Long Black vs. Americano: Difference, Taste, Crema & Recipes

Ever seen this going around on social media?
“Long Black = espresso into hot water. Americano = hot water into espresso.”
The comments went like: “What?! That can’t be serious, right?”
But yep—it’s real. And guess what? They actually taste different because of it.
Long Black and the Americano might look similar in a cup—no milk, no sugar, just deep dark coffee—but ask any barista or espresso enthusiast, and they’ll tell you: these are two different drinks.
A Long Black preserves the crema; an Americano softens it. One hits bold and bitter, the other smooth and mellow.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real difference between a Long Black and an Americano, including how they’re made, how they taste, and how to brew each perfectly at home. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned espresso fan, this comparison will help you discover which one belongs in your cup.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Long Black?
• What Is an Americano?
• Long Black vs. Americano: Key Differences
• Are Long Black and Americano Low-Calorie Coffee Drinks?
• How to Make a Long Black Coffee at Home
• How to Make an Americano at Home
• How to Make an Iced Americano
• Long Black Coffee vs. Americano, Which One Should You Choose?
• Conclusion
• Q&A – Long Black vs. Americano

What Is a Long Black?

A Long Black is an espresso-based coffee drink made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water, resulting in a bold flavor and a rich crema.
Long Black Coffee is popular in Australia and New Zealand, where it’s a daily staple for coffee drinkers who enjoy strong, aromatic coffee without milk. What makes the Long Black Coffee unique isn’t just the espresso—it’s the order in which it’s poured.
Instead of pulling the espresso first and then diluting it (like in an Americano), the Long Black begins with hot water already in the cup, and the espresso is added afterward. This helps preserve the crema—that golden layer of coffee oils and microbubbles—which enhances both aroma and mouthfeel.

Brewing Ratios

Long Black coffee is generally stronger and more concentrated than an Americano, offering a more intense espresso experience. A typical ratio is 1:2 espresso to water, though recipes often range from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5 depending on your taste preferences and the coffee’s strength.
For example:

• Double shot of espresso (60ml / 2 oz)
• Hot water (90–120ml / 3–4 oz)

This ratio gives the drink a fuller body, more bitterness, and a richer overall flavor. Compared to an Americano, it tastes less “watered down” and has a more espresso-forward character.

What Is an Americano?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or two) of espresso, resulting in a smoother, more diluted coffee that resembles traditional drip coffee in strength.
The origin of the Americano is often traced back to American soldiers in Italy during World War II, who diluted espresso to mimic the filter coffee they were used to back home.
The brewing method involves pulling espresso first, then pouring hot water over it. This process breaks up the crema, making the drink appear less oily and giving it a cleaner, smoother body.

Brewing Ratios

Americanos typically use a 1:3 to 1:4 ratio of espresso to water. A classic version might look like:

• Single or double shot espresso (30–60ml)
• Hot water (90–180ml)

This creates a coffee that’s less intense than a Long Black, often with a milder bitterness or acidity and lighter mouthfeel.

Iced Americano

And if you’re after something more refreshing? Just pour your espresso over ice, then top it with cold water to make a classic Iced Americano—a popular low-calorie coffee for summer days.

Long Black vs. Americano: Key Differences

The main difference between a Long Black and an Americano lies in the order of preparation: Long Black starts with hot water, while Americano starts with espresso.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Long Black	Americano
Preparation Order	Hot water first, then espresso	Espresso first, then hot water
Typical Ratio	1:2	1:3 to 1:4
Crema	Preserved	Mostly dissipated
Flavor Profile	Stronger, more bitter, rich crema	Lighter, more diluted
Aroma	Intense due to preserved crema	Milder, less aromatic

Note: Ratios are typical but can vary based on personal taste, espresso strength, and cup size.
These differences may seem subtle, but to a discerning palate, they’re quite pronounced. If you prefer a more concentrated, crema-rich experience, go for a Long Black. If you want something closer to classic brewed coffee, the Americano is your drink.

Are Long Black and Americano Low-Calorie Coffee Drinks?

Both Long Black Coffee and Americano are excellent low calorie coffee options, perfect for anyone watching their sugar intake, or simply trying to cut down on milk and syrups.

Nutritional Comparison

Drink （per 240ml / 8 oz）	Approximate Calories	Sugar	Fat
Long Black	2–5 kcal	0g	0g
Americano	2–5 kcal	0g	0g
Latte	~100 kcal	~9g	~3.5g

Note: Values are approximate based on typical recipes. Actual nutrition or calories may vary based on coffee bean type, roast level, ratio, and milk or sugar added.
✅ Add nothing but espresso and water? You get all the caffeine, zero of the sugar crash.

How to Make a Long Black Coffee at Home

Equipment You Need

• High-quality coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• Espresso machine
• Gooseneck kettle or hot water dispenser

Why Do You Need a Coffee Grinder?

If you care about flavor—and let’s be honest, if you’re making Long Blacks or Americanos at home, you probably do—fresh grinding is non-negotiable. Whole beans ground just before brewing preserve the coffee’s natural oils, aromatics, and acidity far better than anything pre-ground.
But it’s not just about freshness. Grind consistency matters just as much. Inconsistent grind sizes can lead to uneven extraction—producing sour or bitter notes that throw off the balance, especially in espresso-based drinks like these.
For reliable, precise grinding, 1Zpresso hand grinders are a top pick among many home brewers and professionals alike. Their excellent build quality, fine grind control, and portability make them a favorite in the specialty coffee world.

Steps

1. Grind your coffee beans just before brewing for maximum freshness.
2. Heat water and pour 100–120ml (around 3.5–4 oz) of hot water into your cup.
3. Pull a double shot of espresso.
4. Gently pour the espresso over the hot water, minimizing agitation to preserve the crema.

Why Does Temperature Matter for a Long Black Coffee?

Water temperature plays a bigger role than you might expect for a long black coffee. If it’s too hot, pouring espresso over it can cause bitterness, dissipate the crema quickly, and make the drink too hot to enjoy immediately.
Levent Doganay, a coffee expert based in Melbourne, recommends using water around 70°C (158°F) for Long Blacks. As quoted in Perfect Daily Grind, he notes this gives the drink “greater clarity in flavour and a clean finish,” while helping it stay naturally sweet and preserving the crema on top.

How to Make an Americano at Home

Equipment You Need

• High-quality coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• Espresso machine
• Kettle or hot water dispenser

Coffee Grinder Matters for Americano

As aromatics degrade quickly once coffee is ground, grinding fresh beans right before brewing is essential to get the most out of your espresso.
Just as important? Grind precision. Even small adjustments in grind size can dramatically affect the quality of your espresso shot—changing the speed of water flow, the extraction balance, and the overall body of the shot. Since an Americano builds on that shot, dialing in your grind means dialing in the entire drink.
If you’re looking for a reliable espresso grinder, the 1Zpresso J-Ultra is a top choice trusted by both home brewers and professionals for its precise grind control and exceptional build quality.

Steps

1. Grind your coffee beans just before brewing to preserve freshness.
2. Pull a double shot of espresso.
3. Heat water to around 70°C (158°F)
4. Gently pour the hot water over the espresso, adjusting the amount based on how strong you like it. A typical ratio is 1:3 to 1:4 espresso to water—for example, a double shot (60ml / 2 oz) with 180–240ml / 6–8 oz of water.

How to Make an Iced Americano

Want a refreshing summer version? Pour your espresso over ice—then top with cold water for a simple, satisfying Iced Americano. With no milk, no sugar, and no syrups, it’s a naturally low-calorie coffee drink that’s perfect for warm days.

Steps

1. Brew a double shot of espresso (about 60ml / 2 oz).
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Pour the espresso over the ice.
4. Top with cold water—about 180–240 ml (4–8 oz) depending on your preferred strength.

This gives you the classic Americano ratio of 1:3 to 1:4 (espresso to water), just chilled.

Long Black Coffee vs. Americano, Which One Should You Choose?

This comes down to personal taste:

• Choose a Long Black Coffee if you want a bold, crema-rich, and intense coffee experience.
• Go with an Americano if you prefer smooth, easy-drinking coffee that echoes the feel of traditional drip.

Both are excellent expressions of espresso, and trying each will help you decide which suits your palate best.

Conclusion

While they share the same ingredients, espresso and water, Long Black and Americano are two distinct drinks defined by their preparation and flavor profiles. Whether you value crema, boldness, or smoothness, knowing the difference lets you order (or brew) with confidence.
Try both—tweak the ratios, experiment with beans, and enjoy the nuances. You might just find a new favorite way to enjoy your daily shot of espresso.

Q&A – Long Black vs. Americano

What’s the difference between a Long Black and an Americano?

Long Black pours espresso over hot water, preserving crema. Americano pours hot water over espresso, diluting and softening the drink.

Is Long Black stronger than an Americano?

Yes, Long Black typically has a more concentrated flavor and fuller body due to less water and preserved crema.

Are Long Black and Americano low-calorie coffee drinks?

Yes. Both drinks contain just espresso and water, with 2–5 kcal per 240ml (8 oz), and zero sugar or fat—making them excellent low-calorie options compared to milk-based coffees like lattes.

Iced Americano vs. Cold Brew – what’s the difference?

Iced Americano is crafted by cooling hot espresso with ice and diluting it with cold water, offering a bold, slightly acidic flavor. Cold Brew involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for hours, producing a smoother, naturally sweet profile.

Do I really need a coffee grinder?

If you care about flavor, then yes—a coffee grinder is essential. Once coffee is ground, it starts losing aroma and flavor within minutes due to oxidation. Freshly ground coffee beans retain far more aroma and complexity than pre-ground coffee.

References

• USC Dornsife: The History of: Americano Coffee
• Starbucks: Caffe Latte: Nutrition
• Healthline: How Many Calories Are in Coffee?
• Perfect Daily Grind: What Is A Long Black Coffee?