Lost my crema

[rocknrod]

I have treated myself to a Gaggia classic. I make a espresso and get a good crema, but when I add hot water for an American I lose the crema???
What am I doi g wrong?

 

[PinkRose]

Essentially, what you're doing, when you add the hot water to the espresso, is diluting the espresso and breaking down the crema. Within seconds of adding the hot water to the espresso shot, it will start to look like regular drip coffee, and it becomes an Americano. If you put the hot water in the mug first, and then add the espresso, you may be able to keep the crema for a few seconds longer.