Verlängerter vs. Americano – a quick guide

If you order a Verlängerter in Vienna and an Americano in New York, they’ll look pretty similar: black coffee, less intense than an espresso, but stronger than filter coffee.

And yet, they’re two different drinks.

Verlängerter

A Verlängerter is basically an espresso topped up with more hot water.

• Base: 1 espresso
• Preparation: Extended with hot water
• Taste: Milder than espresso, but still aromatic
• Vibe: Classic Austrian coffeehouse

You could say: espresso, just more relaxed.

Americano

An Americano is also made with espresso, but usually with more water than a Verlängerter.

• Base: 1–2 espressos
• Preparation: Espresso + lots of hot water
• Taste: Cleaner, lighter in body
• Vibe: Typical coffee-to-go

In short: espresso, but in a bigger, lighter version.

The difference

Verlängerter

• Less water
• More aromatic, more compact
• Coffeehouse style

Americano

• More water
• Bigger drink, lighter taste
• Ideal for long days and large cups

What suits you?

You want aroma without full-on espresso intensity? → Verlängerter
You want a big cup but still with that espresso note? → Americano

Try out which style suits you best: Dark & Elegant, Mild & Aromatic or Strong & Earthy – each of our Afro Coffee roasts brings its own character to your Verlängerter or Americano and turns a simple coffee break into your very own coffee moment.