James Hoffmann reveals why skimming crema rescues the bitter Americano

The Americano is often treated as the neglected stepchild of the coffee world. While baristas obsess over the micro-texture of a latte or the precise extraction of a single-origin filter, the Americano is frequently reduced to a hasty splash of hot water topped with espresso. James Hoffmann argues that this drink has fallen through the cracks of specialty coffee optimization. Historically, the drink was intended to mimic the weaker profile of American filter coffee for soldiers in Italy, but the chemistry of modern espresso makes this a difficult transition.

The central problem is extraction. Espresso requires a fine grind and minimal water, often resulting in a concentrated beverage that masks bitterness with sheer intensity. When you dilute that same espresso to create an Americano, you lower the oil concentration and expose harsh, bitter notes that were previously hidden. To fix the drink, we must move beyond the standard practice of using stale, overheated water from a steam boiler and address the aesthetic-yet-unpleasant foam sitting on top.

Why you must steam your water fresh

One of the most transformative adjustments involves the water itself. Most commercial espresso machines dispense hot water from the steam boiler. Because this water is constantly heated and partially evaporated to create steam, it becomes a concentrated soup of minerals and scale. It tastes flat and heavy.

The solution sounds absurd: steam your water hot from a fresh source. By taking fresh, cold water and using the steam wand to bring it to approximately 65-70°C (140-158°F), you introduce dissolved oxygen and air that dramatically alters the texture and sweetness of the final cup. In blind tastings, steamed water consistently produces a silkier, more vibrant beverage than water from a kettle or a boiler tap. It is a fundamental shift in how we handle the largest component of the drink.

The case for skimming the crema

Crema is the beautiful, tiger-striped foam that signifies a fresh espresso extraction, yet it is arguably the biggest culprit behind a bad Americano. Crema is composed of carbon dioxide and suspended coffee particles (fines). While it looks impressive, it tastes intensely bitter and ashy. In a concentrated espresso, the crema is consumed quickly, but in an Americano, it lingers, tainting every sip with a gritty, astringent finish.

Removing the crema—simply skimming it off with two spoons—reveals a more complex, acidic, and sweet beverage underneath. It turns a harsh, "attacking" coffee into something that rivals a high-quality filter brew. If you are seeking fruit notes and clarity in a light roast, the crema is your primary obstacle.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Espresso Machine: Ideally with a powerful steam wand.
• Fresh Water: High-quality filtered water, not from the machine's boiler.
• Milk Pitcher: For steaming the water.
• Two Teaspoons: Specifically for skimming the crema.
• Digital Scale: To ensure precise ratios of water to coffee.
• Thermometer: To hit the 65-70°C sweet spot for the water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a double shot of espresso into a small vessel. Use a slightly coarser grind if you are working with lighter roasts to aim for a higher yield (around 60g).
2. Skim the Crema: Once brewed, let the espresso sit for thirty seconds. Use two spoons to gently lift the foam off the surface and discard it.
3. Steam the Water: Weigh out 160g of fresh, cold water into a pitcher. Steam it until it reaches 67°C. Do not let it boil.
4. Combine: Pour the steamed water into your drinking cup first, then gently add the skimmed espresso. This order helps preserve the delicate aromatics of the coffee.
5. Adjust for Ice (The Aerocano): If making an iced version, steam espresso, water, and ice together for 10 seconds to create a textured, nitro-like foam.

Troubleshooting the Bitter Finish

If the drink still feels too intense, examine your espresso yield. For a filter-style experience, stop thinking about traditional 1:2 ratios. Pushing 18g of coffee to a 70g output—essentially a very long lungo—allows for a more even extraction of light roasts. Additionally, if bitterness persists even after skimming, a single drop of saline solution can suppress bitter receptors and enhance the perceived sweetness of the coffee.

Conclusion

By treating the Americano as a structured recipe rather than an afterthought, you bridge the gap between espresso's intensity and filter coffee's elegance. The combination of fresh, oxygenated water and the removal of bitter crema results in a silky, complex beverage that honors the heritage of the bean. You are no longer just diluting coffee; you are engineering a superior drinking experience.