Highballs · Aperitivo · IBA official
Americano
Campari and vermouth stretched with soda – the Negroni's gentle elder
Campari and sweet vermouth lengthened with soda water over ice. Bittersweet, herbal and lightly fizzy, with far less alcohol than its descendant, the Negroni. An easy-going aperitivo for long afternoons and early evenings.
- Glass
- Highball
- Ice
- Ice cubes
- Technique
- Built in the glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 2 min
- Strength
- ≈ 9% ABV
Ingredients
- 30 mlCampari1 oz
- 30 mlSweet vermouth1 oz
- 60 mlSoda waterto top2 oz
- GarnishOrange half-wheel
≈ 130 ml served · 1 standard drinks
Method
- 1
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- 2
Add the Campari and sweet vermouth.
- 3
Top with soda water and stir gently.
- 4
Garnish with an orange half-wheel.
History
It began as the Milano-Torino – bitter Campari from Milan and sweet vermouth from Turin – served at Gaspare Campari's café in Milan, which opened in 1867. Adding soda turned it into a long drink, and the name Americano is usually explained by its popularity with American visitors in the early 20th century. It is the direct ancestor of the Negroni.
- Origin
- Milan, Italy
- First recorded
- 1867
Bartender's notes
- Keep the soda cold and lively – it's what turns two intense aperitivi into a light, easy drink.
- Swap the soda for prosecco and you're very close to a Negroni Sbagliato.
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