Figuring out the differences between the different types of espresso drinks that you can buy can be confusing at times.
This post will show you the differences between Americano and cappuccino, how they are made, how they taste and drinks that are similar to them.
So, what is the difference between Americano and cappuccino? Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. It tastes similar to coffee but is sweeter. Cappuccino is made by adding steamed milk and milk foam to espresso. It has a creamy and coffee-like taste.
There are actually a number of differences between Americano and cappuccino in the way that they taste. They can also vary largely in the way that they taste depending on how they are made.
Differences between Americano and cappuccino
Below, I will mention a number of differences between Americano and cappuccino, drinks that are similar to them, how to make them and what impacts their taste.
Americano
Americano is where hot water is added to espresso. It has a sweet taste that is similar to the taste of coffee.
Espresso is the mixture that results from mixing pressurized hot water with finely ground coffee. It has a very strong and rich taste that can sometimes be bitter. It also comes with a “Crema” on top which is a foamy substance that is very bitter. Some people like to eat it but others prefer to remove it with a spoon.
By adding the hot water to the espresso it helps to dissolve the Crema and reduce the bitter taste.
To make Americano it is first necessary to make espresso. There are three main ways to make espresso which are to either use a traditional espresso machine, a pod machine or to use a stovetop espresso maker.
Traditional espresso machines
To make espresso with a traditional machine you will need to get the coffee beans, grind them, push them down into a container, put the container into the machine and then to turn it on.
Below, is a video showing how to make espresso using a traditional espresso machine.
Traditional espresso machines can have a steep learning curve and it can be difficult to replicate a good espresso unless you track the exact measurements and grind that you used.
However, if you want to make truly authentic espresso or espresso that is of the highest possible quality then it will be necessary for you to use a traditional espresso machine. Having control over all of the different variables that go into making the espresso should also mean that you’ll be able to make the espresso exactly how you like it after some trial and error.
The traditional espresso machine that I would recommend the most would be this one on Amazon. It allows you to make regular coffee as well so it is more likely that you will be able to get full use out of it.
Pod machines
To make espresso using a pod machine all you need to do is to fill the machine with water, put a pod into the machine and then to press a button.
They don’t give you as much control over the way that the espresso tastes. However, there are normally many different flavors to choose from so you should be able to find a flavor that you like.
They will also take the least amount of time to use and they require less maintenance and cleaning than with traditional espresso machines.
The pod espresso machine that I would most recommend would be this one on Amazon.
Stovetop espresso makers
Stovetop espresso makers use steam to create the pressure to make the espresso with.
To use one you put water into the pot, then you put ground coffee over it and then you heat the pot up.
You can watch the video below to see how it is done.
Stovetop espresso makers are by far the cheapest option and they serve as a good option to test with to see whether or not you would get full use out of an actual espresso machine.
However, the espresso that they make won’t be of as higher quality as a traditional espresso machine.
The stovetop espresso maker that I would recommend the most would be this one on Amazon.
What impacts the taste of Americano
There are a number of factors that will impact the taste of the Americano.
If a lot of hot water is added to the espresso then it will dilute the espresso more and reduce its richness.
If the coffee beans are ground very finely, to make the espresso, then it will cause the espresso to taste more bitter and, in turn, the Americano as well. This is because, if the grind is too fine, then it will mean that it will take a long time for the water to pass through it causing too much coffee to mix with the water.
The type of roast that the beans have will also have an impact. If the roast is dark then it will normally cause the Americano to taste more bitter. If the roast is light then it will cause it to taste more sour.
Similar drinks
The long black is very similar to Americano. The long black is where the espresso is added to the hot water instead of adding the hot water to the espresso. By adding the espresso to the hot water it preserves the crema and keeps its bitterness.
The lungo is also similar to Americano. The lungo is where the espresso is made using more water than usual. The lungo will normally be richer than Americano since an Americano will normally have more water.
Related questions about Americano
Is Americano decaf? Americano is traditionally made using espresso which contains coffee so it won’t be decaf. However, there are decaf options available.
Is Americano made with milk? Traditionally it is not made with milk. If you add milk then it would make it a latte.
Is Americano the same as black coffee? Black coffee is brewed coffee that has had nothing else added to it. Americano is hot water added to espresso. They taste very similar but Americano is normally sweeter.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is where steamed milk and milk foam are added to espresso.
It has a strong coffee taste that is also creamy. How creamy it is will depend largely on the amount and the type of milk that is added.
Americano and cappuccino are different in that Americano has no milk or milk foam but cappuccino does. Cappuccino will taste less strong and more creamy than Americano.
There are a number of things that will impact the taste of cappuccino many of which are the same things that impact the taste of Americano mentioned in the section above.
If whole milk is used then it will cause it to get a creamier taste with a slightly weaker coffee taste.
Similar drinks
The latte is very similar to the Cappuccino. Latte is espresso with a lot of steamed milk and a little bit of milk foam added to it. Latter will have a more creamy taste with a weaker coffee taste.
Breve is also similar to cappuccino. The difference being that half and half whipped cream and steamed milk is added instead of adding steamed milk and milk foam. This gives the breve a creamier taste due to its higher fat content.
Related questions about cappuccino
Is cappuccino hot? Yes, cappuccino is served hot.
Is cappuccino sweet? Cappuccino will normally have a sweet taste to it. However, it is not very sweet and it is more creamy with a coffee taste.
Is cappuccino caffeinated? Cappuccino contains espresso which contains coffee so, yes, it is caffeinated. However, there are decaf options that you can buy.
Is cappuccino the same as coffee? No, cappuccino is where steamed milk and milk foam is added to espresso.
