Americano

Espresso with hot water added after the shot is pulled. Originated with US servicemen in World War II Italy, who found Italian espresso too strong and ordered it diluted.

Why it matters — The Americano is the standard "black coffee" on most US menus and is often used interchangeably with the long black in Australia — though they're not technically the same drink.

Good to know

• Order of operations is the difference: in an Americano, water goes in the cup first, espresso on top; in a long black, water first, espresso on top (Australian standard) or shot first then water (some venues).
• The water-on-top order can preserve the crema better than reverse-pouring.