Mar 28, 20222 min read

Americano

One of the cocktails that made Campari so famous. This is the Americano.

Prep time : 2 minutes

Serves : 1

Strength : Moderate

If you are unfamiliar with certain spirits and are not sure if you would take to them, then there are usually cocktails out there that are great introductions into them. The Americano is just one of those. One of two drinks that has help put Campari on the map, it is a cousin of sorts to the Negroni but adds a bit of Soda Water into the mix. It also has its history which includes being mentioned in the James Bond novels, specially as the first drink 007 orders in Casino Royal.

The Americano was first served in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari's bar in Milan, Italy. It’s original name was "Milano-Torino" because of the origins of its two primary ingredients: Campari calls Milan home and the sweet vermouth was made in the style of Torino, Italy. The name was later changed due to its popularity among American tourists in the 20th Century.

The Americano has the taste you would expect it to, bittersweet with a refreshing base thanks to the use of Soda water. This is as about as smooth as a Campari drink can get so is a good place to start for your first experience. That’s not to say it will be a taste for everyone, but its certainly a kind of drink everyone should try at least once.

If you have a flavour palate for bitter tastes, then drinks like the Americano will become favourites of yours in no time.

Here is how it is made.