How to Make a Starbucks Iced Americano Recipe at Home

Our Starbucks iced Americano recipe is a simple yet bold beverage with brewed coffee. It is a lovely way of getting an afternoon boost and the perfect antidote to a hot and tiring day! With only three ingredients, it’s the easiest coffee recipe ever. Choose the traditional way of serving without milk or sugar, or add a splash of cream and sugar.

Starbucks Iced Americano

If you’re wondering what the difference between black coffee and an Americano, you’re not alone. There’s a common misconception that they are the same thing.

Though they seem similar, black coffee and a classic Americano are two coffee drinks that are a world apart. The major difference lies in the method. A true Americano is made with an espresso machine, whereas black coffee uses a coffee pot.

One way to tell an Americano and a regular iced coffee apart without tasting them is the “crema.” Crema is what gives authentic espresso a golden brown, almost creamy layer that floats on top.

Lastly, there is a difference in caffeine content between an espresso-based drink and brewed coffee. One shot of espresso is about 64 mg less caffeine than a classic cup of joe. Therefore, there is less caffeine in your Americano per serving unless you go for a double shot of espresso.

Enjoy a tall, robust iced Americano with your friends as a treat after a full week of work or as you all relax by the pool. You may develop such a liking for regular iced Americano that it becomes one of your favorite coffee recipes.

Coffee being poured into a clear glass with ice cubes.

How to Make an Iced Americano Recipe at Home

While there are now many affordable coffees in Starbucks, you can bring the cafe home and save even more money with one of the most simple and satisfying coffee recipes out there. The Iced Americano is a refreshing espresso drink that can be yours in five minutes and just 3 simple ingredients.

I usually make this when I’ve had an order after order of Starbucks tea drinks or my favorite caffeinated teas at Starbucks. On days that you’re not up to go out to pick up your favorite Starbucks coffee or green tea drink, you can stay home and save money by making this Starbucks favorite at home! To save money even further, try making a homemade version of Starbucks cheese danish.

As you take your first sip of this classic coffee drink, you’ll be amazed by the satisfaction it brings, thanks to its rich but smooth flavor. The refreshing chill of the ice paired with the bold flavors of the espresso satisfies that coffee craving on a hot summer day. It’s a great way to start the day or to keep going during the afternoon slump. Plus, with basic ingredients and simple steps, you can probably make this with your eyes closed.

So skip the coffee shop, and make this today.

Ingredients

Ice cubes – Anywhere from a few, to a whole glass full will do.
Cold water – Filtered is best. Water serves two purposes in this drink. One, it dilutes the espresso, bringing it to an enjoyable strength and allowing the unique flavors to develop. Two, water enhances the thirst-quenching and refreshing properties of the water to shine.
Espresso – The quality and selection of espresso beans you choose will significantly impact the rich flavor of your Iced Americano. Choose your favorite dark, medium, or blonde espresso roast coffee.

Regarding equipment, you can use an espresso machine, a stovetop espresso maker, or any other brewing method to extract a concentrated shot of coffee.

If desired, you can sweeten this cold drink with a few spoonfuls of sugar or stevia. Although Americanos are traditionally dairy-free, you could serve it as an iced latte by adding your favorite milk or sweet cream. Dairy-free options like coconut milk or almond milk are delicious, as is whole milk.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple directions and you’ll have a glass of Starbucks Americano for you to enjoy, without even leaving the house!

Step one: Brew

Begin by brewing your favorite coffee roast in an espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a French press instead.

Step two: Prepare

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour cold, filtered water over the cubes, leaving room for your desired amount of espresso.

Step three: Add

After the brewing process has completed, pour however many shots of espresso you prefer over the ice water. Serve immediately.

As a general rule, a perfect Americano will have equal parts of espresso to water. For example, for two shots of espresso (88mL), you will add 88mL of cold water. But you can adjust the ratio for a smoother flavor and to satisfy your taste buds. Some baristas dilute an iced americano with up to three parts water. Overtime, you’ll learn to make the perfect Americano just how you like it. That’s one of the perks of making this at home!

Step four: Freeze leftovers, optional

This step is optional and will depend on whether or not you have leftover espresso. But you can freeze espresso shots in an ice cube tray to use for later. Simply blend iced espresso with vanilla ice cream and milk for an espresso-flavored milkshake.

Or, you can make extra espresso in the morning and keep it waiting in the refrigerator for an afternoon treat. Save this recipe in your meal plan app to stay on track with easy meal prep!

Close up photo of a coffee being poured into a glass.

Homemade Iced Americano Calories

A 12-ounce tall Iced Americano from Starbucks (1 serving) contains 2g total carbs, 2g net carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, and 10 calories. Your homemade version will have comparable nutrition.

In addition to being low-calorie, this easy coffee drink is also naturally sugar-free, dairy-free, low-carb, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto, and great for any diet.

As with all coffee drinks, you can sweeten it with brown sugar, maple syrup or another sweetener and give it a touch of milk to make it a creamy drink. Keep in mind if you make any changes to the recipe as written, it will affect the calories and you’ll need to adjust accordingly.

A glass of iced americano with ice cubes.

Iced Americano Coffee Recipe FAQ

I understand you might have some questions, particularly if iced coffee drinks are new to you or you’ve never worked with strong espresso before. Let me answer some common queries and clarify the process for you.

How many cups of coffee are equal to one shot of espresso?

While the amount of caffeine is roughly equal in one 12-ounce cup of coffee, and a single shot of espresso has approximately 64 mg of caffeine. An average American coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine; therefore, you would need about two-thirds of the coffee to equal the same amount of one espresso shot.

What is the difference between Americano and filtered coffees?

The preparation process is the main difference between an Americano and filtered coffee. An Americano is made by adding water to espresso, whereas filtered coffee is generally made in a coffee maker using ground coffee beans. Another familiar term for filtered coffee is drip coffee.

Is cold coffee good to start your day?

The verdict is out on whether coffee is the healthiest way to start the day or not. Some studies show that consuming caffeine can elevate the stress hormone, cortisol. Others say coffee has health-producing benefits and boosts the body’s metabolic rate which helps burn fat. Ultimately, this is a choice that only you can make. But whether you prefer the traditional hot coffee or a refreshing cold version, the most important thing to remember is that you have this easy recipe available for all the coffee lovers in your life.

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Once your drink is sorted, serve up McDonald’s hotcakes and celebrate all the tasty savings.

Homemade Iced Americano Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard

An iced americano is a simple yet bold beverage with brewed coffee. It is a lovely way of getting an afternoon boost and the perfect antidote to a hot and tiring day! With only three ingredients, it’s the easiest coffee recipe ever. Choose the traditional way of serving without milk or sugar, or add a splash of cream and sugar.

5 from 9 votes

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings serving

Calories 8 kcal