Iced americano is a popular go-to order in most cafes. It’s easy to order, and it’s also one of the quickest drinks baristas can make, especially if you are running late for class or work.
When I first went to a Starbucks, my first coffee order was an iced americano. And after working as a barista during my early college days, I learned that anyone at home could make them. I also learned that there are three ways you can do to customize your iced americano so that your drinks or orders can be different and fun from time to time. So, today let’s learn how to make an iced americano at home 🏠.
What is an Americano?
Americano is a coffee drink that can be taken with hot or cold water and with an espresso shot added to it.
How do you make an Iced Americano?
Americano coffee is usually made with double shot espresso and hot water. The standard ratio is one part espresso to three parts water. To make an iced americano, baristas will add ice cubes in a cup, filtered cold water and an espresso shot.
Depending on the size of the cup sometimes a barista may add two to three espresso shots. For example, when a customer orders a small iced americano, usually a 12oz, a shot of espresso is added to the drink unless the customer orders an extra shot. But if a customer orders a medium-sized drink, which is 16oz, then that drink will have two espresso shots. Not all cafes do this, but the cafes I worked at did.
How to make an Iced Americano at home?
All you need is an at-home espresso maker or a Moka pot. The taste may be different with a Moka pot, but you achieve the same results.
What you will need:
- Iced cubes
- Water
- A shot of espresso
Instructions:
Fill the glass with ice. Carefully pour room temperature or cool water into the glass. Then add a shot of espresso on top.
What type of espresso machine do you have?
My espresso machine is a Nespresso Vertuo Next. I would love to have an actual mini espresso machine one day, but my living space is a little small for that right now. They are also expensive, so when the time is right, and I saved enough, I will upgrade. But for an everyday coffee drinker, a small one-button espresso machine is all you need.
Three ways to customize your Iced Americano
- After you make or when ordering your iced americano drink, add a splash of cream. You can also opt to add half n half, or my favorite is any milk. I would often choose oat or almond milk. If there is an unsweetened version, I will go for that too.
- You can also add an ounce or a pump of vanilla syrup. In Starbucks, they usually measure the number of pumps of syrup, so you can ask to add one pump of vanilla syrup.
- Last is ordering an extra shot of espresso. I would do this on days when I need a pick-me-up. Another tip is you can add the cream or half n half by yourself through their condiment table. (This was during pre-covid days, though).
Related Post: Iced Brown Shaken Espresso Latte
If you try this recipe out, tag me on Instagram @yesmooretea so I can see your amazing re-creations! I would also love it if you share your reviews in the comments below, and if you make this recipe with your twist, let me know how it worked out below, too :D!
How to make an Iced Americano at Home
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- water
- shot of espresso
Instructions
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Carefully pour room temperature or cool water into the glass.
- Then add a shot of espresso on top.
- Option: Add a splash of cream or your favorite milk, vanilla, or flavored syrup or an extra shot of espresso.
Natasha says
Okay definitely saving this because I need this in my life!