Most people enjoy a stronger taste from their coffee to get the energy that will help them get through the day. Coffee is something that gives you the power to carry out activities throughout the day. And consuming coffee for additional energy isn’t something new.

It has been one of the driving forces for the industrial revolution during the mid-18th century and early 19th century. So, if you are feeling tired and had a long day, coffee is just the right thing for you to get a refreshing feel.

Most coffee lovers would want to enjoy a strong coffee drink. However, with so many options available for coffee drinks, you might be wondering which one to go for. Mostly, Americano and espresso are the two drinks that can give an instant caffeine kick.

But which is stronger, Americano or espresso? This article will cover in-depth both these coffee drinks and explain which one has a stronger flavour. Let’s dive right into it!

Brief Overview of the Espresso

Espresso is an Italian drink that is straight coffee that you can enjoy as it is or with a slight sprinkle of sugar. It is popular for its intensity and the strong flavour you get from it. On average, the size of a single espresso shot is one ounce.

However, many people prefer to have double or even triple shots for their espresso. The espresso shot can be classified into three parts:

Body – It is the lower bottom part that is dark in colour

Heart – It is the middle part

Crema – It is the foamy layer that forms on top of the espresso.

An important thing to note is that the distinctive aftertaste you get from your espresso is primarily due to the air bubbles in the crema.

Also read on: how to make americano coffee with espresso machine

Brief Overview of the Americano

Americano is an espresso-based drink in which you add hot water to the espresso to dilute its strong and bitter flavour. The average size of the Americano can be anywhere from 8 to 20 ounces.

The main reason to add water to the espresso is to get a less concentrated flavour from the espresso. It also increases the overall volume of the drink since the espresso is too little in quantity.

Which is Stronger Americano or Espresso?

When it comes to Americano and espresso, most people would think there is a just slight difference in adding hot water to both drinks. However, the addition of hot water to the espresso shots can create a world of difference in terms of taste and presentation.

So, it is vital to understand the key distinction between both drinks. The brewing process of the espresso gives it a competitive edge over Americano. It is a much more strong and rich coffee that people love all over the world due to its high caffeine intake.

On the flip side, the Americano is known for those who don’t prefer to enjoy a balanced flavour from their coffee but want the same caffeine hit as an espresso. While both coffee drinks have the same basis, they have different flavours from each other.

Caffeine Level 

One of the most common reasons most people prefer to choose either an espresso or an Americano is because of the caffeine levels. Some people require a higher caffeine intake to complete the relevant tasks.

Studies show that a single shot of espresso of about 30 to 50 ml usually has around 60 to 65 mg of caffeine. Since both the Americano and the espresso have two shots, you’ll be consuming around 125 to 130 mg of caffeine.

Most people prefer a double shot of espresso in their Americano, so it doesn’t lose its strong flavour too much. But if you prefer to enjoy a more yellow flavour, then you can go for a single shot of espresso in your Americano.

Related Article: Does an Americano have more caffeine than a cold brew?

Which Coffee Should You Go For?

With a clear idea about the difference between these two drinks, you might have a question in your mind regarding which one to go for. Here is a quick suggestion to help you out with the decision-making process for the espresso or the Americano:

If you want to drink a coffee that has a mellow flavour, smooth notes of coffee, and a higher volume so you can enjoy it for a longer period, then you should for an Americano. 

If the volume of the drink is not something that you don’t look forward to, and want to drink a coffee that has a stronger flavour, then the espresso is an optimal choice for you. 

A single shot of espresso can help you give a strong flavour and a decent amount of caffeine if you are busy at work. On the other hand, you can enjoy the Americano early in the morning, so you have a large drink to enjoy.

Also, if you have an espresso machine at your home, then it won’t be difficult for you to make both of these amazing drinks at your home without any issues. All you need is the right coffee pods, and the machine will do all the hard work for you.

Note:

If you want to enjoy the best flavour of your coffee, be sure to buy quality coffee beans from a reputable brand. Coffee beans can make or break the deal when it comes to coffee drinks so make sure to choose ideal brand such as Kahwati.

Final Thoughts

While both drinks have identical coffee bases, some differences set the Americano apart from the espresso. If you are a coffee enthusiast that drinks more than one cup a day, then these differences will matter a lot to you.

Simply adding water to the espresso will give you a completely new drink. Also, you can try out different variations of the Americano, such as iced or white Americano, according to your taste and preference.

We hope this article helps you understand the different tastes and caffeine levels you can get from consuming both coffees. After knowing about their difference, it will be relatively easier for you to decide which coffee drink is more suitable according to your taste and preference.

Also, it gives you an idea about the different coffee drinks that you can try. So, the next time you visit your coffee shop, make sure to try out both of these coffee drinks!