To be feel a little bit annoyed when they ask me if I want milk with my Americano?

[said]

Um, obviously not, hence why I've specified an "Americano". I know whose fault it is - people asking for one and then asking for "a bit of milk" as well

is an espresso with water called a machiata?

I've given up oredering a coffee or any coffee-based hot drink here in the UK. The coffee tastes burnt (they must overtoast the coffee beans?), it's always at boiling temperature (it shouldn't be), they can't do froth and they put too little of it.
So, I'll just stick to cold drinks until I'm back in Italy next week (I'll spare a thought for all you MNetters drinking overpriced crap )

I like milk in my americano. If I want black coffee then I have an espresso.

The Flat White has reached here too, but is an astronomical price. Much cheaper to get an americano and then ask for a splosh of milk.

macchiato is an espresso with a little bit of milk

Sorry OP but you are 100% wrong. The definition of an Americano is espresso topped up with water... but it can then have milk added. I have drunk it in Italy where it was invented and where the word 'Americano' comes from and I can confirm that Italians drink it both with and without milk.

The reason it is so called, incidentally, is because Italians tend to only drink plain old espresso (sometimes with a bit of milk, sometimes without) but they top it up with water to make a longer, weaker drink - just like how the Americans do when they drink filter coffee.

In fact, I can't actually think of any coffees at all that by definition must come without milk... unless of course they are specified as 'black'. I don't think there are any, as it happens.

Brilliant at being 100% wrong . Yes, yes yes, at "The definition of an Americano is espresso topped up with water..." And yes "...it can then have milk added." We agree. But that's a request by the customer not a suggestion by the "barista"

S/he's not suggesting it though. S/he isn't presenting the specials to you. S/he is clarifying to make their job easier. Because it's already happened 17 times that day that s/he hasn't offered milk and the customer has to then ask once s/he thinks the job's done.

Let me introduce you to a novel concept...

"No milk thank you".

Painless really.

When you go to Pizza Hut and you ask for a pizza and they say 'would you like any sides with that?' they're not suggesting the definition of pizza contains some soggy mushroom coated in limp batter and a burnt bit of garlic bread are they?

but you wouldn't just ask for "a pizza" would you
not a good analogy

how about... "i'd like a margarita please"
"would you like peppers on that?"

it would be annoying. because a margarita doesn't come with peppers on, even if most of their customers have asked for that

likewise, an americano doesn't come with milk in, but you are free to request it if you choose

OP I'm with you all the way. How can there be 20 different drinks on the menu at Charbucks of which none is black coffee and only one is tea? Duh.

I know why s/he's suggesting it, hence why I said so in OP.

But it is the same. They, based on the number of people who have milk in their americano (as is confirmed with this thread), are offering something that a lot of people want/occasionally forget.

Can I have a margarita?
Certainly, do you want any sides?

Can I have an americano?
Yes, do you want any milk?

They're not saying 'I think an americano should contain milk', they're making their lives easier. Saves the regular scenario of handing over a full americano and the bugger turning round and saying 'oh I wanted milk'.

Honestly, say no thank you. Or drink something else.

In Italy an Americano is a long black coffee with a separate jug of milk[or it was in Riva in May]

I always ask for milk with my Americano, because it is the only way I can get a long white coffee - I don't want a Latte, or Cappuccino, just a normal nice long white coffee - not too milky and nice and strong. But this isn't an option on any of the coffee shop menus round my way.

Is it really worth getting 'a little bit annoyed' about? Can't you just say no thank you?

although to be honest ..... many tiny insignificant things get me furious, so I am not one to talk

I have milk in my earl grey too