There’s something about that first sip of a creamy coffee that just hits different—especially when it’s keto and still feels like a treat.
This Keto Americano with Heavy Cream is my go-to low-carb coffee when I want something bold, smooth, and a little indulgent.
It’s so easy to make and doesn’t require anything fancy—just a strong coffee base, a little heavy cream, and a swirl or two.
You’ll love how quick it is, and how it feels like a café drink without the carbs or sugar.
What You’ll Need
- 2 shots of espresso (about 2 oz total)
- 6 oz hot water
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or sugar-free vanilla syrup
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is my little life-saver on busy mornings when I want something warm and creamy, but I’m sticking to low-carb eating.
- It’s a simple upgrade from your usual black coffee
- Creamy without being too heavy
- Totally keto-friendly and won’t spike blood sugar
- Feels fancy without extra effort
- Pairs great with a quiet morning or a good podcast
I started making this when I was cutting sugar but didn’t want to give up my love for coffee. Now, it’s my daily ritual.
Servings and Time
Servings: 1
Total Time: 5 minutes
Macros (approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 1g (from cream)
- Protein: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Espresso gives you that strong, bold flavor without needing much volume—perfect when you’re avoiding sugary lattes.
- Adding hot water stretches the espresso into an Americano without diluting the flavor too much.
- Heavy cream is high in fat, low in carbs, and gives a rich mouthfeel that mimics sweetened milk without needing any sugar.
- The cream also cools the drink just enough to sip right away without burning your tongue.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold cream – This can make your drink separate or cool too fast. Let it sit at room temp for a minute or warm it slightly.
- Too much cream – More isn’t always better. It can drown the coffee flavor.
- Using low-quality espresso – Since this drink is so simple, the flavor really depends on your coffee quality.
- Skipping the stir or swirl – Without mixing, your cream might just sit on top instead of blending in.
What to Serve With
- Almond flour muffins
- Scrambled eggs with cheese
- A keto bagel or slice of avocado toast (low-carb bread)
- Just by itself for a quick pick-me-up
FAQ
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?
Yes! Use ½ cup strong brewed coffee and skip the hot water.
Can I use milk or half-and-half?
Sure, but it won’t be as keto. Heavy cream keeps it low-carb.
Can I make this iced?
Definitely. Just use cold water instead of hot, pour over ice, and shake with cream.
Is this recipe sweet?
Not on its own. If you want it sweet, use a keto-friendly syrup.
Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix the espresso and hot water ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up and add cream when ready. Great for busy mornings!
How to Make Keto Americano with Heavy Cream
Step 1: Pull your espresso shots
Pull 2 oz (2 shots) of fresh espresso using your espresso machine. You want it hot and strong.
Step 2: Add hot water
Pour 6 oz of hot water into a heatproof glass mug, then slowly pour in your espresso to make your Americano base.
Step 3: Add heavy cream
Pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Let it float or give it a gentle swirl with a spoon, depending on how creamy you like it.
Step 4: Add extras (optional)
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of sugar-free vanilla syrup if you like it flavored. Stir gently.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
That’s it! Serve your Keto Americano in a clear glass mug or round coffee cup so you can see those gorgeous cream swirls. Sip and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
This is a single-serve drink best made fresh, but if needed, you can store the coffee and water mix in the fridge for 2–3 days. Add fresh cream before drinking.
Tools You’ll Need
- Espresso machine (or strong coffee maker)
- Small glass bowl (for cream)
- Measuring spoon
- Heatproof glass mug or round coffee cup
- Spoon for stirring
Substitutions and Variations
- No espresso machine? Use ½ cup strong brewed coffee.
- Want it sweeter? Use a keto sweetener or sugar-free syrup.
- Want it iced? Pour over ice and use cold water instead of hot.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut cream or almond milk creamer (note: not as rich).
Enjoy making this creamy, satisfying Keto Americano! If you try it, I’d love to hear how it went—leave a comment and let me know if you added your own twist!
