An Americano coffee is a simple but flavorful espresso-based beverage produced by diluting one or more shots of espresso with hot water. This results in a drink that is equivalent in strength to ordinary drip coffee but with the rich, concentrated flavor of espresso. The term “Americano” is supposed to have arisen during World War II, when American soldiers in Europe would dilute espresso to make it more similar to the coffee they were used to back home. The end result is a smooth, well-balanced coffee that keeps the espresso’s rich, strong flavor while lowering strength and harshness. Americano is a versatile alternative that is commonly drunk black or with a dash of milk, making it a favorite among people who value a robust yet refined cup of coffee.