Short on time? Espresso delivers a short, intense burst of rich coffee flavour. Americano, on the other hand, blends espresso with hot water to create a smoother, more relaxed drink you can savour over time.
But let’s break it down properly…
☕ What Is an Espresso?
Espresso is the foundation of many coffee drinks — from flat whites to cappuccinos. It’s made by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.
- Flavour: Intense, bitter, and full-bodied
- Texture: Rich and syrupy with a golden crema on top
- Size: Typically 25–30ml
- Caffeine: Higher concentration per ml (but small in volume overall)
🌊 What Is an Americano?
An Americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water, which softens its bitterness and creates a smoother, more mellow coffee. While espresso can be intense and sharp, the added water reduces its concentrated flavour, making the Americano much less bitter. It’s ideal for those who enjoy the depth of espresso but prefer a gentler, more drinkable cup.
- Flavour: Smooth and subtle, with less bitterness
- Texture: Lighter, resembling brewed coffee
- Size: Typically 150–300ml
- Caffeine: Similar to espresso, but more diluted
⚖️ Espresso vs Americano: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Espresso | Americano |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Method | Pressure-brewed shot | Espresso + hot water |
| Flavour | Bold, intense, layered | Smooth, mellow, more balanced |
| Volume | ~30ml | 150–300ml |
| Texture | Syrupy with crema | Thin, no crema |
| Caffeine (per drink) | ~63mg per shot | ~63mg (diluted over more liquid) |
| Ideal For | A quick hit of flavour & energy | A gentler, longer coffee experience |
🔍 Which One Should You Choose?
Choose espresso if you want a fast, flavour-packed shot of coffee with a kick.
Choose americano if you prefer something you can sip on slowly — or if you’re easing into the espresso world.
Both are brilliant in their own right. And with fresh, well-roasted beans, either option can taste incredible.
🛒 Try It Yourself
Whether you’re brewing at home or pulling shots in your café, coffee quality makes all the difference. Explore our range of freshly roasted beans — roasted right here in Wrexham.
Want to experiment? Try:
- A single-origin bean for pure espresso flavours
- A house blend for a smoother, more forgiving Americano