Light, bitter, and effortlessly refreshing, the Americano cocktail is a timeless Italian aperitivo that strikes the perfect balance between bitter and sweet. Made with just three ingredients-Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water-this iconic drink is the less boozy cousin of the Negroni and a favorite in cafés and piazzas across Italy.
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If you're new to bitters or looking for something easy to sip before dinner, the Americano is the perfect starting point. It's vibrant, low in alcohol, and incredibly simple to make at home with no special tools required.
Check out also other classic Aperitivo drinks such as Classic Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz, Classic Negroni Cocktail Drink.
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🍸 A Brief History
Despite its name, the Americano is proudly Italian. It was first served in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari's bar in Milan and originally known as the Milano-Torino-a nod to the origins of its two main ingredients: Campari from Milan and vermouth from Turin.
It was later renamed "Americano" in the early 20th century, likely because of its growing popularity among American tourists in Italy. Fun fact: the Americano was the first cocktail James Bond ordered in Ian Fleming's Casino Royale-before the famous martini ever appeared.
🧾 Ingredients
- Orange slice or twist - The traditional garnish adds aroma and enhances the citrus notes in the drink.
- Campari - A bright red Italian bitter liqueur, herbal and citrusy with a distinct bitterness. Essential for the drink's identity.
- Sweet vermouth (Vermouth Rosso) - Look for Italian brands like Carpano Antica, Cocchi, or Martini Rosso. It brings balance and sweetness.
- Soda water - Sparkling water or club soda adds effervescence and dilutes the drink slightly, making it lighter and more refreshing.
🍳 Substitutions
- Campari → Aperol can be used for a milder, sweeter version with less bitterness.
- Sweet vermouth → If you don't have vermouth rosso, try red aromatized wine, or experiment with a dry version for a crisper edge (though it will change the balance).
- Soda water → Use tonic water for a more herbal variation, or flavored sparkling water like blood orange or grapefruit for a twist.
🥣 Variations
- Negroni - Swap the soda water for gin for a stronger, more complex classic cocktail.
- Sbagliato - Replace soda water with prosecco for a bubbly, elegant Negroni Sbagliato.
- Americano Spritz - Use more soda water and serve over ice in a wine glass for a spritz-like aperitivo.
- Cynar Americano - Substitute Campari with Cynar, an artichoke-based amaro, for a deeper, earthier bitterness.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve the Americano in a lowball or rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a slice or twist of orange. It's best enjoyed:
- As a pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite
- Alongside Italian aperitivo snacks like olives, potato chips, crostini, or cured meats Check also this The Ultimate Guide to Italian Aperitivo (also at home)
- On a warm summer evening, paired with sunshine and good conversation
❄️ Storage
- Storage: You can mix Campari and vermouth ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Add soda water just before serving to keep it fizzy.
- Batching for parties: Mix equal parts Campari and vermouth in a pitcher and chill. When serving, pour over ice and top with soda water individually.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Not really. It's considered a low-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktail thanks to the soda water and absence of hard spirits.
Technically yes, but it's traditionally served over ice. The ice keeps it cool and slightly dilutes the bitterness.
Nope! Just a glass, a spoon for stirring, and some ice.
⭐ Top tip
Chill your glass before building the drink-especially in summer. It keeps the cocktail cool longer and enhances the sipping experience, especially when serving without too much ice.
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📖 RECIPE
Americano Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a lowball or rocks glass with ice.
- Pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Top up with soda water to taste.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of orange peel.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Notes
- Adjust soda water quantity based on your taste-more for a lighter drink, less for stronger flavor.
- Use high-quality vermouth and keep it refrigerated after opening.
- Pre-chill your glass for an extra refreshing experience.
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Chloe says
I love Americano! This was really good
Jessica Montanelli says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it. 🙂