Starbucks Americano Copycat Recipe: Smooth, Intense Flavor at Home

As a coffee lover, I was thrilled to discover I could make a Starbucks-quality Americano at home for a fraction of the cost. The key to replicating that smooth, intense flavor with the signature crema on top isn’t an expensive espresso machine – it’s all about using the right beans, brewing technique, and water-to-coffee ratio. Whether you have a fancy machine or a simple Moka pot, this recipe will have you sipping a favorite Starbucks-caliber Americanos in no time.

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What makes a Starbucks Americano different from their coffee?

Americanos sometimes get a bad rap for serving watery espresso or bitter drip coffee. They’re neither. A Starbucks Espresso Americano is smooth, intensely flavored, and never thin. The secrets are proper beans, brewing technique, and the correct hot water-to-coffee ratio. When done right, you get a silky, balanced drink with beautiful crema on top, adding complexity and aroma.

Don’t worry if you don’t have an expensive espresso machine. You can recreate the taste of the Americano coffee Starbucks sells using a Moka pot. See the instructions below.

Americano Starbucks-style ingredients and their roles

For one Starbucks Espresso Americano, you’ll need:

• Brewed espresso – brings all the flavor to the drink. You can use an espresso machine, a moka pot, or even instant espresso powder. If starting with fresh coffee, we recommend an espresso roast.
• Hot water – lengthens the espresso without changing the flavor profile of the coffee.

How to make Americano coffee, Starbucks style, at home

To assemble the perfect Americano coffee:

1. Heat fresh, filtered water to just below the boiling point. The water should be between 195 and 205°F when mixed with the espresso to prevent lowering the espresso’s temperature and to prevent the hot water from scorching the espresso. Use an instant-read thermometer for the best results.
2. Brew the espresso.
3. Pour six ounces of hot water into the serving cup. Doing this before adding the espresso not only warms the cup, but it also prevents the espresso’s crema from breaking up. You can stir in a sweetener at this time.
4. Slowly pour the espresso into the serving cup to preserve the crema.
5. Gently stir to combine the water and coffee.
6. Serve immediately.

How to use a Moka pot to make this recipe

For those who don’t want to shell out hundreds (or thousands) of dollars for an espresso machine, you can make a pretty good version of the Americano Starbucks offers by using an inexpensive Moka pot.

Moka pots, also known as stovetop espresso makers, are inexpensive, with some costing less than 20 bucks. While the coffee they brew isn’t technically espresso, it is much more concentrated than drip coffee. When making an Americano with coffee from a Moka pot, follow the instructions above, but reduce the water to the Moka pot coffee ratio to 2:1 instead of 3:1.

What to serve with Starbucks Espresso Americano

A little nosh on the side makes an Americano a light breakfast or satisfying snack. Here are three sweet and savory recipes for you to try:

Starbucks Banana Bread – Moist, flavorful quick bread studded with walnuts that pairs perfectly with morning coffee

Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Bakes – For those mornings when you don’t have the time to sit down for breakfast, microwave a couple of these bakes and get going. They are loaded with eggs, veggies, and cheese, and are simple to freeze, so you’ll always have a tasty start to your day.

Cake Pops – These aren’t just delicious, they look amazing, too. Believe it or not, anyone can make these cute little Cake Pops using cake mix and just a few other ingredients.

More Starbucks classic espresso drinks

• Cafe Mocha
• Caramel Latte
• Cinnamon Dolce Latte
• Cold Brew
• Flat White
• Hot Chocolate

Check out more of my easy recipes for drinks and the best copycat Starbucks recipes right here on CopyKat!