An Americano is a coffee beverage made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water, giving it a similar strength, but different flavor, to drip coffee. The ratio of water to espresso can vary, with some preferring a 1:1 ratio and others opting for more water. This drink originated during World War II when American soldiers stationed in Italy diluted espresso to make it more palatable to their accustomed coffee style. The resulting beverage is characterized by its bold flavor, crema layer (from the espresso), and lower acidity compared to straight espresso.
