Espresso + water, explained
Starbucks Caffè Americano: Calories, Price, and Caffeine
What an Americano is, how it compares with drip coffee, espresso and a latte, exactly how many shots and how much caffeine Starbucks puts in each size, and how to make a great Americano at home.
Quick answer. An Americano (Caffè Americano) is espresso diluted with hot water. You get a cup the size of regular coffee with the deeper, roastier flavor of espresso. At Starbucks it is just espresso shots and water: a Grande has 3 shots, 225 mg of caffeine and 15 calories, and costs about $5.39.
- Size in this answer: Grande
- Calories: 15
- Caffeine: 225 mg
- Average US price: $5.39
Checked October 2026. Prices are average US prices and vary by store.
Where the Americano Got Its Name
“Caffè Americano” is Italian for “American coffee.” The popular story is that American soldiers in Italy during World War II added hot water to espresso to make it taste more like the drip coffee they knew at home. Whether or not the story is exactly true, the name stuck, and the drink is now a coffeehouse staple worldwide.
The Starbucks Americano by Size
| Size | Espresso shots | Caffeine | Calories | Avg. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short (8 oz) | 1 | 75 mg | 5 | $4.90 |
| Tall (12 oz) | 2 | 150 mg | 10 | $5.00 |
| Grande (16 oz) | 3 | 225 mg | 15 | $5.39 |
| Venti (20 oz) | 4 | 300 mg | 15 | $5.72 |
Notice the pattern: each size adds one shot (about 75 mg). That is one more shot than a latte of the same size, because there is no milk to fill the cup. Starbucks lists the ingredients as simply water and brewed espresso. Not sure about cup sizes? See the Starbucks sizes page.
Americano vs. Brewed Coffee, Espresso and Latte
| Drink (Starbucks) | What it is | Caffeine | Calories | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso (Doppio) | 2 concentrated shots, about 1.5 oz | 150 mg | 10 | Intense, syrupy |
| Caffè Americano (Grande) | 3 shots + hot water | 225 mg | 15 | Rich, smooth, crema on top |
| Brewed coffee, Pike Place (Grande) | Coffee brewed by drip | 315 mg | 5 | Lighter body, more caffeine |
| Caffè Latte (Grande) | 2 shots + steamed milk | 150 mg | 190 | Creamy, mild |
| Cappuccino (Grande) | 2 shots + milk + thick foam | 150 mg | 140 | Foamy, balanced |
Americano vs. regular (drip) coffee
Both are black coffee, but they are brewed differently. Drip coffee passes hot water slowly through coarser grounds; an Americano starts as pressurized espresso, then gets diluted. The Americano usually tastes bolder and has a light crema, while drip coffee is cleaner and, at Starbucks, has more caffeine in the same size.
Americano vs. latte and cappuccino
A latte and a cappuccino add milk; an Americano adds water. That is why an Americano has almost no calories, and why it has one extra shot for the same cup size.
How to Make an Americano at Home
Ingredients
- 2 shots (about 2 oz / 60 ml) freshly pulled espresso
- 4 to 6 oz (120 to 180 ml) hot water, about 195–205°F (90–96°C)
- Optional: a splash of milk or cream, or sugar to taste
Instructions
- Heat the water. Bring water to a boil and let it sit 30 seconds, or use the hot-water spout on your espresso machine. Preheat your mug with a little of it.
- Add water first. Empty the mug and pour in 4 to 6 oz of hot water.
- Pull the espresso. Brew a double shot (about 2 oz) directly over the water, or into a small cup and pour it in gently. Adding espresso on top keeps more of the golden crema.
- Taste and adjust. For a stronger cup, use less water; for a milder cup, add more. Add milk or sugar if you like.
Americano ratios
| Style | Espresso : water | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | 1 : 1 | 2 oz espresso + 2 oz water |
| Classic | 1 : 2 | 2 oz espresso + 4 oz water |
| Mild, like drip coffee | 1 : 3 to 1 : 4 | 2 oz espresso + 6–8 oz water |
| Starbucks Grande style | 3 shots + water to 16 oz | About 1 : 4 with 3 shots |
No espresso machine?
- Moka pot: brew 2 oz of moka coffee and add 4 oz of hot water.
- Capsule machine: use one or two espresso capsules and top with hot water from the kettle.
- Instant espresso: dissolve 2 teaspoons in 2 oz of hot water, then add 4 oz more.
- AeroPress: make a concentrated 2 oz brew and dilute it.
Tips
- Use fresh, hot water just off the boil; boiling water can taste harsh.
- Water first, espresso second keeps the crema on top.
- Fresh beans matter more than usual, since nothing hides the flavor. A medium or dark roast is classic; a light roast makes a brighter cup.
Americano Variations
- White Americano: add a splash of milk or cream. At Starbucks, ask for “room” and add milk at the condiment bar, or ask for a splash of steamed milk.
- Blonde Americano: made with Blonde espresso for a smoother, sweeter taste and about 85 mg per shot; see the Blonde Espresso page.
- Decaf Americano: ask for decaf espresso shots.
- Long shot Americano: ask for long shots (pulled with more water) for a lighter, slightly more bitter cup.
- Iced Americano: espresso over cold water and ice; Starbucks’ Iced Caffè Americano has 15 calories and 225 mg in a Grande.
Watch: How to Make an Americano
Compare the Americano with every other espresso drink on our Starbucks hot drinks page, or find it with its price on the Starbucks menu.
Americano FAQs
What is an Americano?
An Americano is espresso diluted with hot water. It has the depth of espresso but the size and strength of a regular cup of coffee. Starbucks’ Caffè Americano is just espresso shots and water.
How much caffeine is in a Starbucks Americano?
About 75 mg in a Short, 150 mg in a Tall, 225 mg in a Grande and 300 mg in a Venti, because each size adds one more espresso shot.
How many shots are in an Americano at Starbucks?
Short: 1, Tall: 2, Grande: 3, Venti: 4. That is one more shot than a latte of the same size.
Is an Americano stronger than regular coffee?
It tastes stronger and richer, but at Starbucks a Grande Americano (225 mg) has less caffeine than a Grande brewed coffee (315 mg). A Venti Americano (300 mg) is close to a Grande brewed coffee.
Does an Americano have milk?
No. A classic Americano is only espresso and water. Adding a splash of milk is common; in the UK this is called a white Americano.
How many calories are in an Americano?
Almost none. Starbucks lists 5 to 15 calories depending on size, with no fat or sugar, until you add milk or syrup.
What is the difference between an Americano and a long black?
Both are espresso and hot water. An Americano is usually made by adding water to espresso, while a long black is made by pouring espresso over water, which keeps more crema and tastes slightly stronger.
Starbucks caffeine, calories and ingredients are from starbucks.com (checked October 2026). Prices are average US prices and vary by store. starbukmenu.com is not affiliated with Starbucks Corporation.
One Comment