The Americano is one of the simplest and cleanest forms of coffee—but in Saudi Arabia, it has taken on a life of its own.

Whether you walk into a specialty café in Riyadh, a trendy shop in Jeddah, or a minimalistic coffee bar in Dammam, the Americano is everywhere. While the ingredients are simple, the technique varies wildly.

This guide explores why the Americano has become a staple for Saudi professionals and provides the definitive method for brewing it at home, based on insights from top Saudi baristas.

What Is an Americano?

At its core, an Americano is a simple drink made by combining espresso with hot water.¹

However, simplicity does not mean easy. A perfect Americano requires precision to achieve:

• Zero bitterness
• No burnt aftertaste
• A clear, distinct aroma
• A smooth mouthfeel

Why the Americano is Booming in Saudi Arabia

Historically, Saudi consumers have leaned toward sweeter, milk-based drinks like the Spanish Latte or Mocha. However, a shift is happening. The Americano has developed a strong, growing following among:

• Young professionals
• University students
• Expats
• Health-conscious consumers seeking low-calorie options

It is the “daily driver” of the coffee world—clean, refreshing, and effective.

---

Regional Trends: How Saudi Cities Drink Americano

Through our analysis of customer behavior and café data, distinct regional preferences have emerged across the Kingdom.

City	Preference	Profile
Riyadh	Strong & Hot	Customers prefer a bold, heavy-bodied cup to start the workday.
Jeddah	Iced & Sweet	Iced Americanos dominate here, often with a sweeter profile or a dash of syrup.
Dammam	Balanced	The Eastern Province tends to favor medium-strength, milder versions.

---

How to Make the Perfect Americano (Step-by-Step)

Based on insights from Saudi Coffee Crafters and real café practices.

Step 1: Pull a Double Shot of Espresso

A great Americano starts with a great base. Because Saudi customers prefer a stronger kick, a double shot is the standard.

Recommended Parameters:

• Dose: 18–19g
• Output: 36–40g
• Time: 25–30 seconds
• Roast: Medium or Medium-Dark (Arabica)

Expert Insight: Avoid light roasts for Americanos, as they can taste sour when diluted with water.

Step 2: Heat Fresh, Filtered Water

Water makes up nearly 70% of your drink.

• Temperature: 85°C to 92°C (Never boiling).
• Quality: Use filtered or bottled water. Avoid mineral-heavy tap water to ensure the cleanest flavor.

Step 3: Choose Your Ratio

There is no single standard ratio; it depends on how strong you like it. Use this chart to find your preference:

Style	Ratio (Espresso : Water)	Flavor Profile
Riyadh Style (Strong)	1 : 1.5	Bold, rich, heavy body
Standard Balance	1 : 2	Balanced, smooth, classic
Light / Mild	1 : 3	Tea-like, very mild

Step 4: The Technique (Water First vs. Espresso First)

The Verdict: Water First.

Most top-tier cafés in Riyadh now pour the hot water into the cup first, and then brew the espresso on top.

• Why? This preserves the crema (the golden foam), creates a smoother mouthfeel, and improves the aroma.²

---

How to Make a Saudi-Style Iced Americano

In the heat of Jeddah or Riyadh summers, the Iced Americano is king.

1. Fill a cup entirely with ice.
2. Add cold filtered water (leave room for espresso).
3. Pour a fresh double espresso over the ice.
4. Stir gently to chill.

Local Secret: Many Saudi cafés add one tiny drop of sweetener (sugar syrup or honey)—not to make it “sweet,” but just enough to soften the bitter edges of the espresso.

---

Expert Tips & Common Mistakes

✅ Pro Tips from Saudi Baristas

• Grind Size Matters: If the coffee is bitter, your grind is too fine.³ If it tastes flat/watery, your grind is too coarse.
• Stir Gently: A quick stir blends the crema and water for a consistent sip from start to finish.
• Cup Size: Don’t use an oversized mug. It requires too much water to fill, which dilutes the flavor.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Boiling Water: This “burns” the coffee oils and ruins the crema.
• Using Old Beans: Stale beans result in a flat Americano with no aroma.
• Neglecting Ice: For iced versions, if the water isn’t cold enough before adding ice, the ice melts too fast and waters down the drink.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best roast for an Americano?

Medium-dark roast Arabica beans are ideal. They provide the chocolatey, nutty notes that pair well with water, whereas light roasts can become unpleasantly acidic.

2. How do I make a strong Americano like they serve in Riyadh?

Use a double shot of espresso and reduce the water amount. Try a 1:1.5 ratio (e.g., 36g espresso to 55g water).

3. Should I pour water or espresso first?

Always pour the water first, then the espresso. This technique (often called a Long Black) keeps the crema intact for a better texture and aroma.

4. Is the Americano popular in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. While sugary drinks dominate the mass market, the Americano is the preferred choice for professionals, athletes, and true coffee enthusiasts across the Kingdom.

---

Final Thoughts

A great Americano requires only three things: good espresso, good water, and the right ratio.

Whether you prefer the strong, bold style typical of Riyadh or the refreshing iced version popular in Jeddah, mastering these variables will elevate your daily coffee ritual.

The Americano is one of the simplest and cleanest forms of coffee—but in Saudi Arabia, it has taken on a life of its own. At Saudi Coffee Crafters, we see this drink ordered daily across cafés in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

If you enjoy mastering coffee at home, you might also appreciate our step-by-step guide for making an Affogato — the perfect next level treat after your Americano.