Americano Cocktail

 

Welcome back! Today, we’re making the Americano– No we haven’t turned into a java blog. Not to be confused with the popular Americano coffee drink, I’m talking about the famous cocktail, a sophisticated blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water.

Table of Contents

• How to Make the Americano (with video)
• History
• Ingredients
• Variations
• Our Variation
• Recipe

 

How to Make the Perfect Americano Drink

Like I mentioned, this isn’t a hard cocktail to make– You don’t even need a cocktail shaker! Check out the video below to see Chris mix up an Americano in no time:

History of the Americano Cocktail

This simple drink dates back to the 1860s, where it originated at Caffé Campari, Gaspare Campari’s bar in Milan, Italy (the founder of the famed bitter aperitif brand used in this libation).

Initially known as “Milano Torino” because of its ingredients’ origins—Campari from Milan and vermouth from Turin— the original 2-ingredient cocktail was later renamed to honor its popularity amongst American tourists during Prohibition… after the addition of sparkling mineral water, that is.

Apparently Americans preferred the lighter version with lots of water, but if you eliminate the sparkling element, it’s still called a Milano Torino or Mi-To. The modern Americano is the “American version” (hence the name).

 

Americano Ingredients

Creating this Italian drink is straightforward but requires a balance of its bold flavors. And yes, we are making an Americano, not a Mi-To, including sparkling mineral water. In my opinion, it’s a much more drinkable cocktail, because, well, I’m apparently super American.

However, some prefer the original over the fizzy drink version, making it a purely alcohol-forward cocktail served in a rocks glass/Old Fashioned glass. Of course, drink whatever makes you happy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Campari: The key ingredient of the Americano, this bitter liqueur gives the drink its distinctive orange-red color and sharp, intense flavor.
• Sweet Vermouth: Fortified wine adds complexity and sweetness, tempering the bitterness of Campari.
• Club Soda: Making it a true Americano, this brings a refreshing fizz, lightening the drink and making it more palatable.
• Garnish (usually an orange slice): A traditional garnish of an orange twist enhances the aromatic experience and and plays off the citrus flavor of the bitter orange aperitif.

 

Variations of the Americano

While the classic Italian cocktail is beloved for its simplicity, there are a few variations you can try to personalize your drink:

• Add a splash of gin and eliminate the sparkling water to transform it into a classic Negroni, another classic cocktail that offers a stronger kick. If you want to include the sparkling element and make it a Negroni Spritz… go for it!
• Substitute Campari with Aperol for a slightly sweeter and less bitter version, which is better for those who are new to the powerful taste of bitter aperitifs.
• Experiment with different garnishes, such as a sprig of rosemary, blood orange slice, or a slice of grapefruit, to introduce new aromas and flavors.
• Watermelon Americano: Check out our recipe for an “Americano Summer” with watermelon and gin.
• Cocchi Americano version: Swap out the Campari for Cocchi Americano, an aromatized wine & Italian aperitif similar to Campari or Aperol– but sweeter and more floral, which is great for a White Negroni; it’s also often used as a substitute for Kina Lillet/Lillet Blanc in something like a Vesper or Corpse Reviver #2.
• Make the classic version of the Mi-To, without water.

 

Our Variation

Working within the same flavor profile of the original, Chris and Rob put together a really balanced variation that does have the sweet-to-bitter spike of the traditional recipe. Instead, those flavors blend together and are more consistent rather than coming in waves.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 ounce Genepy
• 1 1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth
• 3-4 ounces Tonic Water (to top)
• Lemon peel garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients into a highball glass with ice, and stir gently until chilled, approximately 5-10 seconds. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Americano’s Timeless Allure

This classic drink offers an intriguing blend of sweetness, effervescence, and bitter taste, making giving it a really specific flavor profile and making it a bit divisive, if I’m being honest.

But whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of aperitifs, the Americano is a refreshing drink that embodies the spirit of Italian aperitivo culture and offers a delightful taste experience– some flavors are truly just timeless, I guess!

So, what do you think? Are you a fan of the original Mi-To, or do you prefer the watered down American drink? How much sparkling water do you put in yours? Leave me a comment and let me know– and, as always, enjoy whichever cocktail you choose to make!