How to Make an Americano with Colombian Espresso Capsules

An Americano combines brewed espresso with separately added hot water. With compatible Colombian espresso capsules, you can make a longer black coffee without repeatedly extracting water through the same used capsule.

The key is to choose capsules for your machine first, then decide how much water you enjoy in the cup. This guide uses the Colombia Origin Espresso Tolima capsules sold by CoffeeAnd USA as the shopping example. It is an adjustable home method, not a manufacturer-tested recipe for every machine.

Check that the capsules fit

The current Colombia Origin listing specifies Nespresso Original compatibility and a pack of ten capsules. These are not Nespresso Vertuo capsules or K-Cups. Check the model name on your machine before ordering. Our capsule compatibility guide explains that distinction.

The capsules are a separate product from ANASU ground-coffee bags. Do not open a bag and put loose grounds into a capsule machine’s capsule slot. Follow the machine and capsule instructions for loading and brewing.

A simple way to find your preferred water amount

For your first comparison, brew one capsule at the espresso setting appropriate to your equipment and capsule directions. Separately measure 60 ml of hot water. Add that water to the brewed coffee, stir gently and taste when comfortable to drink. Add another 20 to 30 ml if you want a lighter, longer drink, and record the total you preferred.

1. Use a heat-safe mug with room for espresso, water and safe handling space.
2. Prepare the machine according to its instructions and load a fresh compatible capsule.
3. Brew the espresso without repeatedly running the used capsule.
4. Add separately heated water carefully. A kettle is useful if the machine has no approved hot-water function.
5. Let the drink reach a comfortable temperature before tasting and adjusting.

The added-water amounts are suggestions for finding your own preference, not a universal Americano ratio. If you like a large mug with more coffee character, brew a second fresh capsule and adjust the water rather than expecting one small serving to fill every mug.

Americano versus lungo

An Americano adds water after brewing the espresso. A lungo passes more brewing water through the coffee during extraction. The processes are different, so selecting the longest button is not automatically the same as making an Americano. Use a lungo setting only as directed for the equipment and capsule you are using.

Which coffee should you choose?

Choose Colombia Origin Espresso Tolima capsules when you want the listed Colombian-origin option. Cuba Mia Ristretto capsules is a different, Cuban-style blend whose composition includes both Arabica and Robusta from several origins; it should not be described as single-origin Colombian coffee.

Our origin-versus-blend guide helps you read those descriptions. For this drink, the first question remains machine fit, followed by which coffee you prefer after dilution.

Plan the pack around your drink

A ten-capsule pack supports ten one-capsule drinks or five two-capsule drinks. That is capsule counting, not a promise of a particular mug volume. Check current prices and availability on the product page, or Phone Orders: (786) 786-4495 for help choosing.

Nespresso is a third-party trademark. CoffeeAnd USA and the capsule products discussed here are not represented as endorsed by or affiliated with Nespresso.

By CoffeeAnd USA Team. Product listings and linked references checked October 8, 2026. Brewing amounts and pairing ideas are starting suggestions, not guaranteed results.