Enter the iced americano, a cold alternative to my favorite coffee drink!
Iced americanos are, as you might imagine, cold versions of your classic americano. They’re oh so refreshing and give you a great caffeine kick.
Want to learn how to make one of your own?
I’ve scoured the internet and sourced the best recipe for an iced americano.
Let’s check out how to make an iced americano you can enjoy all summer long!
What Is an Iced Americano?
Before we dive into an iced americano coffee recipe, let’s stop a second and talk about what this drink actually is.
An iced americano is basically the same as an americano except that it’s made using ice cubes to cool it down.
Let me explain.
Hot americanos are made using espresso coffee topped with hot water.
Iced americanos, on the other hand, are made by pouring espresso shots over ice and then topping the drink up with cold water.
Many people actually add milk to their iced americanos to help reduce some of the bitterness and make them a bit easier to drink.
Although hot americanos are said to have originated in World War II, no one knows exactly by who or when the iced americano was invented.
Still, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a popular cold beverage around the world!
How to Make an Iced Americano
Alright, enough with the history lessons.
Let’s get down to business!
Iced americanos are actually pretty easy to make at home, as long as you have a few ingredients and a good espresso machine.
Ingredients
First, let’s start by going over the ingredients. To make an iced americano you’ll need:
- Espresso: any roast (dark, medium, or light/blonde) works well for an iced americano as long as you brew it as espresso. I personally link using blonde espresso beans, although dark roast is traditional.
- Water: use cold filtered water as this gives your drink a better flavor. You can use a water filter or purchase bottled water.
- Ice: use ice made from filtered water if possible. You can also use coffee ice cubes to prevent it from watering down too much (more on that later.)
Instructions
With your ingredients in hand, you’re ready to get to work! Here’s what you’ll need to do to make a mean iced americano:
- Prepare two shots (60ml) of espresso. While you should theoretically have an espresso machine to do this, you can also use a Moka pot in a pinch.
- While your espresso is pouring, fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Next, pour the espresso over the ice cubes.
- Then, add the same amount of cold water as coffee (so another 60ml) and stir the drink well to combine
There you are! You’ve just made your very first iced americano!
Serving
Traditionally, iced americanos don’t have milk or sweeteners added to them.
However, that’s not to say you can’t add them anyway!
If you’re going to add a sweetener, it’s a good idea to use syrup. Sugar doesn’t dissolve well in cold water, but syrup will quickly dissolve.
A few favorites include classic simple syrup, caramel syrup, or vanilla syrup. However, it’s up to you what you add!
You can also add a splash of milk or cream to your drink. I recommend heavy whipping cream, as this makes your americano extra smooth.
Of course, you can always just drink it without any of this stuff.
The serving really is up to you!
Expert Tips
If you want to really step up your iced americano game, there are a few pro tips you can implement.
For one thing, some experts say you should add the water to the cup before you add the ice. This helps increase the amount of espresso crema left on the surface of the drink.
Just be careful with this, as you don’t want to add too much water. Make sure to measure out the ingredients carefully so that you have enough room for the ice in your glass.
Another pro tip is to use a ristretto shot instead of espresso to make the drink. Ristretto is less bitter than espresso, so it’s great for those who don’t like overly acidic coffee.
On the other hand, if you like strong coffee, you can also make your ice cubes using iced coffee.
This helps reduce the amount of water in your iced americano and retains that strong, dark flavor of the espresso.
Iced Americano vs Iced Coffee: What is the Difference?
If you’ve just made your own iced americano you might be thinking that it’s the same thing as an iced coffee.
After all, they’re both cold coffee drinks!
Despite the fact that they look and taste similar, iced americanos and iced coffees aren’t the same things.
Iced americanos are made using espresso, while iced coffee is made using any type of brewed coffee.
On top of that, iced americano contains added water.
In contrast, iced coffee is usually made using brewed coffee and ice cubes to cool it down. It doesn’t contain added water.
Iced Americano
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Tall glass
Ingredients
- 60 ml of fresh espresso
- 3-5 iced cubes
- 60 ml of cold water
- cream and sugar to taste
Instructions
- Use the espresso machine to pull your shots of espresso
- Meanwhile, add the ice to the glass
- Pour the espresso over the ice
- Top with the cold water
- Add cream and sugar to taste
- Serve and enjoy!
FAQ
Do you still have a few questions about iced americanos?
I hear you.
Check out these frequently asked questions about your new favorite drink to clear up all the mysteries.
Is an Iced Americano Good for You?
Any type of coffee can be good for you, as long as you don’t have too much. Since americanos are lower in calories than, say, a latte, they also tend to be a healthy option for those who are careful with what they eat.
Can You Put Milk in an Iced Americano?
Absolutely! Even though a traditional iced americano doesn’t contain milk, that’s not to say you can’t add it. With americanos, it’s up to you to add flavors and milk depending on your taste.
How Do You Make Iced Americano Taste Better?
Some people find that iced americanos are too bitter for them. To make it taste a bit more palatable, you can add a splash of milk or your favorite sweetener. This typically makes them a little easier to drink.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! A simple guide on how to make an iced americano.
Although this drink might not be the most well-known beverage, it’s a great option for anyone who wants a cold coffee on a hot day.
And of course, if you decide you prefer it hot, that’s always an option too.
Either way, the americano is a great drink for any coffee lover.
Want to learn a bit more about americanos? Check out this guide with the complete history of this classic coffee beverage!
