How to make a classic Americano cocktail. This refreshing, bitter aperitivo is perfect served with Italian snacks such as marinated olives, taralli or grissini. Made from only three simple ingredients, the Americano is easy to prepare and ideal for pre-dinner drinks.
The Americano originated at Gaspare Campari’s Caffè Campari in the 1860s. Initially called the Milano-Torino — reflecting Campari’s Milan origins and vermouth from Torino — it later became popular with American visitors to Italy and the name “Americano” stuck.
Like a classic Negroni, the Americano is a bitter, low-proof aperitif designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Serve with small snacks and enjoy in true Italian style.
Ingredients – what you need
Below are the ingredients and a couple of tips to get the best result.
- Campari – a bitter infusion of herbs and fruit with a distinctive flavour. Campari is essential for an authentic Americano.
- Red vermouth – use a quality sweet red (rosso) vermouth; it doesn’t have to be a specific brand but choose one you enjoy.
- Soda water – a splash of soda or sparkling water to top the drink.
- Orange slice – fresh orange for garnish, which complements the bitter flavours.
Step by step photos and recipe instructions
Fill a short tumbler or rocks glass with plenty of ice. Pour equal parts Campari and red vermouth into the glass and stir to combine (see photos).
Top up with a splash of soda water, stir once more, and garnish with a slice of fresh orange.
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Use plenty of ice – serve the Americano very cold for the best experience.
- Garnish – orange is traditional, but lemon works well if you prefer a slightly brighter citrus note.
The drink was originally called Milano-Torino after the liqueurs’ cities of origin. It later became known as the Americano when it grew popular with American tourists.
They are similar in flavour profile, but a Negroni replaces the soda with gin, making it stronger and more spirit-forward.
No shaker is needed. The Americano is simply built in the glass and stirred.
Food to serve with an Americano
These Italian snacks pair nicely with an Americano and make a pleasant aperitivo spread.
- Grissini – Italian breadsticks
- Taralli Pugliesi – crunchy Italian snack rings
- Marinated olives – quick, savoury bites
- Burrata with crispy ’nduja and gremolata
- Rosemary focaccia
- Stracchino and sausage crostini
If you make this Americano cocktail, please rate the recipe and leave a comment to share how it turned out. I love hearing from readers.
Step By Step Photos Above
Most of our recipes include step-by-step photos and helpful tips to get great results first time.
Americano Cocktail
By Emily
2 mins
2 mins
1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 fl oz Campari (30ml)
- 1 fl oz Red vermouth (30ml)
- 1 splash soda water
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a short tumbler or rocks glass with ice.
- Add equal parts Campari and red vermouth and stir to combine.
- Top up with a splash of soda water, stir once, and garnish with a slice of fresh orange.
Notes
- Use plenty of ice — serve the cocktail very cold.
- Garnish — orange is classic, lemon is an optional alternative.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless stated otherwise.
- When using canned or jarred tomatoes I recommend trusted brands for consistent flavour.
- All vegetables are medium sized unless specified.
- Recipes are tested using a fan (convection) oven unless noted.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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