These days, there are plenty of coffee options in coffee shops, and deciding which one to choose can be a bit challenging. Among these numerous choices, Americano and Latte are two of the most popular and complex options. Let’s see what makes these coffee beverages excellent.
Americano and Latte are both espresso-based beverages, but the similarities end there. If you’re not aware of the significant differences or haven’t had a chance to taste one of them, let’s explore them together. Once you understand the differences, you can confidently order at your favorite coffee shop.
Contents
Americano
An Americano is a mixture of water with two shots of espresso. While it may seem very simple, on a deeper level, it’s much more than that. It’s far better than what regular black coffee can offer. It’s not strong, bitter, or overly acidic. Americano is exactly what you’d love in a drip coffee. It’s tasty, relatively affordable, and tastes just like a cup of coffee.
Latte and Americano are both caffeinated beverages. But what’s the difference between a Latte and an Americano? The distinction between Latte and Americano lies in the use or absence of steamed milk. This difference between Latte and Americano leads to other variations, including their caffeine content, calories, and taste. However, the preparation of these two coffee types is usually customizable.
Latte
Latte is the creamiest option for espresso. It’s composed of one shot of espresso and two-thirds of a cup of steamed milk. A layer of frothed milk is placed on top of it.
If you love the taste of freshly brewed espresso and the comforting flavor of warm milk, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy every sip of a Latte. But it doesn’t end there. Some people consume Latte as their morning coffee beverage for health reasons. A proper Latte provides nutritious elements. The milk in it, includes calcium for strong bones and protein for tissue and muscle repair.
read more: Flat White vs Latte
One of the key differences between an Americano and a Latte is their fundamental composition. In an Americano, a shot of espresso is diluted with water to make the drink milder and less strong. However, a Latte consists of two main components: espresso and milk.
Americano
- Prepared with just espresso and hot water.
- Intense and robust flavor.
- Typically served black, but sweeteners can be added.
Latte
- Made with espresso and steamed milk.
- Rich and creamy flavor.
- Creamy texture with a frothy top.
An Americano typically uses plain milk, while a Latte uses either steamed milk or frothy milk, which gives the drink a distinctive taste and appearance.
An Americano typically has a high ratio of espresso to water, making the espresso flavor much stronger. However, in a latte, the ratio of espresso to milk is higher, imparting a smooth and distinctive aroma to the drink.
americano vs latte calories
- Americano (8 ounces): Approximately 5 calories
- Latte (8 ounces): Approximately 120-150 calories
How did the Americano come about?
The name of this coffee drink suggests that both the beverage and its history are directly linked to the United States. While the Americano term only became popular in the 1970s, this hot beverage had been around for several decades before that.
Caffè Americano was born during the height of World War II when American soldiers landed in Italy and discovered the coffee culture there. Initially finding Italian coffee too strong, GIs would dilute it with hot water to make it more enjoyable – thus, the Americano was born. Contrary to the common notion that “Americano” refers to a specific brand or roaster, it is simply a “pulled” espresso.
Another legend states that British writer Somerset Maugham used the term “Café Américain” in a novel published in 1928. However, it’s unlikely that this is the same as today’s Americano, even though no specific information is available.
Making an Original Americano
Making an Americano may seem straightforward at first: brew espresso, add hot water. However, if you want to prepare a true Americano, you need not only the right ingredients but also the correct order. Here’s how you can prepare an optimal Americano:
Preparation:
Initially, preparation is much like making espresso. Pay attention to the “5 Ms,” especially here:
- Blend and select coffee beans
- Coffee quantity
- Grind size
- Equipment
- Person
Here, around 7 grams (+/- 0.5 grams) of finely ground espresso is sufficient.
Water Dilution: If you have an espresso machine, you can add water directly to the appropriate reservoir. If you don’t have this luxury, you can heat water on the stovetop. Here, you need to ensure that the desired brewing temperature is maintained. For espresso, it ranges between 90-94 degrees Celsius.
Brewing:
You can then brew the espresso. This can be done with a machine or manually.
Important: Do not pour the espresso into the cup before this, as water will be added later.
Americano vs. Latte
Caffè Americano is a classic espresso-based coffee. It’s a practical alternative for those who prefer larger servings but don’t want to lose the unique taste of espresso. Since the Caffè Americano has the same amount of acidity and caffeine as a regular espresso – after all, only hot water is added – its taste is milder compared to its smaller sibling. An excellent choice for a classic coffee, especially after a meal.
What is an Iced Latte?
Iced Latte is a type of coffee made from espresso, milk, and ice cubes. The espresso is first poured into a glass, followed by milk, and the drink is filled with ice cubes. Iced Latte is a cold milk-based beverage that usually has a mild and creamy taste. It can also be flavored with syrups or spices like cinnamon or vanilla.
What is an Iced Americano?
An Iced Americano consists of espresso and water poured over ice cubes. Unlike Iced Latte, it does not contain milk and is a black coffee beverage. Iced Americano typically has a bitter and strong flavor influenced by the quality of the espresso used.
Key Differences Between Iced Latte and Iced Americano
The most prominent difference between Iced Latte and Iced Americano lies in their ingredients and taste. Iced Latte contains milk, while Iced Americano is a black coffee beverage. Iced Latte has a mild and creamy taste, whereas Iced Americano has a bitter and strong flavor.
Another significant difference is the caffeine content. Since Iced Americano doesn’t contain milk, it has more caffeine compared to Iced Latte. So, if you’re looking for a caffeinated beverage, Iced Americano might be the better choice.
Which Beverage to Choose?
Choosing between Iced Latte and Iced Americano depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a milk-based drink with a mild flavor, the Iced Latte is your best choice. However, if you enjoy a bitter and strong taste and need more caffeine, Iced Americano is the better option.”
