CLASSIC COCKTAIL · 1850–1889
Americano
Campari, sweet vermouth and soda: the bittersweet aperitivo that became the Negroni’s parent.
late 1800sHistorical classicResearched
The Americano’s name means “American-style” in Italian, a nod to the popularity of vermouth-and-bitters cocktails from the United States. Italian vermouth producers began selling vermouth with bitters already added as “vermouth Americano”, and bars added bitter liqueurs such as Campari, sometimes topping the drink with soda. Ferruccio Mazzon’s 1920 Il Barista includes two Americano recipes and documents its evolution from dressed-up vermouth.
THE RECIPEBittersweet, light and refreshing
Ingredients
- Campari30 ml
- Sweet vermouth30 ml
- Soda waterto top
- Orange wheelto garnish
Method
Build the Campari and vermouth in a rocks glass over ice. Top with soda water, stir once and garnish with an orange wheel.
Rocks glass · ice · orange wheel