Why Americans Love Americano — And Why Europeans Don’t

In Paris, ordering an americano can earn you sideways glances. In Italy, it might even draw ridicule. Many Europeans see the drink as weak or lazy — or worse, ‘jus de chaussette’ (sock water), as the French mockingly call it. But across the Atlantic, Americans routinely choose the americano as their go-to cup. What explains the stark difference in reputation — and is the americano really just ‘bad coffee’?

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Americano

For a balanced americano, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend or Commercial Blend — medium-dark roasts with smooth body, nutty depth, and crema, ideal at 60–70°C. For brighter, fruit-forward profiles, use Ethiopia Huakui (SOE) for notes of strawberry and floral tones, or Strawberry Candy Espresso for berry, almond, and cream flavors, best served at 50–60°C. All three work well hot or iced. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.