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The Americano is a low-ABV cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling water, and garnished with an orange slice. The combination of the bitter Campari and the sweet vermouth, balanced with club soda, creates a refreshing and easy-sipping cocktail that’s similar to the Negroni.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Americano dates back to the 1860s and is considered one of the earliest Italian aperitifs. It was first served at Gaspare Campari’s bar, Caffè Campari, in Milan, Italy. The drink was originally called the “Milano-Torino” because it combined two key ingredients from different Italian cities: Campari (from Milan) and sweet vermouth (from Turin).
While I’ve read many conflicting stories, the cocktail is believed to have been renamed the “Americano” due to American tourists flocking to Europe during Prohibition in search of cocktails. It’s also recognized as the precursor to the Negroni, replacing club soda with a smaller ratio or gin. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of gin for a fizzy hybrid. You can thank me later!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Campari: Campari is a bitter and citrusy, crimson-colored Italian liqueur often served as an aperitif. It has notes of baking spices such as cinnamon and clove. There aren’t really any other alternatives. If you’re looking for another way to use Campari, try the tiki-inspired Jungle Bird.
- Sweet vermouth: a fortified wine, aromatized with a range of botanicals that lends a touch of richness and sweetness, rounding out the drink. I like Dolan and Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth.
- Sparkling water: the drink is classically served with sparkling water, however, club soda or soda water is a common substitute (which is slightly more fizzy).
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Serve this cocktail over plenty of ice in a highball glass. This is the classic glassware for several fizzy cocktails such as the Paloma and Dark ‘n Stormy.
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- Don’t skip the orange wedge garnish. It adds a welcome burst of fresh citrus. You can also express an orange peel over the top of the drink for intense citrus aroma.
More Classic Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Americano Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces Campari
- 1½ ounces sweet vermouth
- sparkling water or club soda, chilled (about 4 ounces)
- Orange wedge garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass to the top with ice. Add Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Top with the club soda and stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
One of my favorite light summer sippers. Love the idea of mixing in some gin!