Espresso vs Americano: What’s the Real Difference?
🕒 Estimated read time: 4 minutes
Espresso vs Americano — what’s the real difference? Both start with the same base, but one is bold and concentrated, the other smooth and stretched out. Whether you’re brewing at home or ordering at your local café, this guide breaks down what makes them unique in taste, strength, and caffeine content.
Short on Time or Here to Sip?
In a rush? Espresso hits you with a bold, intense burst of flavour — fast. ☕ It’s the no-nonsense, “get stuff done” coffee. An Americano? That’s espresso’s laid-back cousin, mellowed out with hot water for a longer, smoother
Fresh espresso pouring from a coffee machine
☕ 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)
☕ Brewing Tip
For a balanced espresso, aim for a 1:2 ratio of coffee to liquid. That means if you're using 18g of ground coffee, you should extract about 36g of espresso in 25–30 seconds. Adjust grind size or pressure if it’s running too fast or too slow.
A true espresso shot is small, intense, and topped with a smooth crema
🌊 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
An Americano is espresso diluted with hot water — smoother, longer, and perfect for slower sips.
Espresso vs Americano: Flavour, Strength & Caffeine ☕️
| 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 |
Espresso vs Americano — same base, totally different 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.
📚 More From the Blog
Curious how cold brew compares to espresso or Americano? Check out our guide on the best coffee for cold brew — it’s smoother, cooler, and just as satisfying.
🛒 Brew Like a Pro
Espresso or Americano — whichever way you take it, the right bean makes all the difference. Our coffees are roasted fresh in Wrexham, North Wales, and trusted by cafés, home brewers, and baristas across the UK. Try them today and taste the difference for yourself.
Here’s where to start:
- Brazilian Eagle – bold, smooth, and perfect for classic espresso shots
- Fronteira Blend – a mellow, balanced brew for a classic Americano
Not sure which to choose? Drop us a message or browse all our coffees — we’ll help you find your new favourite coffee.
💭 Got a Favourite?
Are you team Espresso or team Americano? Or maybe you’ve got your twist on one of them? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear how you take your coffee.
