An American journalist studying in Russia has tweeted photos of what appears to be a new trend in the Crimean Peninsula, the “Russiano” espresso drink.
The tweet shows a photo of a vending machine that calls an espresso with hot water drink — traditionally referred to as an Americano throughout most of the coffee-drinking world — as a “Russiano.” Another photo shows a sign posted on a cafe door that reads (as translated by Business Insider):
“Attention! Given the current geopolitical situation, we no longer have ‘the Americano.’ Please ask for the ‘Crimea coffee.'”
The geopolitical situation, of course, is the American-opposed annexation of Crimea by Russia and Vladimir Putin that dominated headlines earlier this year. It is unclear whether the anti-American sentiment reflected here in coffee comes from forced Russian nationalism, but it is worth noting that the “Caffe Americano” remains an available menu item at the 40-plus Moscow-area Starbucks locations surrounding The Kremlin.