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Iced and Refreshing Coffee

 

# Iced Americano

 

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

 

Category: [Iced and Refreshing Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/)Tags: Iced Americano Iced Coffee No Milk Espresso

 

Active time: approximately 3 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

The method puts cold water and ice in the glass before adding **espresso**. This cools the shot quickly and creates a larger black coffee without adding milk. **Stir** gently to combine; vigorous stirring is unnecessary and can make **the ice** melt faster.

## Key takeaways

- The method puts cold water and ice in the glass before adding espresso.

- Ice will continue to melt, especially if the espresso is still warm or the glass is at room temperature.

- An iced Americano lengthens espresso with cold water, giving you a larger black coffee while keeping espresso’s concentrated character.

 

![Iced coffee with ice cubes in a clear cup on a wooden table.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/iced-coffee-in-clear-cup.avif)

Iced coffee with ice cubes in a clear cup on a wooden table.

## Ingredients

 

- 60 ml espresso
 
- 120 ml cold **water**
 
- 120 g ice.

 

## Method

- Add water and **ice** to **a glass**.

- Pour in **the espresso** and **stir** gently.

 

### Control the strength

 

The listed **proportions** are a starting point. If the cup tastes too concentrated, add a little more cold water; if **the espresso** becomes faint, use less water the next time. Keep the espresso **recipe** steady while adjusting the dilution so the comparison stays clear.

 

## Serve soon after mixing

 

Ice will continue to melt, especially if the espresso is still warm or the glass is at **room temperature**. Chill the water and glass ahead if convenient, and drink the Americano shortly after assembly. For a hot version, **compare** the [homemade Americano](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/homemade-americano/); for espresso with fizz, see [espresso tonic](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/classic-espresso-tonic/).

## Why this drink is more than cold espresso

 

An iced Americano lengthens espresso with cold water, giving you a larger black coffee while keeping espresso’s concentrated character. It is different from iced **filter coffee**, which is brewed by a separate method, and from an espresso tonic, which adds carbonation and **bitterness**. **The recipe** stays unsweetened unless you choose to add something.

 

### Taste before changing the ratio

 

Stir the drink and take a sip before adjusting it. If it is too strong, add **a small amount** of cold water; if it tastes thin, check the espresso before reducing the water. Note the change so you can make the same glass again. Cold ingredients help reduce **ice** melt during assembly.

## Choose the order that suits your glass

 

This **recipe** adds espresso after the water and ice. You can stir before **serving** for an even cup or leave the layers visible until the first sip. The drink remains an Americano either way; what matters is the espresso-to-water **balance** you enjoy and how quickly the ice dilutes it.

## Further reading

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

[Back to Iced and Refreshing Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/) 

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

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

## Related recipes

- [Classic Iced Latte](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/classic-iced-latte/)

- [Coconut Water Iced Coffee](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/coconut-water-iced-coffee/)

- [Classic Espresso Tonic](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/iced-and-refreshing-coffee/classic-espresso-tonic/)