Final answer:
An espresso mixed with hot water is called an Americano, distinguishing it from milk-based coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
Step-by-step explanation:
The beverage that is composed of espresso topped with hot water is known as an Americano. This is an example of a coffee solution, where the espresso, a concentrated coffee brew, is diluted with water to create the final coffee beverage. Unlike a latte, which is espresso with milk and a small amount of foam, or a cappuccino, which has a higher proportion of foam, or a macchiato, which has just a dollop of milk or foam, an Americano is simply the espresso and water mixture.