresso with hot water, creating a milder drink that became known as the “Caffè Americano”.
It is usually served black, but milk & sugar/sweeteners can also be added.
Iced Americano Coffee Recipe
Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making an Iced Americano:
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
- Ice cubes or steel ice cubes
- Cold water
- Optional: Sweetener (sugar, syrup, stevia, etc.), milk or vegan milk alternatives
Instructions
Prepare the Espresso
Brew 2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine. Find here some espresso machines that are worth buying!
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka pot or an Aeropress to brew strong coffee.
Chill the Espresso
Since we want an Iced Americano, let the brewed espresso cool down slightly. You can place it in the fridge for a few minutes or set it aside at room temperature.
Prepare the Ice
Fill a glass (around 12 oz or larger) with ice cubes.
Combine the Espresso and Water
Pour the cooled espresso over the ice cubes in the glass.
Add cold water to the glass to dilute the espresso. The ratio of water to espresso is usually about 2:1, but you can adjust this based on your preference for strength. For example, for 2 espresso shots (about 60 ml), you might add about 120 ml of cold water.
Optional Additions
- If you like your iced Americano sweetened, add your preferred sweetener. A syrup, sugar, or stevia works well because it dissolves quickly.
- If you enjoy milk or cream in your coffee, you can add a splash of your preferred milk or vegan milk alternative.
Stir and Enjoy
Give your Iced Americano a good stir to combine everything, and it’s ready to enjoy!
Feel free to modify the recipe according to your taste, such as adding flavored syrups or experimenting with the water-to-coffee ratio.