Americano coffee

It is espresso diluted with hot water, giving you a longer drink than a straight espresso while keeping its roasted coffee flavour.

Pull one or two espresso shots into a mug, then add hot water. If you have no espresso machine, make a strong coffee and dilute it with hot water; it will be similar, though not quite the same.

For a classic Americano, pour hot water over the espresso. Adding espresso to the water makes a long black, which tends to preserve more crema on top.

Fill a glass with ice, pour in espresso, then top up with cold water and stir. Pouring the espresso over the ice cools it quickly; add the water before the ice if you want to slow the melting.

Hot water breaks up the espresso’s crema as it is poured in, so a thin or short-lived layer is normal. For more crema on top, add the espresso to the water instead.

Its clean, roasted flavour pairs well with a buttery croissant, a plain biscuit or a slice of chocolate cake. It also cuts through the sweetness of pastries.

It is best soon after making, while the coffee is still aromatic. If you need to save it, cool it promptly, cover it and refrigerate it; drink it cold rather than reheating, which can make the flavour harsh.

Adding water dilutes the drink but does not remove the caffeine from the espresso shots. The total depends mainly on how many shots you use; choose decaffeinated espresso if you want less caffeine.