Coffee drinkers have a variety of espresso-based today that they can choose from, depending on their taste and preference. 

If you walk into a coffee shop, you will see the menu has various specialty drinks. You can find a mocha, lattes, or any unique drink. Nevertheless, it is essential to know the difference so you can have a better idea of what you are having.

While a few drinks might seem like the same thing, a small touch from the barista can create a world of difference. Take, for instance, long black and the Americano, which most people consider to be the same thing.

These drinks might look like the same thing and even taste the same, but there is a slight distinction that separates them from each other. So, is a long black the same as an Americano? And how can you make both these amazing drinks?

This article will tell you about the difference between both these drinks and how you can make them at your home. Let’s get right into it! 

Brief Overview of the Americano

Americano is one of the most popular drinks that people in various parts of the world enjoy. Simply put, it is made with two shots of espresso as the foundation with hot water to dilute the hard and bitter flavour.

The global coffee market is a lucrative industry and the Americano is a critical element of the entire industry. It was first invented in Italy during the 1940s. When the Americano soldiers found the traditional espresso to be a bit too strong and too small, they decide to do something innovative.

The soldiers added hot water to the espresso to dilute the hard taste and increase its volume. Hence, the Americano was created!

Suggested Reading: how to make americano coffee at home

Brief Overview of the Long Black

The long black is also an espresso-based drink that you can find in different coffee shops. It also has the same ingredients as the Americano which are one or two shots of espresso and hot water.

This amazing espresso-based drink was first discovered in Australia and New Zealand. Some people believe that the long black came into existence as an attraction for American tourists.

Is a Long Black the Same as an Americano?

Now that you know what an Americano and a long black are, you might wonder whether both are the same. After all, they both have the same ingredients. While both are made with water and espresso, the order of mixing both is essential.

The critical difference is that in a long black, you’ll pour the espresso over the hot water. On the other hand, it is the complete opposite when making an Americano since you’ll pour hot water over the espresso. 

While it might not be a significant difference for many people, it can impact the taste and flavour of your drink. So, when you are making these drinks at your home or ordering them at a coffee shop, you should know about this difference.

Also, an important thing to keep in mind is that using a coffee filter wouldn’t make a long black or an Americano. It will only give you something that vaguely resembles coffee.

As a normal coffee drinker, you might make the mistake of considering both drinks to be the same. However, an experienced barista has a fair understanding of the difference between both.

Also read on: what is the difference between fine and coarse ground coffee

How to Make Americano at Your Home?

The Americano is a fantastic espresso drink that you can have any time of the day. Want to know the best part? You don’t even have to go to a coffee shop to get one. Just follow the steps mentioned below to make a hot cup of Americano at your home.

• Step 1 – Take around 6 ounces of water and put it in the oven.
• Step 2 – Boil the water and then set aside in a cup.
• Step 3 – Make your espresso shot through the espresso machine and pour it into a separate cup.
• Step 4 – Top up the cup of espresso with your hot water.

Another great thing about espresso is that you can also enjoy it as a chilled drink. Follow the same steps mentioned above and simply replace the hot water with the cold one.

How to Make Long Black Coffee at Your Home?

There is no hard process to make a long black coffee at your home. In fact, it is the same as making an Americano with a slight distinction.

Here is a step-by-step process to help you out with it:

• Step 1 – Pour around 6 ounces of water and place it over the stove.
• Step 2 – Heat the water and then pour it into a cup.
• Step 3 – Make your espresso shot through the espresso machine and take it out into a separate cup.
• Step 4 – Pour the espresso shots over the hot water carefully.

And there you have it, a hot cup of long black coffee! While the steps are more or less the same for making an Americano, it is important to keep the last step in your mind. It is the one thing that separates the Americano from the long black coffee.

Long Black or An Americano — Which One to Choose?

We hope you now have a clear idea about the difference between the long black and an Americano. So, which one should you choose? It depends on your personal taste and preference.

If you prefer to enjoy a thick crema over your cup of coffee, then you should go for a long black. It is something that you find in the Americano since adding hot water breaks the crema. The Americano has a mellower flavour and a slightly different taste.

So, if you don’t prefer a strong crema over your coffee, then you should go for an Americano. Nevertheless, each of these drinks has something to offer in its own way. We would recommend that you try both of them and then choose the best one for you.