Add espresso to hot water
A caffè Americano combines espresso and hot water. Starbucks Coffee at Home publishes one example with two espresso shots and 1.25 cups of hot water, added by pouring espresso slowly into the water. Treat that as a source-labeled starting point. Cup size and dilution can vary.
| Source example | Espresso | Water | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks Coffee at Home | 2 shots | 1.25 cups hot water | Espresso into water |
Make one measured cup
- Put hot water in a heat-safe cup, leaving room for espresso.
- Pull the espresso.
- Pour the espresso into the water.
- Write down the espresso amount and water amount before you change either one.
Start with the source example if its cup size works for you. If you want a shorter or longer drink, change the water amount first and keep the espresso amount the same. This makes the next cup easier to compare without claiming one ratio is correct for every espresso.
Use how to make espresso at home for the espresso base. Americano versus coffee explains the difference between an Americano and drip coffee.
Keep the recipe honest
The published Starbucks example is not a universal standard. Your espresso yield, cup, water temperature, and preferred dilution can differ. Follow your machine manual for safe operation.
We read Starbucks Coffee at Home's Caffè Americano recipe on September 21, 2026. We did not physically test, own, prepare, taste, or measure this method.
Use the linked method for the next step after this task.
Continue with the related methodCommon questions
What should I check before I start?
A caffè Americano combines espresso and hot water. Keep the espresso amount fixed while you adjust the water to suit your cup.
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