“Cafe Americain” is a popular coffee drink in France that is similar to an Allonge. It is made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, resulting in a less intense flavor.
History and Origin
The cafe americain has its roots in World War II, when American soldiers stationed in Europe found the local espresso too strong for their taste. They started diluting it with hot water to create something closer to the drip coffee they were used to back home. The French, with a mix of amusement and practicality, began offering this diluted espresso on their menus as the “cafe americain” – literally “American coffee.” Over the decades, it became a legitimate menu item in French cafes, especially in tourist-friendly areas and in cities with international populations. While it was once seen as a lesser drink by French coffee purists, the cafe americain has earned its place on the menu.
How It’s Made
A cafe americain is made by pulling a single shot of espresso and then adding hot water to it – usually about 2 to 4 ounces, depending on the cafe. The order matters: espresso first, then water. This preserves a thin layer of crema on the surface and keeps the flavor smoother. Some French baristas add even more water for a truly mild cup, while others keep the ratio tighter for more body. The result is a larger, lighter coffee that still carries the aromatic qualities of a proper espresso, just without the concentrated punch.
How to Order
To order a cafe americain in France, say: “Je voudrais un cafe americain, s’il vous plait” (zhuh voo-DREH uhn ka-FAY ah-meh-ree-KAHN, seel voo PLEH). Keep in mind that in some smaller or more traditional cafes, this drink might not be on the menu. In those cases, you can ask for a cafe allonge, which is the French equivalent – an espresso with extra hot water.
When and Where Locals Drink It
Honestly, the cafe americain is not a traditional French favorite. Most French locals prefer a straight espresso or cafe at any time of day. The cafe americain is more commonly ordered by tourists, expats, and younger French drinkers who have picked up the habit from international coffee chains. You will find it most easily in Paris, Lyon, and other major cities, especially in cafes near tourist landmarks or in modern specialty coffee shops. That said, it is perfectly acceptable to order one anywhere – no one will judge you too harshly.
Variations
The main variation you will encounter is the size – some cafes serve a small americain (closer to 4 ounces total) while others give you a full mug. You can also ask for a double americain, made with two shots of espresso for a stronger flavor. Some cafes will offer it iced (cafe americain glace) during the summer months. In specialty coffee shops, you might find versions made with single-origin espresso beans for a more nuanced flavor profile.
Cafe Americain vs Cafe Allonge
These two drinks are very similar but not identical. A cafe allonge is typically made by pulling a longer espresso shot – letting more water run through the grounds during extraction. A cafe americain, on the other hand, adds hot water to a normally extracted espresso shot after it is pulled. The allonge tends to be slightly more bitter because of the longer extraction, while the americain has a cleaner, smoother taste. In practice, many French cafes use the terms interchangeably, but there is a technical difference.
How to Make a Cafe Americain at Home
This is one of the easiest coffee drinks to make at home. Pull a single shot of espresso (or make a strong concentrated coffee with a Moka pot or Aeropress). Heat about 4-6 ounces of water to just below boiling. Pour the espresso into a mug first, then slowly add the hot water on top. Adjust the water amount to your preference – less water for a stronger drink, more for a milder cup. The key is using quality espresso as the base, since the hot water amplifies both the good and bad qualities of the coffee.
Ingredients
1 Espresso Shot + 2 Fl. Oz. Hot Water
How to order a Cafe Americain in France?
"Je voudrais un cafe americain, s'il vous plait."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cafe americain?
A cafe americain is a French coffee drink made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso, creating a larger, milder coffee similar to American drip coffee.
Is a cafe americain the same as a cafe allonge?
They are very similar but technically different. An allonge uses a longer espresso extraction, while an americain adds hot water to a normal espresso shot after pulling it. Many cafes use the terms interchangeably.
Do French people actually drink cafe americain?
It is not a traditional French favorite – most locals prefer a straight espresso. However, it has become more common in major cities and modern coffee shops, especially among younger drinkers.
