Americano Cocktail…!! Looking for a light and refreshing aperitif with a hint of bitterness? Look no further than the Americano! This simple yet delightful cocktail, made with just three ingredients, can be customized to suit your taste buds and is the perfect way to awaken your senses before a meal.

While some believe that the name “Americano” stems from the tradition of diluting strong Italian amaro to cater to American palates, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory. It could simply be a playful twist on the word “amaro.”

Regardless of its origins, Americano enthusiasts can unanimously agree that this bittersweet aperitif is a fantastic choice to kickstart happy hour or unwind with a low-alcohol, daytime sipper. So why not treat yourself to the delightful flavors of an Americano?

Campari: Key Ingredients of Americano Cocktail

The Americano is made up of three key ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. The vibrant red color of this drink is all thanks to Campari, which truly steals the show.

So, what exactly is Campari? It belongs to the amaro family of liqueurs and has been produced in Italy since the 1800s. Over the past few decades, it has gained immense popularity. This bittersweet Italian aperitif is a delightful blend of herbs and spices, with its unique recipe being a closely guarded secret. When you take a sip, you’ll experience flavors of citrus fruits, baking spices, and bitter herbs. Americano Cocktail

Interestingly, the original red color of Campari came from crushed cochineal, which is actually a bug! However, nowadays, artificial dyes are used to achieve the same vibrant hue. This makes Campari a safe choice for those following a vegan lifestyle.

What Kind of Vermouth Works Best?

Typically in Italy, the Americano is prepared using Punt e Mes, an Italian vermouth known for its pronounced bitterness compared to other red or sweet vermouths. However, for this particular beverage, you can use any sweet vermouth of your choice.

In my recipe, I take a French approach by using Dolin Rouge instead. It has a milder bitterness and a touch of sweetness, which helps to harmonize the flavors of Campari, preventing the cocktail from being excessively bitter.

How to Serve an Americano Cocktail

Version 1: I’ve noticed Americanos being served in rock glasses before, but personally, I like to enjoy this drink in a “long style.” By using a highball glass filled with ice, there’s more space to add in the soda water, which enhances the overall experience.

To complete the drink, why not give it a try with an orange slice? It perfectly complements the citrus notes of the Campari and adds a delightful fresh aroma to the beverage. Americano Cocktail

Americano Cocktail

Author: Jeanine
Total Time: 3 mins
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Relax and unwind with the classic and invigorating Americano cocktail. This simple yet sophisticated drink is an ideal option for a relaxed evening or a delightful pre-dinner drink. With its perfectly balanced flavors, the Americano is a timeless cocktail that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

1–1/2 ounces Campari
1–1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
2 to 3 ounces of soda water, chilled
1 slice orange, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare a glass:

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add the ingredients:

Pour the Campari, sweet vermouth, and 2 ounces of soda water into the glass. Stir gently with a long spoon or straw to combine.
Garnish and serve:

Taste, adding more soda water to taste, if needed. Garnish with the orange slice and serve.

Notes

Chill your soda water (storing it in the fridge is best) before making your cocktail to prevent watering down your drink with fast-melting ice cubes.

Experience the delightful harmony of tastes with the Americano cocktail – an authentic masterpiece that combines the ideal blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling soda water. Here’s to a timeless beverage that never loses its charm!

Prep Time: 3 mins
Category: Cocktail, Aperitif
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion