What is an Americano?

An Americano is defined as espresso diluted with hot water. This preparation method begins with espresso, which is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, resulting in a concentrated shot. By adding hot water to this espresso shot, the flavor intensity is toned down, creating a drink that has a similar strength to regular brewed coffee but retains the unique flavor profile of the espresso.

The practice of preparing an Americano originated from American soldiers during World War II who sought to make their espresso more similar to the drip coffee they were accustomed to back home. This dilution results in a beverage that is rich in flavor while being less potent than a straight shot of espresso, making it appealing to a broader range of coffee drinkers.