Americano is a type of coffee drink prepared by diluting an espresso with hot water, giving it a similar strength to, but different flavour from traditionally brewed coffee. The strength of an Americano varies with the number of shots of espresso and the amount of water added. 

Espresso is coffee of Italian origin, brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Espresso is generally thicker than coffee brewed by other methods, has a higher concentration of suspended and dissolved solids, and has crema on top.

Latte art is a method of preparing coffee created by pouring microfoam into a shot of espresso and resulting in a pattern or design on the surface of the latte. It can also be created or embellished by simply "drawing" in the top layer of foam.

Latte art is particularly difficult to create consistently, due to the demanding conditions required of both the espresso shot, its heat, and milk.

This, in turn, is limited by the experience of the barista and quality of the espresso machine.

The pouring itself, then, becomes the last challenge for the latte artist.

The term is not reserved to latte coffee only, it also applies for other beverages containing milk foam like cappuccino and hot chocolate.