Americano

Americano

(0 ratings)

A classic Italian aperitivo cocktail with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, perfect for any time of day

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

Keep screen on?

Recipe

1 cocktail (180ml)
  • Campari 
    45 ml
  • Sweet Red Vermouth 
    45 ml
  • Soda Water 
    60 ml
  • Orange Peel 
    1 strip
Recipe credit: Gaspare Campari, 1860s Milan

Instructions

Step

Fill a rocks glass with plenty of fresh ice cubes, preferably large clear cubes for slower dilution.

Step

Add 45ml Campari and 45ml sweet red vermouth directly over the ice.

Step

Top with 60ml chilled soda water, adjusting the amount to taste preference.

Step

Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine ingredients without losing carbonation.

Step

Express oils from orange twist over the glass, rub along the rim, and drop into the drink as garnish.

Step

Serve immediately while cold and effervescent.

Equipment

Bar spoon
Jigger
Citrus peeler

Description

The Americano is a timeless Italian aperitivo that originated in 1860s Milan at Gaspare Campari’s bar. Originally called the Milano-Torino, it was renamed Americano due to its popularity with American tourists. This refreshing, low-alcohol cocktail perfectly balances bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and effervescent soda water, making it an ideal pre-dinner drink or sophisticated sipper.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (180ml)
Calories
145
ABV
12.5 %
Alcohol
18 g
Carbs
14 g
Carbs from Sugar
12 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
15 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Use high-quality sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula, Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, or Punt e Mes for best flavor complexity and balance.

  • Always use freshly opened, well-chilled soda water for optimal effervescence - flat soda water ruins the drink's refreshing character.

  • Large, clear ice cubes melt slower and provide better dilution control while maintaining the drink's strength longer.

  • When cutting the orange twist, avoid the bitter white pith - you want only the colored outer peel for pure citrus oils.

  • For batch preparation, pre-mix Campari and vermouth in advance, chill, then add soda water just before serving to preserve carbonation.

Absolutely! The classic 1:1:1 ratio is just a starting point. Increase soda water for a lighter, more refreshing drink, or use less for a more intense bitter-sweet profile. Some prefer a 1:1:1.5 ratio with extra soda water.

Carpano Antica Formula is excellent for its vanilla and spice notes, Cocchi Storico offers traditional flavor, Punt e Mes adds extra bitterness, and Cinzano Rosso provides classic sweetness. Each creates a slightly different flavor profile.

The Americano is traditionally an aperitivo, served before dinner to stimulate appetite, typically between 5-7 PM. However, its low alcohol content and refreshing character make it suitable for any time, especially hot afternoons or as a sophisticated alternative to wine.

While Campari is traditional, you can substitute other Italian bitter liqueurs like Aperol (sweeter, lower alcohol), Contratto Bitter, or Luxardo Bitter. Each will create a different flavor profile, but the drink structure remains the same.

Related Fruity, Herbal cocktails

Hugo Spritz

A refreshing Italian aperitif cocktail made with elderflower liqueur, prosecco, soda water, fresh mint, and lime.

Hugo spritz

Vermouth Spritz

The ultimate Italian aperitivo cocktail featuring vermouth, prosecco, and soda water in the perfect 3-2-1 ratio.

Vermouth spritz

Dolce Vita

A vibrant Italian-inspired cocktail balancing bittersweet amaretto, herbal rabarbaro, and bright citrus notes in a modern riff on the classic Amaretto Sour.

Dolce vita

Lucien Gaudin

A sophisticated classic cocktail that represents a refined evolution of the Negroni family, balancing gin, Campari, orange liqueur, and dry vermouth into a harmonious aperitif.

Lucien gaudin

Gloria Cocktail

A sophisticated Negroni-inspired cocktail combining gin, Campari, dry vermouth, and orange liqueur for a perfectly balanced bittersweet experience.

Gloria

Enzoni

A modern classic that elegantly bridges the gap between the Negroni and the Gin Sour, using muddled grapes to add fresh, juicy sweetness that balances Campari's bitterness.

Enzoni

Star Daisy

A modern classic cocktail that elegantly balances gin, apple brandy, and citrus in perfect harmony, revived by legendary bartender Sasha Petraske.

Star daisy

Negroni Sbagliato

A sparkling twist on the classic Negroni, this "mistaken" cocktail combines Campari and sweet vermouth with effervescent Prosecco for a lighter, refreshing aperitif.

Negroni sbagliato

The Monroe

A sophisticated gin-based cocktail created at Death & Company, featuring peach liqueur, orgeat syrup, and aromatic bitters with a splash of soda water.

The Monroe

Floradora

Vibrant gin cocktail with tart lime, sweet raspberry, and spicy ginger beer for balanced fruitiness.

Floradora

Blackberry Smash

Expertly balances the tartness of fresh blackberries with the warmth of bourbon, bright citrus, and mint.

Blackberry smash

Nuclear Daiquiri

A modern classic cocktail known for its bold, herbal, and intensely boozy profile with overproof rum and Green Chartreuse

Nuclear daiquiri

Leave your comment

Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

Okay

Recipe notes

Create a free account 

My Bar, saved forever
Without an account, your ingredients are only stored in cookies and can disappear. With an account, your bar is saved securely – so you can always see which recipes you can craft (or almost craft) based on what you have at home.

Rate recipes
Share your opinion and help other cocktail lovers discover the best recipes.

Favourites at your fingertips
Save your go-to cocktails for quick access right from your account page.

Personal notes
Add your own tweaks, tips, or reminders to any recipe – perfect if you like to experiment or record what worked best.

Exclusive newsletter
Opt-in for insights into mixology, cocktail theory, and home bartending – plus stay updated when new recipes are added.

Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Campari
    45 ml
  • Sweet Red Vermouth
    45 ml
  • Soda Water
    60 ml
  • Orange Peel
    1 strip

Method

  1. Fill a rocks glass with plenty of fresh ice cubes, preferably large clear cubes for slower dilution.
  2. Add 45ml Campari and 45ml sweet red vermouth directly over the ice.
  3. Top with 60ml chilled soda water, adjusting the amount to taste preference.
  4. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine ingredients without losing carbonation.
  5. Express oils from orange twist over the glass, rub along the rim, and drop into the drink as garnish.
  6. Serve immediately while cold and effervescent.