The americano is basically an espresso that's been given a little bit more room, and it's the one to make when you want a proper mug of coffee to sip on rather than a couple of quick gulps. The story goes that it was named after American soldiers watering down their espresso in Italy during World War II, which is either true or a very good tale, and either way it's stuck.
What you'll need
About 18g of Ginger Dog Coffee ground fine for espresso, a mug, a kettle and roughly 150 to 200ml of hot water, depending on how strong you like it. If you have scales, they'll help with the shot, but you can manage without them. No espresso machine? A moka pot or an AeroPress with a splash of hot water added makes something very close to an americano, so you're not left out.
Any of our coffees work here, why not try them all and see which one you like the best? Since there's no milk to soften things you'll really notice the flavours. Tico is our decaf if you'd like a mug of it in the evening. People are always surprised Tico is a decaf!
Step 1 - Pull your shot
Get 18g of your favourite Ginger Dog Coffee into the portafilter, tamp it down firmly and evenly, and aim for about 36g of espresso in around 25 to 30 seconds. If it flys through like a dog who has just seen his best friend, grind finer, and if it dribbles, grind a little coarser.
Step 2 - Get your water ready
Boil the kettle, then leave it for about 30 seconds before you use it. Water straight from a rolling boil can scorch the coffee and make it taste bitter, and it's an easy thing to get right. If your machine has a hot water tap, even better, as that's usually at just about the right temperature.
Step 3 - Put it together
Pour about 150ml of the hot water into your mug first, then pour the espresso on top. This keeps the crema sitting nicely on top and gives a smoother cup, and it's how I like it. If you'd rather do it the other way round, with the shot in first and the water on top, that's absolutely fine too, it's just a little different in the mug. about 85°-90° is the sweet spot.
Step 4 - Taste and adjust
Give it a taste and add a splash more water if it's too strong for you. It's much easier to add water than to take it away, so start small and work up until it's just right.
Step 5 - Enjoy the moment
Take it to your favourite spot on the sofa and drink it while it's hot. If you like a splash of cold milk in it that's absolutely allowed, that's just called a white americano, and it's still much less faff than a latte.
Whichever blend you go for, we're so glad you found us, and we know it will be a good one! Best enjoyed in the company of a furry four legged friend or reading the tail that inspired whats in your cup.
