An Aerocano is an iced Americano made with air-whipped espresso. The espresso is aerated for a few seconds with a steam wand until it turns light and foamy, then poured over ice and cold water. The foam slowly cascades down through the glass and settles into a creamy layer on top. There’s no milk or sugar, just espresso, water, ice and air.
Starbucks made it famous in 2026, launching it first in South Korea in February and across North America on National Coffee Day, September 29. But you can make one at home in about two minutes with any espresso machine that has a steam wand, or even a handheld milk frother.
| Aerocano | Iced Americano | |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Espresso, water, ice | Espresso, water, ice |
| Extra step | Espresso is aerated first | None |
| Texture | Light, creamy foam on top | Thin and clean |
| Taste | Softer, rounder, less sharp | Bolder, more bitter edge |
| Calories | Under 10 (no milk or syrup) | Under 10 |
What Is an Aerocano?
A regular Americano is espresso topped up with water. The Aerocano adds one step: before the espresso meets the ice, it’s whipped with air. Steam from the wand forces tiny bubbles into the coffee, roughly doubling its volume and turning it a pale, creamy tan.
When you pour that foam over ice and cold water, it sinks and rises in slow waves before settling into a layer on top, a little like the cascade in a glass of nitro cold brew. The name is simply “aero” (air) plus “Americano.”
Where the Aerocano Came From
Home baristas were already posting steam-whipped iced Americanos online before Starbucks picked up the idea. Starbucks gave it the name and a global push. It debuted the Aerocano in South Korea on February 26, 2026, where the iced Americano is far and away the most popular coffee order. Koreans even have a word, eol-juk-ah, for people who drink iced Americanos in the depths of winter.
The drink then rolled out across the US and Canada on September 29, 2026, National Coffee Day. Starbucks makes it with Blonde Espresso, aerated for about four seconds, and also sells a caramel version. Check our guide to Starbucks cup sizes if you’re ordering one.
How to Make an Aerocano at Home
Aerocano, one glass
About 2 minutes · steam wand
- Fill the glass. Add plenty of ice and about 4 oz (120 ml) of cold water to a tall glass.
- Pull a double shot. Brew it straight into a small, cold metal frothing pitcher. Our standard is 18 g in, about 36 g out, in 25–30 seconds.
- Aerate the espresso. Purge the steam wand, then hold the tip just at the surface of the espresso and open the steam. Let it hiss for 3–5 seconds, until the espresso roughly doubles in volume and turns light tan.
- Pour right away. Tip the foamy espresso slowly over the ice and water. The foam is short-lived, so don’t let it sit.
- Watch it settle. Give it 20–30 seconds to cascade, then drink without stirring for the creamiest sips.
Keep the aeration short. The aim is to add air, not heat; steaming too long warms the coffee and melts your ice.
No Steam Wand?
Use a handheld battery milk frother. Pull or brew a strong double shot into a tall cup, froth it for 10–15 seconds until foamy, then pour over ice and water. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong espresso-style coffee from a moka pot or AeroPress works too, though the foam won’t be quite as fine.
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Useful gear: a handheld milk frother, a small frothing pitcher, or a home espresso machine with a steam wand. See our picks for the best home espresso machines.
What Does an Aerocano Taste Like?
It tastes like an iced Americano with the edges rounded off. The bubbles give it a smooth, almost creamy feel even though there’s no milk, and the sharp, bitter notes seem softer. The foam on top has the most concentrated espresso flavor, so the first sips are the richest.
Medium and lighter roasts work well. Starbucks chose its Blonde Espresso for a mellower, sweeter cup. A fruity Ethiopian makes a bright Aerocano; a Colombian gives more chocolate and body.
Aerocano Variations
- Caramel: stir a little caramel syrup into the ice water before pouring, like Starbucks’ caramel version.
- Sparkling: swap the water for tonic or sparkling water for a fizzy, bitter-sweet twist.
- Citrus: add a strip of orange peel to the glass.
- Stronger: use less water, or a triple shot like a Starbucks grande.
For more airy iced drinks, try cloud coffee.
Tips for the Best Aerocano
- Use fresh espresso. A shot that has been sitting loses its crema and won’t foam as well. Here’s how long a shot stays good.
- Start with a cold pitcher. It keeps the espresso cooler while you aerate.
- Don’t over-steam. A few seconds is enough. Longer just heats the coffee.
- Clean the wand right after, as you would after steaming milk.
Aerocano FAQ
Is an Aerocano the same as an iced Americano?
It uses the same ingredients, but the espresso is aerated first, which gives it a foamy top, a smoother texture and a cascading look.
Does an Aerocano have milk?
No. The creamy texture comes only from air whipped into the espresso, so it’s dairy-free and vegan unless you add something.
How much caffeine is in an Aerocano?
The same as an iced Americano made with the same number of shots. Aerating doesn’t change the caffeine.
Can I make an Aerocano without an espresso machine?
Yes. Froth a strong double shot of moka pot or AeroPress coffee with a handheld milk frother, then pour it over ice and water.
Sources: The Korea Times: Starbucks to make global debut of Aerocano (Feb 2026); Nation’s Restaurant News: The Aerocano arrives at Starbucks (Sept 2026).
Former roastery owner and coffee tour operator. Steve spent five years roasting coffee for his own shop and wholesale customers. More about Steve