The beverage in question is a coffee drink prepared by diluting espresso with hot water, giving it a similar strength to, but different flavor from, traditionally brewed coffee. An example is ordering it in a cafe, specifying the number of espresso shots and the amount of hot water desired.
Understanding its nomenclature reveals a connection to historical events. It gained popularity during World War II when American soldiers stationed in Europe sought a coffee beverage more akin to what they were accustomed to. The espresso available was often too strong for their liking, leading to the practice of adding hot water to dilute it. This adaptation resulted in a drink that offered a larger volume and a less intense flavor profile.
