Americano Cocktail – Classic Italian Aperitif with Campari and Sweet Vermouth
A timeless Italian aperitif that blends Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water for a bittersweet sparkle. The Americano is light, balanced, and perfect for late-afternoon sipping.
The Americano cocktail is a refreshing Italian classic that marries Campari’s bitter depth with the rich sweetness of vermouth, brightened by a splash of soda water. Its gentle fizz and low alcohol content make it a favorite aperitif before dinner.
Background
Created in mid-19th-century Italy, the Americano began life as the Milano-Torino—named for Campari’s home city of Milan and vermouth’s Turin roots. American tourists embraced it during Prohibition, inspiring its new name and international fame.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Campari – delivers the signature bittersweet core.
- Sweet Vermouth – softens the bitterness with herbal sweetness.
- Soda Water – adds effervescence and balance.
- Orange Peel – releases fragrant oils and completes the aroma.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Ice cubes
Bittersweet Balance
Few drinks achieve harmony as effortlessly as the Americano. Equal parts Campari and vermouth strike a poised balance of bitter and sweet, while soda lightens the body. Its scarlet hue and sparkling finish make it an ideal aperitivo that invites slow enjoyment.
Substitutions & Variations
- Aperol Americano – swap Aperol for a gentler bitterness.
- Tonic Twist – use tonic instead of soda for sharper citrus tones.
- Negroni Shift – replace soda with gin for the stronger cousin.
Helpful Tips
- Chill your glass before pouring for lasting effervescence.
- Express the orange peel over the drink to release aromatic oils.
- Pair with light snacks such as olives or roasted nuts.
- For batching, premix equal parts Campari and vermouth; add soda only when serving.
Americano Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 2 oz.
- 3 oz.
Directions
- Pour Campari and sweet vermouth over ice cubes in a highball glass.
- Top with about 3 oz soda water and stir gently.
- Express and add a twist of orange peel, then serve.
Simple, balanced, and unmistakably Italian—the Americano proves that elegance needs no excess.
