Hot water and espresso — that’s it! Americano lore tells us it was created during WWII when American GIs in Italy added hot water to espresso to dilute its "bitterness." The name stuck!
The standard is 8-10 oz hot water combined with a double shot of espresso, but there's no "right" amount. An awesome variation is the slightly stronger "Italiano" made with a double shot and just 6 oz hot water.
An Americano tastes similar to black coffee or drip, but with the aroma and depth of flavor of espresso.
Here's 3 reasons why Americanos just work: — Americanos retain espresso flavor in a longer-lasting form. — They provide a more gradual energy boost than a cup of drip coffee. — They're a great alternative if you suspect the drip coffee at a cafe is less than fresh.