# Americano Recipe My morning Americano recipe for the [[My Coffee Gear]]. See also the standalone [[Ristretto Recipe]] (espresso base). ## The Perfect Americano (Clive Coffee) My morning Americano recipe, from Clive Coffee's "Clive Deconstructs the Perfect Americano" (Aug 9, 2026). **Golden Rule: water first, espresso second.** Pouring the espresso *over* the hot water keeps the hot water from scalding the shot, so the crema stays intact for a sweeter, smoother mouthfeel. | Detail | Value | |---|---| | Espresso dose | 18 g in → 36 g out (standard double) | | Brew ratio | 2:1 | | Extraction time | 25–30 seconds | | Espresso volume | ~2 oz (≈60 ml) | | Hot water | 4–6 oz (adjust to taste / roast) | | Water temperature | Just below boiling | | Pour order | **Water first, then espresso on top** | **Steps** 1. Pull a standard double shot — 18 g in, 36 g out, 25–30 s (a 2:1 ratio, ≈2 oz of espresso). 2. Add 4–6 oz of clean hot water, **just below boiling**. Boiling water over-extracts and scalds the shot, adding harsh bitter notes. 3. Pour the espresso over the hot water (never water over espresso). 4. Adjust the water amount to taste depending on roast profile and desired strength. **Clive's bonus tip:** *"Our hot take is to let the crema go. Simply spoon it off for a more consistent, cleaner Americano."* ## Espresso (Clive / Vivace) See [[Ristretto Recipe]] — the Vivace-style espresso base: 1:1.5 ratio, triple basket, 20 g in → 30 g out, 23 s (dark) to 30 s (medium/light). ## See Also - [[My Coffee Gear]] — my machine and dial-in notes - [[Coffee]] — the Area overview - [[Ristretto Recipe]] — espresso recipe