Leer en español: Historia del café Americano
Origin of Americano Coffee
While some might consider Americano coffee disgusting, its history is interesting and fascinating.
Despite the fact that this coffee is often easily confused with filtered or drip coffee, it is important to note that this drink is an espresso-based drink and its preparation consists of adding hot water to an already brewed espresso.
Its name comes from the Italian Caffè Americano (which means “Americano coffee”, although it is also often called simply “Americano”) and dates from the 1970s.
It is believed that this drink was created in Italy during World War II, where the American troops stationed in Europe, not being used to the intense flavor of Italian espresso (coffee available at that time), diluted it with a little hot water to give it a more familiar taste.
Americano Coffee
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How is it prepared?
The preparation of this drink is very easy and takes little time. In addition to this, there are varieties that have been created over time and adjusts to any taste.
The drink consists of 1 or 2 shots of espresso coffee to which hot water is added. Depending on consumer tastes, 3 to 5 shots of hot water are added for each shot of espresso.
Other variations are “Short Americano”, where espresso coffee and hot water are mixed in equal parts, that is, the espresso/water ratio is 1:1. And the “Iced Americano” where hot water is replaced by cold water and ice cubes.
Despite the fact that coffee shops are incorporating creative and even elaborate beverages into their menus, this coffee is still a favorite of many people.
Due to this and its interesting history, Americano coffee will continue to occupy an important place on the menu of each cafeteria in the classic drinks section.