Americano
The Americano is a sparkling, bittersweet cocktail that serves as a perfect introduction to Italian aperitivo culture. It combines the complex, herbal bitterness of Campari with the rich, sweet notes of red vermouth, all lightened and lengthened by a splash of fizzy soda water. Often considered the precursor to the Negroni, it's a lighter, lower-alcohol option that is both simple to make and delightfully complex in flavor.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Americano is a classic IBA "Unforgettable" cocktail, celebrated as a quintessential Italian aperitif. It's designed to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it a popular long drink.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a Highball or Old Fashioned glass, this is a relatively low-alcohol drink perfect for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 150-200 ml / 5-7 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Old Fashioned
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The cocktail's story begins in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari's bar in Milan, where it was first served as the "Milano-Torino." It was later renamed the "Americano" in the early 20th century, supposedly due to its popularity among American tourists. It's also famously the first drink ordered by James Bond in Ian Fleming's novel "Casino Royale."
Origin
Italy, circa 1860s.
Americano
The drink is primarily known as the Americano. It evolved from an earlier drink called the Milano-Torino, named for its ingredients: Campari from Milan (Milano) and sweet vermouth from Turin (Torino).
Original name
Americano
Alternative name
Milano-Torino
Characteristics overview
The Americano presents a vibrant ruby red appearance with a bittersweet, herbal flavor profile and a refreshing, bubbly texture. Its aroma is rich with orange peel and spice, leading to a clean, lingering bitter finish.
Flavor
Bittersweet, herbal, citrusy, refreshing, effervescent
Aroma
Orange peel, herbal, spicy, slightly sweet
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, bitter, lingering herbal notes
Fizziness
Bubbly, light carbonation
Color appearance
Ruby red, transparent, sparkling
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is defined by a strong bitterness from Campari, balanced by a moderate sweetness from the vermouth. It's not particularly fruity or spicy, with a light alcohol presence and a pleasant fizziness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple cocktail requires only three core ingredients: equal parts Campari and sweet red vermouth, topped with soda water. An orange slice or lemon twist is used for garnish.
- Campari30 ml / 1 ozThe essential bitter component.
- Sweet Red Vermouth30 ml / 1 ozProvides sweetness and botanical complexity.
- Soda Water30-60 ml / 1-2 ozUse to top up the drink, amount to taste.
- Orange Slice or Lemon Twist1 pieceFor garnish.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon to gently combine the ingredients in the glass. This is a "built-in-glass" cocktail, so no shaker is required.
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring
- Jigger for measuring
Instructions
To make an Americano, simply build the ingredients over ice in a glass, starting with Campari and vermouth, then topping with soda water. A gentle stir and a citrus garnish complete the drink.
1. Fill a Highball or Old Fashioned glass with cubed ice.
2. Pour in 30 ml (1 oz) of Campari.
3. Pour in 30 ml (1 oz) of sweet red vermouth.
4. Top with a splash of soda water (approximately 30-60 ml / 1-2 oz).
5. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with an orange slice or a lemon twist.
Garnishing
The drink is traditionally garnished with either a fresh slice of orange or a twist of lemon peel. The citrus oils complement the cocktail's herbal and bitter notes.
- Orange slice: place a half-moon slice directly in the drink.
- Lemon twist: express the oils over the drink and drop it in.
Dietary Information
This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, and is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. It is also caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Americano is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with its carbohydrate and sugar content primarily coming from the sweet vermouth and Campari.
Calories
Approximately 110-140 kcal / 460-585 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 12-15 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Americano is the quintessential pre-dinner drink, perfect for aperitivo hour to stimulate the palate. Its refreshing nature also makes it ideal for warm weather, summer parties, and casual social gatherings.
- Aperitivo hour
- Pre-dinner drink
- Summer party
- Casual gathering
Pairing suggestions
The Americano pairs wonderfully with classic Italian aperitivo snacks. Its bittersweet profile cuts through the richness of cured meats and cheeses, while also complementing the saltiness of olives, nuts, and simple breads like focaccia.
- Olives
- Salted nuts
- Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
- Hard cheeses (parmesan, pecorino)
- Focaccia or bruschetta
The Americano: A Taste of Italian Aperitivo Culture
The Americano is a timeless Italian classic, embodying the spirit of aperitivo. It's a simple, elegant, and refreshing mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, served over ice with a citrus garnish. Less potent than its famous descendant, the Negroni, its appeal lies in its perfect balance of bitter and sweet, making it an ideal pre-dinner drink to awaken the palate.
Similar cocktails
Negroni
A classic Italian aperitif known for its perfect and iconic balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes.
Negroni Sbagliato
A sparkling and lighter version of the classic Negroni, where gin is replaced with prosecco for a refreshing, bubbly twist.
Boulevardier
A sophisticated and rich whiskey-based cocktail with a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and spicy notes.