The Americano cocktail is a light, refreshing, and slightly bitter Italian classic, also regarded as the precursor to the Negroni. The perfect balance of Campari and sweet vermouth is complemented by the gentle fizz of soda water. The drink is not only a favorite for summer afternoons but also a true aperitif classic that prepares the taste buds for dinner.
Story
The history of the Americano cocktail dates back to the 1860s. At that time, Gaspare Campari began serving the drink at Caffè Campari in Milan. He was also the creator of Campari. The cocktail is a lighter variation of the Milano-Torino, also known as the Mi-To. Its name refers to Campari’s Milanese origins and vermouth’s roots in Turin. In the early 20th century, however, the drink became increasingly popular among American tourists visiting Italy. As a result, it eventually became known as the Americano. The cocktail also found its way into popular culture. James Bond, the famous British secret agent, enjoys an Americano in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) Campari
1 ½ oz (45 ml) sweet vermouth
2 ⅔–3 ⅓ oz (80–100 ml) soda water to top up
How to Make an Americano Cocktail
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth, then stir gently. Next, top up with soda water and, if you like, give the drink a quick stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Serving and Garnish
The Americano cocktail is traditionally served in a highball or old-fashioned glass. For garnish, add a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange, which brings out the drink’s citrus notes while also adding a touch of color.
Calorie Content
A single serving of an Americano cocktail contains approximately 160–170 calories, depending primarily on the type of vermouth used.