American Coffee: a drink that has conquered the world
The American coffee, with its distinctive taste and enveloping aroma, has become a iconic drink much loved and appreciated throughout the world. In this article, we will explore how this drink evolved and how it became an integral part of American and European culture.
According to some, American coffee has its roots in European traditions.
During the Second World War on the Italian front many US soldiers, accustomed to drinking less intense coffee, began to ask to dilute their espresso with hot water. As a result, baristas of the time began to identify the request for a diluted coffee for Americans as "a coffee for the American", and this term quickly spread and was shortened to "American coffee".
In the world of coffee, various terminologies can often confuse consumers. One of the common sources of confusion concerns the differences between "American coffee" and "American espresso".
Although the names may suggest a direct link between the two, in reality, there are notable differences between these two drinks which are essentially of extraction.
American Coffee
One of the distinctive characteristics of American coffee is its preparation method. Compared to espresso, it is obtained through a filtering process. Hot water is poured over a quantity of ground coffee, passing through a filter.
This preparation method produces a less concentrated drink than espresso, with a more delicate flavour, a balanced, less intense taste and a greater quantity of liquid. The grinding of coffee is coarser than that of espresso coffee, the water must be heated to a temperature between 92° and 96 °C and the coffee placed inside the appropriate conical filter.
The quantity of ground coffee is around 4 g per 150 ml of water. With this procedure, the water will percolate through the filter with the ground coffee, absorbing the aroma and organoleptic characteristics of the mixture.
In American culture, drip coffee is often consumed alongside a variety of accompaniments. It is common to find drip coffee served with milk, sugar, flavored syrups and whipped cream.
The American Espresso
American espresso is a drink widespread throughout the world but embraced by Americans to adapt the espresso to their preferences. It is a term used mainly to distinguish it from American coffee. It is prepared using an espresso machine, therefore an extraction by pressure. For American espresso, 60 to 90 ml are extracted (a traditional double espresso) to which 125 ml of hot water are added.
Its versatility and its softer taste compared to traditional espresso have made this drink highly appreciated by consumers looking for a coffee with an intense but less concentrated flavor .
