There are a plethora of coffee drinks available today that you can find at your favourite coffee shop.

Each one of them offers you a different taste and offers a unique experience. However, some of these coffee drinks might look like the same thing but they are not.

For example, many people consider black coffee and Americano to be the same thing. Since they have the same colour and texture, you might not be able to tell the difference at the first glance.

But, there are major differences between both these coffee drinks — from their flavour to caffeine content and the quantity of milk.

Therefore, it is best to understand the difference between black coffee and Americano so you know what you are ordering.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between these two drinks. So without further ado, let’s jump right into it!

Black Coffee and Americano: What Are They?

Black Coffee is a just simple cup of coffee that contains nothing. The brewing process doesn’t have any milk, sugar, cream or anything else, allowing the black coffee to have a strong taste. On the other hand, the Americano is just a simple espresso in which you add hot water to dilute the strong flavour of the espresso shot.

Statistics show that around 35% of the people who consume coffee prefer to drink black coffee. The best thing about black coffee is that it is low in calories and gives you an ultimate caffeine boost.

The origin stories of the Americano date back to World War II. Since the traditional Italian espresso was a bit hard and too small for the American soldiers, they decided to add some hot water to it. Later after, this drink was referred to as Caffe Americano.

You might also like to read: Americano with milk recipe

So what is the Difference between Black Coffee and Americano?

If you look at a cup of Americano and black coffee, you might make the mistake of considering both as the same. However, there are some key differences that set both these drinks apart.

Let’s go over the basic differences in more detail.

Black Coffee Vs Americano: Difference in the Taste

The taste of the black coffee pretty much depends on how much coffee you are using, what process is used for brewing, how you ground the coffee beans, and the roast level.

You will get a slightly sweet taste if you brew the black coffee in the right way. Also, you’ll notice a subtle flavour of honey and citrus. Moreover, there won’t be any bitterness that you’ll feel in your black coffee if you brew it properly.

On the other hand, the Americano is a relatively strong drink in which you can add more water to dilute the strong flavour of espresso.

You’ll get more of a dark and earthy taste from an Americano whereas black coffee has a rather sweet taste.

Black Coffee Vs Americano: Process of Making

Another factor that differentiates black coffee from Americano from black coffee is the process that you follow to make both of them.

The process to make the Americano is to force the water through the finely-ground coffee. As a result, it creates an espresso shot in which you can add hot water.

Conversely, there are various ways to make a hot cup of black coffee. You can use a Moka pot, the cold brew method, the pour-over method or any other way to make a hot cup of black coffee.

Also read on: how to make Americano coffee with an espresso machine

Black Coffee Vs Americano: Caffeine

For most people, caffeine is the most important factor when deciding on the best suitable coffee drink for them. Therefore, they would want to know about the caffeine amount that is present in the Americano or black coffee.

Different factors will determine the total amount of caffeine in these coffee drinks, such as the type of beans you use and the process for brewing. 

So, if you brew the coffee beans for too long in the water, it will release more caffeine. Additionally, the drink will have a more bitter taste.

Usually, Americano has less amount of caffeine than a cup of black coffee. If you want to increase the caffeine intake, then you can use a double shot of espresso when making an Americano.

Americano vs. Black Coffee: Which One Should I Choose?

Now you might have this question in mind whether you should go for Americano or a hot cup of black coffee. There are a few things you need to consider to help you find the right coffee drink.

The first thing you should consider is the amount of caffeine you want in your coffee. If you are someone who prefers a high amount of caffeine, then you should go for black coffee.

Moreover, the flavour that you want from your drink is also essential in choosing the right coffee drink. So, if you want to enjoy a rich flavour with slight bitterness and a thicker texture, then you should go for an Americano.

However, if you want to enjoy a drink that gives you floral hints and a subtle flavour, then it is best to go for a hot cup of black coffee. Either way, it is up to you to choose which coffee drink would satisfy your taste buds.

Related: how to make Americano coffee with Nespresso

Final Thoughts

We hope you now have the answer to the question of what is the difference between black coffee and Americano.

In a nutshell, the Americano contains single or double of shots espresso with hot water to dilute its strong taste.

On the other hand, black coffee is the same as other coffee just without cream or milk. Both of these drinks are great to get the energy you need to start your day. And with the winter season just around the corner, you can choose any one of these drinks to stay warm and cosy.

Both of these drinks contain different amount of caffeine and offers you a distinctive taste. So, you can choose the best one according to your taste and preference!