americano

Americano is an Italian term meaning “American” and is used in several contexts to denote something associated with the United States, as well as in the naming of specific beverages. In English-language usage it often refers to coffee or cocktails, but it can also describe a person from the Americas in some languages.

Caffè Americano is a coffee beverage prepared by diluting espresso with hot water. This creates a lighter-bodied drink with a strength closer to drip coffee. Typical preparation involves one or two shots of espresso combined with hot water, either by pouring water into the cup after the espresso or by diluting the espresso with water in the cup. Ratios commonly range from 1:2 to 1:4 (espresso to water). The drink is usually served in a cup or small glass and preserves some crema on top.

Americano also refers to a cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It is served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a lemon twist or orange slice. The Americano originated in Italy in the late 19th or early 20th century, and in some accounts it is described as a precursor to the Negroni, with gin later replacing the soda in that subsequent variation.

In addition to beverages, Americano functions as a demonym in Italian and other Romance languages for someone from the United States. In English, the term typically appears in historical or cultural contexts, while “American” is the standard term for an inhabitant or citizen of the United States.