Americano
What is an Americano? We are glad you asked because in this article we will not only tell you what it is, but as an added bonus we will toss in a little history. We are Madres Espresso, serving the Greater Olympia area with our West side coffee stand on Cooper Point Road, and our East side coffee stand on Pacific Avenue. Two locations, one commitment to excellence. Stop by, say hi, and find out what great customer service looks like.
What is an Americano?
An Americano is a coffee drink made by diluting espresso with hot water. The result is similar in strength to regular drip coffee, like Folgers, but with a slightly different flavor profile. Today, the Americano is a popular drink in cafes worldwide. It is a simple yet satisfying coffee drink perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor. It is typically served hot but may be prepared as an iced Americano as well.
What is the ratio of water and espresso? In an Americano the ration can vary depending on personal preference, but a typical ratio is one part espresso to two parts water. Some people also like to add a splash of milk or cream to their Americano to give it a creamier texture. Most Americanos are prepared by a layering method, meaning one layer of espresso followed by one layer of water, repeated several times.
The history of this popular coffee drink.
The history of the Americano dates back to World War Two. During World War II, American soldiers stationed in Italy wanted a less intense coffee than traditional Italian espresso, similar to the drip coffee they were used to at home.
The Italians devised a solution by adding hot water to the espresso, creating a less potent drink that was more similar to the black coffee the American soldiers were used to. The resulting drink was named after its intended audience and has become a popular coffee drink worldwide.
European Influence
The Americano also has roots in Europe. “Americano” means “American” in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Some assert the term entered the English language from Italian in the 1970s. “Caffè Americano” specifically is Italian for “American coffee.” The drink was popular in Europe before World War II but gained wider recognition after the war.
Variations upon variations
Those are the historical facts as we know them. What is not stated is that any espresso drink, from a Mocha to a Cappuccino to a Macchiato and Americano all have variations depending upon individual preferences, and you, the customer at a coffee stand or coffee shop, can ask for any variation you want. The goal, after all, is to please you, the paying customer.
A final word about Madres Espresso.
Madres Espresso is locally owned and operated, a fact we believe to be important. Our customers are our neighbors. We are all heavily invested in the well-being of the Olympia area, and our success means more dollars poured into the local economy. Keep us in mind the next time you have a craving for a delicious espresso beverage. We would love to count you as one of our regulars.
