Americano Cocktail

White Americano Cocktail – Americano Bianco

A white Americano is a variation of the classic Americano cocktail. Instead of the traditional Campari and sweet vermouth, it uses white counterparts like Bianco Vermouth and a white bitter liqueur. The result is a lighter and often more citrus-forward profile than classic Americano. The drink still balances bitter and sweet flavors but presents them more delicately.

More Variations on the beloved Campari drink

Want something close yet different? We recommend one of these three drinks:

• Milano Torino: Combining sweet vermouth and Campari in equal measures, it strikes a balance between herbal bitterness and sweetness. The distinct bitterness of Campari melds with the aromatic complexity of sweet vermouth. The simplicity of this mix appeals to me; it’s both uncomplicated and elegant, ideal for unwinding.
• Negroni Sbagliato: A playful twist on the classic, sparkling prosecco replaces gin, introducing a bubbly and lighter touch. The effervescence of prosecco softens the Campari’s bitterness and the vermouth’s sweetness, creating a celebratory and refreshing character. The bubbly aspect captivates me, adding a festive and uplifting vibe, perfect for special occasions.
• Boulevardier: Bourbon meets sweet vermouth and Campari in this concoction, where the bourbon’s warmth and notes of vanilla and oak contrast with the herbal bitterness of Campari and the sweet aromatics of vermouth. This combination of bourbon’s richness with the other flavors offers a robust and deeply gratifying experience.

History and Origins of the Americano Cocktail

The Americano cocktail has a rich history that intertwines with the evolution of global cocktail culture. Its roots trace back to the 19th century in Italy. The drink is a spin on a  “Milano-Torino”,  a famous cocktail named after its primary ingredients: Campari from Milan and sweet vermouth from Turin.

The name change to “Americano” is a nod to its popularity among American tourists during the early 1900s. These tourists visiting Italy during Prohibition in the United States particularly liked the cocktail. They appreciated its refreshing nature and the fact that it was less potent than straight spirits, making it a perfect daytime drink.

Over time, the Americano set the stage for other iconic cocktails. For instance, when you replace soda with gin in an Americano, you get a Negroni.

What is the difference between a Negroni, a Manhattan, and an Americano Cocktail?

The Negroni, Manhattan, and Americano are all iconic cocktails, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart:

1. The base spirit differs among the three. A Negroni uses gin, a Manhattan relies on whiskey (usually rye or bourbon), and an Americano doesn’t have a strong spirit, focusing instead on Campari and vermouth.
2. While both the Negroni and Americano feature Campari, the Manhattan does not. Instead, Manhattan gets its unique flavor from whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. The Americano stands out for its lightness and effervescence, achieved by topping the drink with soda water. Neither the Negroni nor the Manhattan includes soda.
4. In terms of glassware, a Manhattan is typically served in a cocktail glass. In contrast, the Negroni and Americano are often served over ice, with the former in an Old Fashioned glass and the latter in a highball.
5. Origin stories vary: the Negroni traces its roots to Italy, inspired by Count Camillo Negroni. The Manhattan, as its name suggests, hails from New York. The Americano, with its Italian ingredients, pays homage to its popularity among American tourists in Italy.
6. The Manhattan’s flavor profile leans towards the warm and slightly sweet notes of whiskey, contrasted by the herbal touch of vermouth and the bitters’ spice. On the other hand, the Negroni and Americano play on the balance between the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth.