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Understanding Espresso

# Americano vs Long Black: Two Ways to Make Black Coffee

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

Category: [Understanding Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/)Tags: [Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/espresso/) [Brewing](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/brewing/)

## Quick answer

Both drinks bring espresso and water together, yet the order and **proportions** can change the result. Try an Americano and **a long black** side by side to see which **serving** suits you. Neither name fixes one universal recipe.

## Key takeaways

- Both drinks bring espresso and water together, yet the order and proportions can change the result.

- An Americano is commonly prepared by adding hot water to espresso.

- A long black is commonly made by pouring espresso over hot water.

 

![A cup of black coffee on a wooden table.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/black-coffee-on-wooden-table.avif)

A cup of black coffee on a wooden table.

## How an Americano is usually made

 

An Americano is commonly prepared by adding hot water to espresso. The amount of water is a matter of taste and shop **recipe**. Adding water after the shot can soften its intensity while keeping **the espresso** flavor recognizable.

 

## How a long black is usually made

 

**A long black** is commonly made by **pouring** espresso over hot water. This order can leave more **crema** visible on top, though crema depends on **the beans** and extraction and is not a reliable quality score. The drink’s strength still depends on how much espresso and water are used.

 

## Which one should you choose?

 

Choose the name your café uses for the style you prefer, or make both at home and **compare**. Use **the same espresso shot** and water amount, then change only the order. If you want a milder drink, add water gradually; if you prefer a stronger cup, use less water rather than pulling an unusually long shot.

 

Both drinks depend on a balanced espresso base. Our guide to [**espresso** machines](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/coffee-machines/espresso/) explains the equipment category, while [**ristretto**, espresso, and **lungo**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/ristretto-espresso-lungo-differences/) describes how shot volume changes the drink.

 

## Compare the order without changing the recipe

 

Pull one espresso and divide it between two small cups. Add the same amount of hot water to each, putting water into one cup first and espresso into the other. Taste them side by side before adding milk or sweetener. This isolates **preparation** order from differences in the coffee or **serving size**.

 

If you want a gentler drink, add water gradually to either style. If you prefer **the espresso** to remain more prominent, use less water. Café names vary, so describing **the preparation** you like can be clearer than ordering by name alone.

 

## Adjust the cup without over-extracting

 

If you want a larger drink, add hot water after brewing rather than letting espresso run far beyond **the recipe**. A longer **extraction** can taste different from a shot diluted with water. Keep the shot and water amounts steady while comparing order, and **taste before adding** milk or sweetener.

 

When ordering, ask how the café builds its Americano or **long black** if you want a particular **balance**. Some shops use the names differently, so a clear description of the drink you prefer is the most reliable guide.

 

Use a heat-safe cup and leave **room** to adjust the water after **tasting**. This is easier than trying to correct an over-diluted drink. When **serving** more than one person, make each cup separately so everyone can choose their own strength. Serve each cup promptly while it is hot.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [**coffee preparation**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_preparation), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Learn library](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/)

## Frequently asked questions

Which one should you choose?

Choose the name your café uses for the style you prefer, or make both at home and compare. Use the same espresso shot and water amount, then change only the order. If you want a milder drink, add water gradually; if you prefer a stronger cup, use less water rather than pulling an unusually long shot.

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

## Related guides

- [Do You Need to Tamp Coffee Hard? A Beginner’s Guide](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/do-you-need-to-tamp-coffee-hard/)

- [What Is Espresso Channeling and How Can You Spot It?](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/espresso-channeling/)

- [Ristretto, Espresso and Lungo: What Is the Difference?](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/ristretto-espresso-lungo-differences/)