What is the Difference Between Long Black and Americano

Long black and Americano are two popular black coffee drinks made with espresso and hot water. They may seem similar at first, but there is a distinct difference between long black and Americano – the way they’re prepared. This method of preparation also creates a difference in flavor.

What is the difference between long black and Americano? Long black is made by pouring espresso over hot water, while an Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Long Black 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Americano
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Long Black and Americano
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Long Black and Americano
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Long Black and Americano
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Long Black, Americano, Espresso, Coffee

What is a Long Black

A long black is a popular coffee drink from Australia and New Zealand. The long black was created when Italian immigrants brought espresso-making to Australia. In Italy, people usually drank small, strong shots of espresso (called a short black). But in Australia, people wanted something they could sip on for longer and something not quite as intense. To suit local tastes, baristas started adding hot water to the cup first and then pouring espresso over it. This method created a drink that kept the bold flavor and crema of espresso but was less intense and more balanced. Australians began calling this drink a “long black” because it was a longer version of the short black (espresso), and the name stuck.

A long black is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water. This technique gives it its unique flavor and strong kick. The amount of hot water can vary, but it’s usually around 100 to 120 millilitres (about 3.5 to 4 ounces). As there’s less water than in an Americano, the long black has a stronger, bolder taste. It also keeps more of that golden crema (the foamy layer on top), especially when made the right way.

The long black is similar to an Americano, but the key difference is the order in which it’s made.

What is an Americano

An Americano is a type of coffee made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso. This makes the drink less strong than a straight espresso but still keeps its rich and complex flavor.

Generally, an Americano has one shot of espresso mixed with 120 to 180 millilitres (4 to 6 ounces) of hot water. The ratio of espresso to water is often around 1:3 or 1:4, but you can adjust it to make your drink stronger or milder depending on your taste. The hot water can come from the espresso machine itself or from a kettle.

Similarities Between Long Black and Americano

1. Both are made using espresso and hot water.
2. They can be made using one or two shots of espresso,
3. They are longer, more diluted versions of a regular espresso (short black).
4. Both have a smoother, milder taste compared to straight espresso.

Difference Between Long Black and Americano

Definition

• Long black is a coffee made by pouring espresso over hot water, which is popular in Australia and New Zealand, whereas Americano is a coffee made by adding hot water to espresso.

Order of Making

• In a long black, hot water is poured into the cup first, then espresso is added on top, whereas in an Americano, espresso is poured into the cup first, then hot water is added on top.

Crema

• Long black keeps more of the crema (the golden layer on top of espresso), but Americano often loses some crema.

Strength

• Long black tends to taste stronger and more intense, while Americano tastes milder and smoother.

Water-to-Espresso Ratio

• Long blacks use a smaller amount of water, whereas Americanos use more water.

FAQ: Long Black and Americano

1. Is Americano the same as long black?

No, an Americano and a long black are not exactly the same. They both use espresso and hot water, but the order of mixing is different. A long black has water first, then espresso, whereas an Americano has espresso first, then water.

2. What is stronger, Americano or black coffee?

Black coffee is usually stronger than an Americano because it’s brewed directly from ground coffee, often with a higher ratio of coffee to water. An Americano is made by diluting espresso with water, so it tends to taste milder.

3. Can you add milk to a long black?

Yes, you can add milk to a long black if you like. It’s usually served without milk, but there are no strict rules. Adding a little milk or cream can soften the strong flavor.

4. Is long black healthy?

Yes, a long black is generally healthy. It’s low in calories, has no sugar or fat (unless you add milk or sweeteners), and contains antioxidants from the coffee.

Reference:

1. “What Is an Americano? How Is It Different From Brewed Coffee?” SpotOn.

2. “Long black.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cafe Americano” By JefferyGoldman – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Long black coffee time at Hard Pressed in East Melbourne” By Katherine Lim (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr