Long Black vs Americano: What is the Difference?
A Long Black and an Americano are both popular espresso beverages. However, they are not the same drink.
While the ingredients are the same, the way that they are prepared and brewed makes them very different in their flavor profiles and caffeine levels. So, how are they different and which one is better? These are the questions that we will discuss in this article. You will know everything regarding these two coffee drinks to decide which one is the right one for you. Ok, let’s get right to it.
What is a Long Black?
A Long Black coffee is a popular espresso drink that is made by pouring two shots of espresso over a cup of hot water. While it is mostly enjoyed hot, it can also be served cold. It has a bold, strong flavor that is lighter than a straight shot of espresso.
A crema develops at the top, but it does not add any creaminess or sweetness to the drink. You can add in sugar, cream, or flavors to satisfy your personal taste preference.
History of the Long Black:
The Long Black coffee drink is believed to have been first created by an Italian who moved to Australia. It is a very popular beverage in both Australia and New Zealand. The Long Black is still made in the traditional way, with two shots of espresso. However, you can also get it using one shot instead. This allows you to enjoy a milder version of the coffee beverage.
How to Make a Long Black:
If you want to make this drink in the comfort of your own home it is very simple to prepare. There are only a few steps to make it. These steps are:
- Heat 4 ounces of water
- Pour the hot water into a coffee cup
- Gently pour in 2 shots of espresso, keep close to the surface of the water for best results
You will know that you have successfully made a Long Black if you can see a nice layer of crema on the top.
What is an Americano?
An Americano, or Caffe Americano, traditionally consists of two shots of espresso and hot water. It is smoother than regular black coffee, but not as bold as a Long Black. This is a quick and simple drink to make. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to successfully make it each morning.
History of the Americano:
The Americano, or Caffe Americano, is thought to have been invented in Italy during WWII in the 1940’s. Caffe Americano means “American Coffee” in Italian. The story goes that the American soldiers stationed in Italy missed the taste of the coffee they were used to back home.
While Italians drink strong, bold espresso, Americans drink regular black coffee. The Americano was invented to try and recreate the familiar taste from home that the soldiers wanted. The Italians would add hot water to the espresso to dilute it for them. It seems to have worked and has been a popular coffee beverage in the US ever since.
You can now easily find it in coffee shops. Not only is it widely available, but it is also an affordable option for you to order. If you are looking for a step up from your standard black coffee without breaking the bank, then definitely give this one a try.
How to Make an Americano:
You can quickly and easily make an Americano anytime you want right at home. You just need to follow a few steps to make this delicious coffee beverage. These steps are:
- Heat up 6 ounces of water, set aside
- Brew 2 ounces of espresso
- Pour the espresso into a coffee cup
- Add the hot water to the cup of espresso
This coffee drink is much easier to make because you don’t have to worry about destroying the layer of crema on top. The two ingredients will mix together well. This drink is mild, but not creamy or sweet at all. However, you can add in any ingredients you want to suit your taste and preference.
Long Black vs Americano: What is the Difference?
While both the Long Black and Americano use the same ingredients to make them. The two drinks also have differences that set them apart and make them unique caffeinated beverages. These differences include:
How it’s Made:
The Long Black is made by pouring espresso into a cup of hot water. On the other hand, an Americano is made by pouring hot water into a cup of espresso. This may not seem like much of a difference. However, the simplest of changes creates a unique coffee beverage.
The amount of water used, and espresso depending on if you make the drinks in the traditional way completely changes the flavor profile. If you like a lighter, more mild coffee drink then you should choose the Americano.
However, if you like a bold, complex coffee drink then the Long Black is for you. It’s also important to note that the coffee you use and the way that you brew the espresso will affect the flavor of the coffee beverages as well.
The Taste:
The Long Black is stronger, bolder, and slightly sweeter than the Americano in flavor. The layer of crema at the top cuts some of the bitterness out of the drink. An Americano, on the other hand, it not as bold. It is milder, but less sweet and slightly bitter. However, some of this will depend on the type of espresso beans you use and the method you use to brew it.
Caffeine Level:
One of the most popular questions that I get regarding these two coffee beverages is, what is the caffeine level of them? These two drinks use the same caffeinated ingredient which is espresso. Therefore, if you make them in the traditional way, with two shots of espresso, they will have the same amount of caffeine.
The caffeine level is dependent on how many shots of espresso you add to these beverages. However, because the taste profile is different you may add in more or less espresso to suit your preference which will change the caffeine level. You will have to add more shots of espresso to the Americano to get the bolder taste that the Long Black has. It really depends on how you make it.
Final Thoughts: Which is Better?
So, which drink is better the Long Black or the Americano. This really comes down to personal preference. Both drinks are pretty good in my opinion. However, I prefer a sweeter taste to my coffee. Therefore, I would choose to order a Long Black.
The layer of crema on top helps to cut some of the bitterness from it. While the flavor is bolder than an Americano, that hint of sweetness makes it better in my opinion. However, if you don’t like to have a layer of crema on top and want a milder flavor profile then you will like the Americano better.
If you haven’t tried either one, then I suggest you make or order one of each and then decide. These are both very popular coffee drinks for a reason, they are both delicious.
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