Americano
Discover the timeless elegance of the Americano cocktail, a quintessential Italian aperitif famed for its refreshing bitterness and simple preparation. Believed to be the precursor to the Negroni, the Americano combines equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with sparkling soda water. It's a lower-alcohol option that's perfect for sipping before a meal or enjoying on a warm afternoon. Its vibrant red hue and balanced bitter-sweet profile, accented by an orange garnish, make it a visually appealing and palate-awakening classic.
Ingredients
- 3 cl Campari
- 3 cl Martini Rosso
- 6 cl soda water
- 1 piece orange peel
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 highball glass
Instructions
Fill a Highball glass with plenty of ice cubes.
Pour the Campari into the glass.
Add the sweet vermouth (Martini Rosso).
Top up gently with soda water.
Give it a very gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
Garnish with an orange peel or slice.
Trivia
- What is an Americano cocktail?
The Americano is a classic Italian cocktail known as an aperitif, meaning it's typically enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It's made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, served over ice and garnished with an orange slice or peel. It's considered a lighter, lower-alcohol precursor to the Negroni.
- What is the difference between an Americano and a Negroni?
The key difference lies in one ingredient: the Americano uses soda water for a lighter, sparkling finish, while the Negroni substitutes the soda water with gin, resulting in a significantly stronger, more spirit-forward cocktail. Both share Campari and sweet vermouth as base ingredients.
- How do you make the perfect Americano?
To make a perfect Americano, use good quality ingredients, especially fresh soda water for optimal fizz. Build the drink directly in an ice-filled Highball glass, pouring the Campari and sweet vermouth first, then topping gently with soda water. Stir minimally to combine without dissipating the carbonation. Don't forget the orange garnish, which complements the drink's flavours.
- What does an Americano taste like?
An Americano offers a balanced flavour profile. It's pleasantly bitter and herbaceous from the Campari, with underlying sweetness and complexity from the sweet vermouth. The soda water adds a refreshing effervescence, making it less intense than a Negroni. The orange garnish adds a bright citrus aroma.
- When is the best time to drink an Americano?
The Americano is traditionally served as an aperitif before lunch or dinner. Its refreshing and appetite-stimulating qualities make it ideal for this occasion. It's also an excellent choice for warm weather sipping, social gatherings, or anytime you desire a flavourful yet relatively low-alcohol cocktail.
- Can you vary the Americano recipe?
While the classic recipe uses Campari and standard sweet vermouth, you can experiment. Try using Aperol for a lighter, less bitter version, or explore different types of sweet vermouth for nuanced flavours. Some variations involve adding a dash of orange bitters, but the core trio of bitter liqueur, vermouth, and soda remains central.