Ingredients
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet Vermouth
- Soda water - to top up
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Campari: Pour 1 oz Campari over the ice.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour 1 oz sweet Vermouth into the glass.
- Top with Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with soda water.
- Stir Gently: Stir the ingredients gently using a bar spoon.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Campari: Only some enjoy the bitterness of Campari. I've often swapped it out for Aperol, which offers a sweeter, less bitter profile. If you're looking for something different, try Gran Classico, which has a more complex, herbal flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can work if you're out of sweet vermouth. Remember to add a dash of simple syrup to counteract the dryness. Another option is Lillet Blanc, which gives the drink a slightly different but delightful character.
Making a Pitcher of Americano:
- Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, use 8 oz of Campari, 8 oz of sweet vermouth, and soda water to top up each glass.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Campari and sweet vermouth. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Highball glasses, top up with soda water, garnish with an orange slice or twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Campari Substitute: For a non-alcoholic version, use a simple syrup infused with orange peel, a hint of grapefruit juice, and gentian for bitterness.
- Sweet Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth or for a grape juice infused with nutmeg, cardamon, cloves, and vanilla.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with the non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps for a delightful non-alcoholic Americano.
Making it Vegan:
Most versions of bitter and vermouth are vegan-friendly. However, always check the labels or contact the manufacturer for more clarification. Some vermouths might use animal-derived fining agents. For a guaranteed vegan sweet vermouth, brands like Dolin and Noilly Prat have vegan options. Always ensure your soda water and any other additions are vegan-friendly as well.What is an Americano Cocktail?
The Americano is a classic Italian cocktail made with equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with a splash of soda water and traditionally garnished with an orange slice. The Americano cocktail has a bittersweet flavor profile with a refreshing, slightly herbal edge from the Campari.
This cocktail dates back to the 1860s, where it was first served at Gaspare Campari’s bar in Milan. It was originally called the “Milano-Torino” (after its ingredients from Milan and Turin), and later renamed “Americano,” possibly due to its popularity with American tourists visiting Italy during Prohibition.
Interestingly, the Americano inspired the creation of the famous Negroni cocktail. In the early 20th century, legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni, an Italian nobleman, wanted a stronger version of the Americano and asked the bartender to replace the soda water with gin. This simple change gave birth to the Negroni.
The Americano is one of the cocktails officially recognized by the IBA (International Bartenders Association), highlighting its timeless appeal. And to clear up any potential confusion—though it shares a name with a popular coffee style and sounds distinctly patriotic, the Americano cocktail is strictly Italian in origin. It’s all about enjoyment, no caffeine, and no espresso involved!
The Americano Cocktail Ingredients
To make an Americano cocktail, you will need these ingredients:
- Campari: This bitter liqueur provides the drink’s signature red color and distinct bitter flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine that adds depth and sweetness, balancing the bitterness of the Campari.
- Soda Water: Adds effervescence and dilution, making the cocktail lighter and more refreshing.
