An Americano is a type of coffee that is made by adding hot water to a shot or two of espresso. It is a classic espresso-style drink with a smooth and well-rounded flavor, providing a distinctively powerful taste without being too strong or bitter. The key difference between an Americano and standard brewed coffee lies in its preparation. While both are made using ground beans, an Americano requires one or two shots of espresso. Hot water is then added for extra flavor and body, usually with a 2:1 water-to-espresso ratio. The resulting drink has a similar volume and strength to regular coffee, but with the flavors and aromas of the espresso. An Americano can be served 1/2 and 1/2 or 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water, depending on the coffee shop. It is a staple of traditional and specialty cafes alike and is now one of the most popular coffee drinks in the world.