
A tall, cold iced americano may just be one of the best drinks of summer. It is refreshing, cold and also energizing. An iced Americano is also a little different than a regular iced coffee.
We will tell you all about it! We will also teach you how to make an Iced Americano perfectly. Get excited- we are!
What is an Americano?
An americano is very similar to a regular brewed coffee. It is actually supposed to mimic the taste of a brewed coffee! Let me tell you a little bit about it.

In most European countries, espresso drinks are much more popular than brewed coffee. It is easier to find a shot of espresso than a brewed cup of coffee. Brewed coffee is much more popular in the United States.
The americano was created to be like the popular American drink. It is essentially espresso that is diluted water. Espresso plus hot water gives you a drink just like a brewed coffee. It weakens the flavor of the espresso to be just like a regular cup of coffee. It is a great way to enjoy a caffeinated drink that is like brewed coffee when you only have espresso around.
One key to remember is there are different types of espresso shots. For example, a long shot is 1 part water and 1 part espresso. A ristretto is 1 part espresso and 1 part water making it stronger.
If you have the choice of a long shot vs ristretto for making an Americano, use a ristretto which will make your drink more potent and tastier.

What is an Iced Americano?
An iced americano is chilled water and espresso mixed together. It is a great replacement for iced coffee and can actually be made faster than an iced coffee. Let us tell you all about it.
An americano is just espresso and water. One quick little trick to make an iced americano is to fill a glass with ice then pour your hot brewed espresso over the ice. The ice will melt into water, chill the espresso and give you the perfect americano! So simple!
If your local coffee shop doesn’t have iced coffee (some shops don’t have iced coffee on hand in the winter), ask for an iced americano instead. It is a great way to make a very fresh, iced coffee.

Iced Americano Recipe
Our iced americano recipe is super easy to make. All you need is brewed espresso and water. Here is how you can make a super quick, iced americano Starbucks style.
- Fill an eight ounce glass with ice.
- Pour the two shots of brewed espresso into the glass.
- Top with ½ cup water and stir once or twice.
- Add simple syrup as desired to get the sweetness you’d like.
- Enjoy!
Anyone can make an iced americano very easily. Ice, espresso and water is all it takes!

How to Make Espresso at Home
Not everyone is lucky enough to have an espresso machine at home. If you do have an espresso machine, then you know exactly how to make home brewed espresso! If you need a different way to brew espresso at home, we can help! Take a look at these few ways to make espresso at home.
- Aeropress- The Aeropress is a handheld press that looks similar to a French press coffee pot. The Aeropress uses hot water and espresso grounds to make the perfect shot of espresso. Simply add the coffee grounds and hot water, let them sit for a minute then press the grins to the bottom of the machine. The result is a perfect, strong shot of espresso that will taste great in your iced americano recipe.
- Instant Espresso- There are some instant espresso coffees that you can buy in the grocery store. Instant espresso powder dissolves directly into water. You can simply measure the powder into the hot water, stir and enjoy! This is a very fast way to make an iced americano without an espresso machine.
- Keurig- Many newer Keurig machines have an espresso shot button which will make a perfect espresso shot using a k cup. If your keurig does not have an espresso shot button, try selecting the smallest size brew and using the “strong” setting on the machine. This will brew an ultra powerful coffee that can be used to make an iced americano.

Making espresso at home is not too tricky. You can just use these easy methods! However, if you are a true espresso lover, you should look into a good espresso machine. They are so convenient to have! You never have to buy an iced americano again!
We hope you give our delicious iced americano recipe a try. It is so simple to make and the best way to enjoy a freshly brewed iced coffee. That strong espresso taste just can’t be beaten!
You Asked, We’re Answering
Do you have questions about making an iced americano? Hopefully some of these frequently asked questions and answers will help you create the perfect drink!
Is iced Americano stronger than iced coffee?
The size of your iced americano versus an iced coffee will decide if the drink is stronger. However, on average, an iced coffee is stronger than an iced americano. A shot of espresso in an iced americano has about 64 milligrams of caffeine. One cup of iced coffee has about 96 milligrams of caffeine.
Why is iced americano so bitter?
Espresso tends to have a more bitter taste when compared to brewed coffee. An iced americano is made with espresso so it is more bitter than a regular iced coffee. Ass a splash of simple syrup to help make the drink taste sweeter and more mild.
What's the difference between an iced americano and an iced coffee?
Iced americano is made with brewed espresso and water. Iced coffee is made by brewing coffee grinds in a coffee machine and then chilling it.
Is it good to drink iced americano?
We think so! It is pretty tasty and a quick, easy way to make a refreshing iced drink.
What is the taste of iced Americano?
Iced americano has a mild, sweet taste. It is actually a little less bitter than many iced coffees since it is slowly brewed. Americanos have a crisp taste thanks to the espresso in the drink. They are cool, refreshing and easy to drink!
This was so much easier to make than I thought. The addition of simple syrup gave it just the right amount of sweetness for me!
I never knew that I could make espresso at home without a machine, thanks for the tips! It's now such a treat to whip up this americano and skip paying for one!
Simple. Cool, and delicious. I’m saving! this recipe
This recipe is SO perfect. This is the perfect Americano, so great for the summer, run and try this recipe!
I love this recipe because it keeps me from wasting money at Starbucks. It was so delicious. Your photos are so lovely too!
Great tutorial and recipe! Looking forward to trying your other copycat recipes.
Great recipe and great blog!
I am a big coffee drinker. I have had American from Dunkin. You are right, it is a much milder and sweeter-tasting coffee. Good to learn how to make it at home. Thanks for sharing your recipe.