In response to Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” Mexican establishments are taking matters into their own hands. The idea, which has stirred significant outrage in Mexico, has led to reactions not only from politicians but also from the general public.
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has firmly rejected Trump’s suggestion, even humorously proposing to rename North America as “Mexican America” as a countermeasure. Furthermore, Sheinbaum has promised retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products in response to any new tariffs imposed by Trump.
However, the political backlash is not the only reaction this proposal has sparked. Mexicans have also taken to expressing their dissatisfaction with their daily lives, particularly in cafés and bars across the country.
In response to Trump’s suggestion, many establishments have decided to stop serving the traditional “americano” coffee. In some places, the drink has been humorously renamed “Canadian coffee,” while others are offering a more traditional Mexican alternative—café de olla.
One waitress humorously explained the change, saying, “How can I serve you an americano? Don’t mess with me. That’s an insult. I’ll give you a café de olla and explain why.”
The Origin of Americano Coffee
As this waitress explains, “café americano” in its current form doesn’t even exist in Italy, where the drink originated.
During World War II, American soldiers in Italy found the local espresso too strong for their taste. They began requesting a separate cup of hot water to dilute their espresso, creating the now-known “americano” coffee. Over time, this preparation gained popularity worldwide.
The Italians, poking fun at the Americans, began calling it “café americano.”
Moreover, the U.S. has no coffee plantations, meaning there is no “American coffee bean.” In light of this, the waitress humorously insists, “Instead, have this café de olla—it’s really good, and remember, it’s a local product.”
Americano vs. Filtered Coffee
It’s important to distinguish between café americano and café filtrado (filtered coffee). Filtered coffee is made through an infusion process, where hot water passes slowly through ground coffee beans.
Café americano, on the other hand, is essentially an espresso diluted with hot water. While filtered coffee tends to have a milder flavor profile, café americano offers a stronger, more concentrated taste due to the espresso base.
As Mexico stands firm against Trump’s proposal, the country’s cafés are sending a message with their shift from the “americano” to a more authentic, national choice—café de olla.