How to make a classic Americano cocktail! Perfect served as part of an Italian aperitivo with some marinated olives, Taralli or any snack you like. Made with just 3 simple ingredients it's so refreshing and delicious!
The Americano was first served at Gaspare Campari's bar, Caffe Campari in the 1860's although back then it was known as The Milano-Torino because Campari comes from Milan and Vermouth comes from Torino.
It's thought that the name changed to The Americano after it became popular amongst American tourists visiting Italy and the name has stuck ever since.
Just like a classic Negroni, this bitter cocktail is perfect served as an aperitivo (aperitif) with nibbles to stimulate your appetite before dinner in true Italian style!
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Ingredients - what you need
See the photo below that shows you everything you need to make this recipe plus some important tips on ingredients!
- Campari - made with an infusion or fruit and herbs with a strong bitter taste, Campari has a unique flavour and can't be replaced with anything else.
- Vermouth - make sure you use a red dry vermouth, it doesn't need to be the Martini brand although it is good quality.
- Soda water - soda water or sparkling water will do.
- Orange slices - fresh slices of orange complete the drink.
Step by step photos and recipe instructions
Put ice in a short tumbler or glass and add equal parts of Campari and red vermouth (photos 1 & 2).
Stir the Campari and vermouth together then top up the glass with a splash of soda, garnish with slices of fresh orange (photos 3 & 4).
Top tips and recipe FAQs
- Use plenty of ice - this cocktail is best served cold!
- Garnish - you can garnish the cocktail with either orange or lemon.
The cocktail was first named The Milano-Torino because of the origins of the liqueurs used but it's thought that the name changed to The Americano after it became hugely popular amongst American tourists.
Both cocktails are very similar except a Negroni uses gin instead of soda water which makes it stronger.
No, this cocktail doesn't use a cocktail shaker, simply pour the ingredients into each glass and stir.
Food to serve with an Americano
Here are some of our favourite delicious Italian snacks that are perfect for serving with cocktails.
- Grissini - Italian Breadsticks
- Taralli Pugliesi (Italian Snack)
- Easy Marinated Olives - Ready In 5 Minutes
- Burrata with Crispy 'Nduja & Gremolata
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread
- Stracchino and Sausage Crostini
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📖 Recipe
Americano Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 fl oz Campari (30ml)
- 1 fl oz Red Vermouth (30ml)
- 1 splash soda water
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a short tumbler or glass with ice.
- Pour in equal amounts of Campari and vermouth and stir to combine.
- Top up the glass with a splash of soda, stir once more and garnish with a slice of fresh orange.
Notes
- Use plenty of ice - this cocktail is best served cold!
- Garnish - you can garnish the cocktail with either orange or lemon.
Nutrition
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
- When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use this brand for the best results and flavour
- All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
- All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
- Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
- Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
- You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.
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