This Americano Cocktail is a classic cocktail from Italy, that's perfect for any occasion. It's a refreshing and light drink that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day perfect. It features Negroni flavors with equal parts Campari and Vermouth, and topped with a splash of soda water to form a stunning jewel-toned cocktail!
James Bond a.k.a 007, made this cocktail famous in the novel Casino Royale, by Ian Fleming. This refreshing cocktail has bitter and sweet flavors from the Campari and Red Vermouth. It is lightened up with the effervescence of soda water making it a lovely summer sip! The bitterness of the cocktail pairs really well with salty dishes that have bacon and cheese which is perfect for Brunch! Charcuterie boards or this Pretzel Beer Cheese Dip or these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are other fabulous options!
I love serving this Americano Cocktail when I want something light and refreshing especially in the summer! It's easy to throw together for quick entertaining it can be customized for those that enjoy this classic Italian cocktail as is or want to make it bolder or lighter.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
You will love to serve this Americano Cocktail recipe because:
- The color is gorgeous!
- It Pairs beautifully with a charcuterie board for gathering friends. This makes for some easy entertaining!
- It's light and refreshing with bitter and sweet notes.
- It's low in calories.
Ingredient Notes
- Campari - a classic aperitif made from bitter herbs, plants, fruit, alcohol and water.It's the key ingredient in the classic Americano Cocktail, It has a distinctive bitter taste and a signature red colour.
- Rosso (Red) Vermouth- Martini Rosso Vermouth from Martini & Rossi - a fortified wine blended with Italian herbs with a savory bitter-sweet flavor.
- Soda Water- Club soda or Perrier can be used to top the cocktail. It adds a bit of fizz and dilutes the drink slightly.
- Fresh Oranges - use an orange twist or orange slice for garnish.
- Ice
How to Make an Americano Cocktail
- 1. Add Campari to a highball glass.
- 2. Pour in some Vermouth.
- 3. Splash in some soda water.
- 4. Stir to combine. Add an orange twist or slice for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cocktail has a robust bitter taste accented with a slight sweetness from the vermouth and light citrus notes from the orange peel. The soda water adds a light and bubbly layer to balance the bold flavors.
The name apparently originated due to the popularity of the cocktail among American tourists travelling through Italy in the early 1900s.
Both cocktails have equal parts of Campari and Vermouth, however the soda in the Americano is replaced by gin in the classic Negroni.
Expert Tips
- This recipe is quite foolproof. If you enjoy a stronger drink use a smaller glass and add less soda water. Alternately, you can opt for the Negroni by simply replacing the soda with gin.
- This is a great self-service cocktail. Leave all the ingredients and glasses on a tray with a jigger, ice, and a bar spoon.
Recipe Variations:
- For a sweeter version, use more sweet vermouth and less Campari.
- For a stronger version, use less soda water and more Campari and vermouth.
- For a smokier version, add a splash of mezcal or scotch. Make changes to suit your personal taste.
Recipe Substitutions:
- If you don't have Campari, you can use Aperol or other bitter liqueurs.
- If you don't have sweet vermouth, you can use dry vermouth or other fortified wines.
- If you don't have soda water, you can use sparkling water.
What to serve with Campari Cocktails
- Olives and other salty snacks: Bitter Campari in the cocktail pairs well with salty snacks like olives, nuts, and chips.
- Cheese and charcuterie: The sweet vermouth in the cocktail pairs well with a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Try pairing it with a classic charcuterie board or a cheese plate.
- Light salads: This light and refreshing cocktail is a great pairing for light salads like a simple green salad or a Caprese salad.
- Seafood: The cocktail's bitter-sweet taste pairs well with seafood like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, or smoked salmon.
- Pizza: The Americano Cocktail's complex flavor profile pairs well with a variety of pizza toppings. Try it with my Air Fryer French Bread Pizza!
Recipe
Americano Cocktail
Equipment
- Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth I used Martini Rosso
- splash soda water club soda or Perrier
Instructions
- Fill a Highball glass with ice.
- Add the Campari and Vermouth.
- Stir to combine.
- Top the alcohol with club soda.
- Garnish with an orange twist or slice (releasing the oils and aroma around the rim of the glass) and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is quite foolproof. If you enjoy a stronger drink use a smaller glass and add less soda water. Alternately, you can opt for the Negroni by simply replacing the soda with gin.
- This is a great self-service cocktail. Leave all the ingredients and glasses on a tray with a jigger, ice, and a bar spoon.
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