An Americano cocktail is a drink recipe made with equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, then topped with soda water, it's an aperitivo similar to a Negroni, but without the gin.
An Americano cocktail is a classic Italian drink that embodies simplicity and effervescence. First served in the mid-1800s, it's actually the drink that gave birth to the Negroni!
It's even more like a Milano Torino cocktail—which is only Campari and sweet vermouth—but it's also topped with sparkling water. It's low in alcohol and perfect for all-day sipping.
So when you want to change up your usual Campari and Soda just a bit, tweak the recipe and drink an Americano Cocktail instead! And take a look at more Negroni variations when you want to change things up!
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Americano cocktail ingredients
- Campari: Campari is an Italian aperitivo made of a blend of herbs that has a bitter flavor and bright reddish-orange hue. It's one of my favorite liqueurs.
- Sweet vermouth: The sweet vermouth will balance with some subtle sweetness. There are many brands to choose from, I like Dolin and Noilly-Pratt.
- Soda water (sparkling water): Big bubbles, small bubbles, you choose. I usually make my own club soda at home in my Soda Stream.
- Orange twist: Just a little orange peel to add aroma and complement the other ingredients.
How to make an Americano cocktail
Step 1: Make the orange twists
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Use a vegetable peeler to cut the orange twists, being careful not to get any of the bitter white pith, just the aromatic peel.
Step 2: Mix up the Americano cocktails!
Fill a rocks glass with ice, pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth, then add the chilled sparkling water. Give it one gentle stir to combine. Garnish with the orange peels and serve!
Expert tips
- Keep sweet vermouth refrigerated: It's actually a fortified wine, so once opened, keep it in the fridge. Then it will be ready for cold drink recipes like this Americano cocktail!
- There's no substitute for Campari: Campari has a very unique flavor, and there isn't really a good substitute for it in an Americano. There are plenty of other Italian red bitter liqueurs, but they do have a different flavor.
- Keep your soda water cold: The bubbles will be stronger and last longer (and of course your cocktail will be colder) if you chill the club soda before using.
More Campari cocktails
As a former bartender, Campari has always been one of my favorite liqueurs to work with. The bittersweet flavor pairs well with so many other ingredients, providing endless options.
- A Rosita cocktail adds tequila into the Negroni variation situation!
- Try a Jasmine cocktail in the spring, it's made with fresh lemon juice and turns a lovely pink hue.
- Keep it fizzy with a Negroni Sbagliato, which swaps the gin for sparkling wine.
An Americano cocktail is a simple and tasty drink recipe!
- Just three ingredients: Campari, sweet vermouth, and sparkling water.
- If you're looking for a drink recipe that's low in alcohol and fairly low in calories, the Americano cocktail is the one for you!
- Perfectly balanced flavors, with lively bubbles that are just fun.
- Sip an Americano during aperitivo hour (before dinner), the bittersweet flavors of Campari and vermouth will stimulate your taste buds!
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Recipe
Americano Cocktail Recipe
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Equipment
- high ball glass or rocks glass
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces Campari
- 1½ ounces sweet vermouth
- soda water, chilled
- orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to cut the orange twists, being careful not to get any of the bitter white pith, just the aromatic peel.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice, pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth, then add the soda water. Give it one gentle stir to combine. Garnish with the orange peels and serve!
Notes
- Keep sweet vermouth refrigerated: It's actually a fortified wine, so once opened, keep it in the fridge. Then it will be ready for cold drinks like this Americano cocktail!
- There's no substitute for Campari: Campari has a very unique flavor, and there isn't really a good substitute. There are plenty of other Italian red bitter liqueurs, but they do have a different flavor.
- I like to make my own club soda: I use a Soda Stream! They are worth the investment if you enjoy fizzy water on its own and to make cocktails. Better for the environment, too!
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