Americano
A refreshing Italian aperitif combining Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water.
Drink details
Glass
Old Fashioned Glass
Ice
Cubed
Method
Built
Strength
Light
Servings
1
Carbonated
Yes
Recipe
Ingredients
Campari
30 ml
Sweet Vermouth
30 ml
Soda Water
1 splash
Garnish
Orange Slice
0.5 piece
Lemon Peel
Zest
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Add the Campari and sweet vermouth directly to an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice.
- 2
Add a splash of soda water and stir gently.
- 3
Garnish with half an orange slice and lemon zest.
About the Americano
The Americano is a classic Italian aperitif combining Campari and sweet vermouth with soda water. Closely connected to the development of the Negroni, it offers the same bittersweet interplay of Campari and vermouth in a lighter, longer and lower-alcohol format.
What does an Americano taste like?
The Americano tastes bittersweet, herbal and refreshing. Campari contributes pronounced bitterness and citrus notes, sweet vermouth adds herbal sweetness and complexity, and soda water lightens the mixture while providing a crisp sparkling finish.
Tips for making an Americano
Use well-chilled soda water and add it after the Campari and vermouth to preserve carbonation. Stir only gently after adding the soda. Use plenty of ice and avoid excessive dilution.
Substitutions & Variations
No Campari?
Another Italian red bitter aperitif can be used, although it will change the Americano's characteristic balance. Select Aperitivo is a good alternative with a similarly bitter, citrusy profile, while Cappelletti offers a softer, slightly sweeter and more wine-like character. Aperol can also work, but it is noticeably sweeter and less bitter, producing a lighter and fruitier drink. For the classic Americano profile, Campari remains the preferred choice.
No sweet vermouth?
Another quality sweet red vermouth can be substituted. Brands vary considerably in sweetness, bitterness and herbal character, so the finished drink may taste slightly different. Cocchi Vermouth di Torino tends to give a rich, rounded result, while Carpano Antica Formula adds stronger vanilla and spice notes. If using a particularly rich or sweet vermouth, a little extra soda water can help keep the drink refreshing and balanced.
No soda water?
Club soda, seltzer, or plain sparkling mineral water can all be used. Club soda is the closest substitute and may add a subtle mineral character, while seltzer is generally more neutral. Sparkling mineral water also works well, although strongly mineralized varieties can noticeably affect the flavor. Avoid tonic water, lemon-lime soda, and other sweetened carbonated drinks unless you intentionally want to change the Americano's bitterness and sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Americano the same as a Negroni?
No. Both cocktails contain Campari and sweet vermouth, but a Negroni adds gin while an Americano uses soda water. This makes the Americano lighter, lower in alcohol and more refreshing, while the Negroni is stronger and more spirit-forward.
How much soda water should I add to an Americano?
The classic recipe calls for a splash of soda water rather than a precise amount. Start with a small splash and add a little more if you prefer a lighter, longer drink. Too much soda water can dilute the characteristic balance of Campari and sweet vermouth.
Should I stir an Americano?
Yes, but only gently. After adding the soda water, give the drink a brief, gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
Why is my Americano too bitter?
Campari is intentionally bitter, so some bitterness is an essential part of the cocktail. If the drink is too bitter for your taste, a little more soda water can soften its intensity. You can also experiment with a slightly sweeter vermouth, although this changes the balance of the classic recipe.
Is an Americano a strong cocktail?
Compared with many spirit-forward cocktails, an Americano is relatively light. Campari and sweet vermouth are both lower in alcohol than base spirits such as gin or whiskey, and the soda water further lowers the alcohol concentration of the finished drink. The exact strength depends on the products used and how much soda water is added.
When is an Americano usually served?
The Americano is traditionally an aperitif, so it is particularly well suited to drinking before a meal. Its bitter, herbal and refreshing character makes it a lighter pre-dinner drink rather than a heavy or overly sweet cocktail.
