What is the Difference Between Long Black and Americano?

If you’re a black coffee lover, you’ve likely encountered long black and Americano on the menu. While both drinks consist of espresso and hot water, the difference between the two is the order in which the espresso is poured.

An Americano is made by adding espresso to water, while a long black reverses the process. This subtle step fundamentally impacts flavour, texture, and aroma, which are essential when you’re choosing between the two types of coffee.

What is Americano?

An Americano is an espresso-based coffee drink defined by its specific preparation order. Notably, the standard method involves preparing a cup of hot water first, then adding a single or double espresso shot into it.

Also, the drink’s name, “caffè Americano,” translates to “American coffee” and points to its American origins during WWII, when soldiers diluted the strong Italian espresso to mimic the milder drip coffee they were used to.

• Flavour Profile: This creates a softer intensity than a straight shot, but retains the rich nuances of espresso, often featuring chocolate or nutty notes. The drink has a flavour and volume similar to brewed drip coffee.
• Appearance: It’s typically served black, though sometimes a delicate, broken layer of crema might settle on top. It usually resembles a standard cup of brewed coffee in size.
• Variations: A cup of Americano can be served hot or over ice. Plus, feel free to jazz it up with milk, sugar, or your favourite syrups.

What is Long Black?

The long black is a real showstopper that originated in Australia and New Zealand. What’s more, the beverage was heavily influenced by early Italian and Greek immigrants, who introduced their espresso cultures. The difference between long black and Americano is the reverse pouring order.

How Long Black is Made

The preparation method is what preserves the quality of the espresso:

• Step 1: The hot water is poured first into the cup.
• Step 2: The espresso shot(s) are then gently added to the water.

Distinct Characteristics of Long Black

This preparation method of long black directly impacts the final flavour and texture:

• Result: This preparation preserves the delicate crema layer, which traps the volatile aromatic oils. This delivers a richer, more visually appealing cup that feels texturally thicker and has a stronger, more concentrated coffee flavour.
• Strength: Long black is generally perceived as stronger than Americano because it preserves the crema and aroma, even when the espresso-to-water ratio is identical.
• Taste: The flavour of the espresso is significantly more pronounced than other types of coffee, and the crema enhances the aroma and mouthfeel.

Long Black vs Americano: Coffee Flavour & Texture

Before you order coffee, you need to learn about the subtle differences between a long black and an Americano.

• Crema/Aroma: Long black maintains an intact, fragrant crema that traps the rich volatile oils.
• Body/Texture: Long black is richer and thicker, while an Americano is thinner and more watery due to the breaking of the crema.
• Caffeine content: While long black feels more intense and robust, it has the same caffeine content as an Americano.

No matter what you choose, the quality of the speciality-grade coffee beans is crucial. For instance, when you choose Nineteen95 for your coffee cart catering, any coffee-based beverage will have the premium taste that lets the rich chocolate, nut, and caramel notes shine.

Learn More About Artisan Coffee

The difference between a long black and an Americano comes down to one simple step: the pouring order. This single detail impacts the presence of the crema and the resulting aroma and texture.

Evidently, this attention to detail in preparation and ingredient quality is the core of speciality coffee culture. It’s also the same commitment Nineteen95 brings to event service, using fresh barista milk and premium equipment to ensure every cup is café-standard.

Ready to taste the difference that subtle steps make, or want to explore all the fun types of coffee out there? Unleash your inner barista!

Sign up for Nineteen95’s coffee-making workshop in Singapore to elevate your palate, or book a coffee cart catering service for your next event to taste this premium quality difference yourself.