It is always fascinating to compare the features and qualities of amazing coffee flavors. Each coffee flavor possesses something unique and captivating. Americano, espresso, and cappuccino: a comparison among three quality options is worth exploring.
Even a slight difference in ingredients can make a big difference in taste and texture. Here, all three have certain differences, each needs to be discussed in detail.
Americano comprises one espresso shot with double the volume of hot water. A cappuccino has one or two espresso shots with double the volume of steamed and foamed milk.
Espresso is the key ingredient in several coffee flavors. It also works as the base drink in an Americano and a cappuccino.
Let’s dive into the details.
Americano vs espresso vs cappuccino: what are the differences?
Espresso has something special about it. Since an espresso brews with pure coffee beans, it has a highly concentrated and robust flavor.
Americano and cappuccino both add espresso as the base drink. These flavors can’t be brewed without using espresso.
Comparison table among Americano, Cappuccino, and Espresso.
| Feature | Espresso | Americano | Cappuccino |
| Base Ingredient | Espresso | Espresso | Espresso |
| Water Added? | No | Yes (hot water added) | No |
| Milk Added? | No | No | Yes (steamed milk + milk foam) |
| Milk Texture | None | None | Steamed milk + thick milk foam |
| Volume (typical) | 25–30 mL (1 oz.) | 120–180 mL (4–6 oz.) | 150–180 mL (5–6 oz.) |
| Strength | Very Strong | Medium strong | Smooth |
| Flavor Profile | Bold, concentrated, rich | Less Strong, more diluted | Creamy, rich, balanced |
| Caffeine (per shot) | 63 mg | 63 mg | 63 mg |
| Crema | Yes (thick golden crema on top) | No (slight crema) | foam layer |
| Serving Style | Small cup (demitasse) | Mug or tall cup | Ceramic cup |
| Common Variations | Doppio, Ristretto, Lungo | Long Black (reverse method: espresso on water) | Dry (more foam), Wet (more milk) |
| Ideal For | Purists, fast caffeine shot | People who enjoy espresso with less bitterness | Those who like a creamy coffee with strong notes |
Check the difference between Americano vs Cappuccino.
Difference in ingredients
All three have different ingredients, which makes them three different coffee flavors.
- Americano
Americano is made with two ingredients: espresso and water. A cup of Americano coffee adds two espresso shots and doubles the volume of water at the top.
However, you can make a smaller cup by adding one espresso and twice the volume of hot water.
- Espresso
It is the process of extracting the pure form of coffee beans. Espresso is made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. This process creates a bold, thick layer at the top called crema.
This drink is used as the base coffee for so many flavors.
- Cappuccino
Unlike Americano and espresso, the cappuccino uses steamed and foamed milk as the main ingredient, along with espresso.
It requires 1/3 of espresso, 1/3 of steamed milk, and 1/3 of foamed milk.
Americano vs espresso vs cappuccino: What is the difference in the brewing process?
These flavors have some differences in the brewing process. An accurate brewing method ensures the right taste and texture.
Espresso brewing process
The base drink for both Americano and cappuccino. To get a perfect espresso shot topped with crema requires an espresso machine.
The coffee beans are added to the espresso machine. It takes 30 seconds to brew a strong, concentrated espresso shot.
A 30ml espresso shot can be used as a solo drink, or it can be added to other flavors as the base drink.
Americano brewing process
We can say a different version of espresso. It adds hot water to get a diluted taste of espresso.
An Americano is made by mixing espresso with water in a ratio of 1:3. Depending on your preference, you can make this drink with one or two espresso shots.
Make two espresso shots and gently pour hot water over them. It ensures the crema remains intact.
Cappuccino brewing process
This flavor is well balanced with the addition of milk. Its brewing process takes longer than the other two.
Similarly to Americano, it requires making an espresso shot first. You can use various types of milk for this beverage.
The milk is steamed to create microfoam and then poured carefully over the espresso. Additionally, you can craft latte art if you have the experience to do so.
Which flavor tastes better?
All three flavors taste amazing and mouthwatering. Every individual has their preference.
Espresso is a strong, intense, and concentrated drink, brewed in small size.
An Americano is a less concentrated, milder drink. Adding hot water lessens its bitterness.
A cappuccino offers a different flavor than an Americano or espresso, tasting creamy, smooth, and sweet.
Nonetheless, in all these drinks, you can add flavored syrup to enhance sweetness and taste.
Americano vs espresso vs cappuccino: what’s the difference in serving size?
Each flavor is served in a different cup size.
An espresso, a smaller coffee of 30 ml, is served in a small cup (demitasse).
An Americano is served in a larger 6-oz cup, containing around 180 ml of coffee.
A cappuccino has a 6-oz cup, with 180 ml of coffee.
Which flavor contains more caffeine?
Caffeine content depends on the type of coffee added to a drink. Also, the type of coffee beans are used, and how are they roasted?
Since all three drinks have espresso, they contain a similar amount of caffeine.
If brewed with one shot of espresso, the flavor contains 63 mg of caffeine. Adding two shots of espresso increases that to 126 mg of caffeine.
What is the Calorie count?
It is mainly milk and sugar syrup that contain calories. Cappuccinos contain only calories since it adds milk. Other drinks like Americano and espresso contain no calories.
A Cappuccino cup comes with around 60 calories.
Can you make Variations with Americano, Cappuccino, and espresso?
Yes, these drinks are flexible; you can make different variations.
Americano coffee variations
You can make Americano with different variations.
- Long black
Unlike a regular Americano, a long is made by pouring espresso over hot water. It tastes strong and bitter.
- Iced Americano
Americano is also available in a cold version. Instead of hot water, you need to add cold water with some ice cubes.
- Flavored Americano
You can add flavors and syrups to an Americano to get a sweet-flavored type of Americano.
Cappuccino Variations
A cappuccino also has some variations.
- Wet Cappuccino
It adds espresso and steamed milk with little foam on the top.
- Dry Cappuccino
This one adds espresso and foamed milk. It doesn’t add steamed milk, so without steamed milk, it looks like a dry cappuccino.
- Iced Cappuccino
An iced cappuccino uses cold milk with espresso and ice cubes.
Also, you can make Almond milk cappuccino.
Espresso Variations
An espresso has numerous variations. This drink offers more varieties than an Americano or cappuccino.
- Ristretto
Ristretto is the smallest, most intense, and full-bodied form of espresso. It has a smaller size than a regular espresso.
- lungo
Opposite to ristretto, it is the longer version of espresso by adding more water.
- Doppio
When we make two espresso shots in a cup, it is called a doppio.
Check the difference between cortado vs flat white vs latte.
Conclusion
Every flavor contains certain qualities. And they have some similar ingredients.
For instance, Espresso is the foundation drink in all three flavors, when we add water, it becomes Americano. And when we add steamed milk, it becomes a cappuccino.
So it depends on what you prefer in espresso water or milk.