Americano
A classic Italian aperitivo, the Americano is a brilliantly simple and refreshing cocktail. It masterfully balances the bittersweet notes of Campari with the herbal sweetness of vermouth, all lightened by a splash of soda water. It is famously the predecessor to the Negroni.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Campari
- 1 ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
- Top with Club Soda
- Garnish: Orange Slice or Peel
Instructions
- Fill the Glass: Fill a highball or large rocks glass to the top with fresh, clear ice cubes.
- Build the Drink: Pour the Campari and the sweet vermouth over the ice.
- Top with Soda: Gently top with chilled club soda, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
- Stir and Garnish: Give the drink a single, gentle stir to combine the ingredients. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or an expressed orange peel.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Father of the Negroni: The Americano is a fantastic and lower-alcohol alternative to the Negroni. The recipes are nearly identical; simply swap the soda water in an Americano for gin, and you have a Negroni. It's the perfect pre-dinner drink (aperitivo) to stimulate the appetite.
Quality Ingredients Shine: With only three ingredients, their quality is paramount. Use a high-quality Italian sweet vermouth (like Carpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino) and a freshly opened, well-chilled bottle of soda water for the best results.