The Iced Americano is a beloved coffee beverage that gained fame among American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II.
Also referred to as the Cold Long Black, it emerged as a cooler alternative for those soldiers who found the robust Italian espresso too strong and sought to dilute it with cold water to better match the coffee they were accustomed to back home.
Quick Guide for Iced Americano
Fill a Glass with Ice: Start by filling a tall glass to the brim with ice cubes to ensure your drink stays chilled.
Brew Espresso: Brew a single or double shot of espresso, according to your preference or the order.
Pour Over Ice: Immediately pour the freshly brewed espresso over the ice in the glass.
Add Cold Water: Top the glass off with cold water, adjusting the amount to taste. The standard ratio is about double the volume of espresso used.
Stir and Enjoy: Give the mixture a good stir to cool the espresso and blend the flavors. Your Iced Americano is ready to enjoy!
Today, the Iced Americano enjoys widespread popularity, leading many coffee machines to feature a dedicated spout for adding cold water directly to espresso. It stands as one of the most straightforward specialty coffee drinks, available in cafes worldwide, and ranks among the top favored coffee selections that do not include milk.
The ideal way to prepare an Iced Americano involves adding a double shot of espresso over ice, followed by cold water. This preparation method ensures the drink remains crisp and flavorful without the hot water altering the espresso's natural essence, offering a refreshing and invigorating coffee experience.