Americano

The AMERICANO is a milder version of other popular Campari drinks like the Negroni and Boulevardier. The Americano has no gin or bourbon like the aforementioned, but still combines with sweet vermouth. It’s diluted with club soda to yield a refreshing aperitif like the Aperol Spritz while containing the trademark bitter edge of Campari.

Requirements: Campari, sweet vermouth, club soda or seltzer, orange twist

• 1.5 oz. Campari
• 1.5 oz. sweet vermouth
• 1-2 oz. club soda or seltzer
• 1 orange peel for garnish

Pour the Campari and sweet vermouth into an old-fashioned or highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda or seltzer (usually 1-2 oz.). Stir briefly and garnish with an orange peel.

Comments: Make sure the sweet vermouth is fresh (new or kept refrigerated); otherwise it goes stale after three months and will ruin the mix. Use an old-fashioned glass if less club soda/seltzer is preferred.

History: This recipe reportedly originated in the 1860’s in Milan, Italy. The cocktail was named the Americano at the turn of the century, prior to prohibition, because of its popularity with American tourists. It led to creation of the popular Negroni in Florence during the 1920’s. Many years later, the Americano became the first drink that Ian Fleming’s James Bond orders in Casino Royale, even before his famed vodka martini.

Similar Cocktails:

Aperol Spritz — https://keetscocktails.com/aperol-spritz/

Negroni — https://keetscocktails.com/negroni-2/

Boulevardier — https://keetscocktails.com/boulevardier-2/

Old Pal — https://keetscocktails.com/old-pal/