Americano
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Americano
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.24 / 5
The Americano is a classic cocktail created in Italy in the late 19th century. Its name comes from the Italian word "Americano" which means American, as it was a popular drink among American tourists. The cocktail is made with equal parts Campari, a bitter Italian herbal liqueur, and red vermouth, a fortified wine, with a splash of soda water to add some carbonation. The combination of these ingredients results in a refreshing and bitter-sweet flavor profile. The Americano is often served as an aperitif, meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It gained popularity during the prohibition era in the United States and has since become a staple in many bars and restaurants across the world. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is a blend of Italian and American flavors, making it a perfect embodiment of its name.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1860)
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Campari
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
156 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orange, lemon
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22% | 1.32 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
Stirred

Tags

Campari ingredient icon
Campari cocktails

Lowball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Campari cocktail ingredient icon for the Americano cocktail
Campari
Red vermouth cocktail ingredient icon for the Americano cocktail
Red vermouth
Soda water cocktail ingredient icon for the Americano cocktail
Soda water
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Americano cocktail is a classic Italian aperitif that beautifully balances the bitter notes of Campari with the sweetness of red vermouth, all topped off with a splash of soda water for a touch of effervescence. This refreshing drink is an elegant blend of herbal, fruity, and slightly carbonated flavors, perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon or before a delicious meal.

Method
How to make a Americano

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Mix the Campari and vermouth directly in a lowball glass filled with ice cubes
Add soda water and stir
Garnish with half an orange slice and a strip of lemon peel and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Americano with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Use a chilled glass to prevent the drink from warming too quickly, ensuring a refreshing experience.
Consider using a high-quality, artisanal vermouth to enhance the complex flavors of the cocktail.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

Mulner avatar
Mulner

Not bad at all, easy to put together and refreshing. The bittersweet taste is prominant and actually quite refreshing. If you're into drinks with a herbal edge, this one's a good option. Plus, not having to shake anything cuts down on time spent, which I appreciate.

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

  • Global Gastronomy: A World Tour of Cocktails
  • James bond cocktails

Embark on a liquid journey around the globe with "Global Gastronomy: A World Tour of Cocktails." This exclusive collection is...

Go to collection

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Americano cocktail?

The Americano cocktail has its origins in Italy. It is believed to have been first served in the 1860s at Caffe Campari in Milan, by Gaspare Campari. Originally named the 'Milano-Torino' because of its ingredients being Campari from Milan (Milano) and red vermouth from Turin (Torino), it was later named 'Americano' in honor of the American tourists who particularly enjoyed the cocktail during Prohibition.

Faq icon

Can the Americano cocktail be considered a good option for low-alcohol drinks?

Yes, the Americano cocktail can be considered a good option for those looking for low-alcohol drinks. With an alcohol content of 22%, it is lighter compared to many other cocktails. The combination of Campari, red vermouth, and a splash of soda water keeps the alcohol content relatively low, making it a popular choice for a refreshing, less intoxicating beverage.

Serving suggestions icon

How should the Americano cocktail be served?

The Americano cocktail should be served in a lowball glass, filled with ice. The Campari and red vermouth are added in equal parts, stirred gently, and then topped with a splash of soda water. The cocktail is typically garnished with a slice of orange or a lemon twist to enhance its flavors.

Faq icon

What is the significance of stirring as opposed to shaking the Americano?

Stirring the Americano, as opposed to shaking, is significant because it maintains the clarity and smooth texture of the cocktail. Shaking could dilute the cocktail more rapidly and introduce air bubbles, making it cloudy. Stirring gently combines the ingredients while keeping the drink clear and preserving its delicate balance of flavors.

Faq icon

Are there any common variations of the Americano cocktail?

Yes, there are common variations of the Americano cocktail. One popular variation is to add a dash of gin to create a Negroni, offering a stronger flavor and higher alcohol content. Another variation involves substituting the soda water with tonic water for a slightly bitter and more carbonated drink. These variations adjust the cocktail's taste and alcohol content, catering to different preferences.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Coffee Negroni

A bold and bittersweet twist on the classic Negroni, featuring coffee-infused vermouth for a rich and aromatic profile. Perfect for...

Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic and sophisticated cocktail with a perfect balance between sweet and bitter. It's a close relative...

Lucien Gaudin

The Lucien Gaudin is a classic cocktail named after the famed French Olympic fencer from the early 20th century. Its...

Colombo

Classic

The Colombo cocktail presents a vibrant blend of citrus and bitter flavors, combining the tartness of fresh lime, orange, and...
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image