Americano
Campari and sweet vermouth stretched with soda. The low-strength aperitivo that came before the Negroni.
Built in glass · Highball · Easy · about 2 minutes · about 8% ABV
Ingredients
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml Sweet vermouth
- 90 ml Soda water
- Orange slice (garnish)
Method
- Ice the glass
- Pour 30 ml Campari into the glass
- Pour 30 ml sweet vermouth into the glass
- Top with 90 ml soda water
- Stir once
- Garnish
Tip
Great for long afternoons. It is about half the strength of a Negroni.
About the Americano
The Americano grew out of the Milano-Torino, made with Campari from Milan and vermouth from Turin, served in Gaspare Campari's café in the 1860s. Soda was added later, and one story says the name came from the many American visitors who loved it during Prohibition. James Bond orders one in Ian Fleming's first short story collection.
The aperitivo family. Italian aperitivo culture grew up in the cafés of Milan and Turin in the 1800s. Sweet vermouth was created in Turin in 1786 and Gaspare Campari opened his café in 1860. Bitter drinks like the Americano and the Negroni were made to sharpen the appetite before dinner, so they balance bitter and sweet and stay moderate in strength.
Americano FAQ
What's in an Americano?
30 ml campari, 30 ml sweet vermouth, 90 ml soda water, garnished with orange slice.
How strong is an Americano?
About 8% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 1.0 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is about as strong as a glass of wine or lighter.
Should I shake or stir an Americano?
Neither. Build it straight in the glass over ice, then give it one gentle stir.
What glass do you serve an Americano in?
A highball, about 350 ml. Serve it over ice. No highball? Use any tall, straight-sided glass.
