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The Americano cocktail is a fizzy, bittersweet drink with Italian origins. It’s the perfect aperitivo before dinner or a refreshing weekend afternoon sipper. The Americano is a unique spritz that strikes the elusive balance between bitter and sweet. This cold, bubbly drink is lovely on a hot day, yet the complex, warming flavors are equally welcome before Thanksgiving supper.

Americano cocktails are made with Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda. If you love a Negroni, this drink is right up your alley. The Americano is served in a taller glass with club soda instead of gin, and the Negroni is actually a derivative of the Americano. Don’t write off this cocktail if you don’t like Negronis, though (I don’t!). It’s like a Negroni light, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences.

Americano cocktails have nothing in common with Americano coffee, except that they were both popularized by Americans visiting Italy. Apparently, the Americano is based on another drink, the Milano-Torino, which is made with just Campari and Vermouth di Torino. There are several origin stories, and I’m not sure which one is true. All I know is that this is a nice cocktail! I hope you enjoy it.

Americano Cocktail Ingredients

These cocktails require four basic ingredients plus ice. 

1) Campari

Campari is a vibrant red amaro. The brand describes the flavors as “Pleasantly bitter with a velvety aftertaste. Intense notes of orange, herbs and wood.” Look for Campari near the liqueurs or other amaros at the liquor store.

2) Sweet vermouth, like Dolin

Sweet vermouth is dark red or brown, not clear. Dolin is my favorite brand for Americanos. It’s not as sweet as others like Carpano Antico.

Vermouth storage tip: Vermouth is wine, so it will go bad with time like all wines do (but will keep longer than a regular bottle, thanks to the brandy). Opened bottles of vermouth will keep well in the refrigerator for one to two months.

3) Club soda

Club soda provides some fizzy dilution. Any unflavored sparkling water will work, though I love Fever Tree or Topo Chico for their plentiful small bubbles.

4) Slice of fresh orange

A slice of orange offers a burst of fresh, familiar orange flavor and aroma. Don’t skip it. To maximize the orange flavor, you can gently run the peel of the orange around the edge of your glass before dropping it in.

How to Make an Americano Cocktail

Americanos are such an easy cocktail to make. You don’t need a cocktail shaker or any bartending experience.

To make one, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in equal parts of Campari and sweet vermouth, then add a big splash of club soda. Gently stir with a spoon, then add a slice of orange. Enjoy.

Watch How to Make an Americano Cocktail

How to Adjust Your Americano Cocktail

The standard ratio is equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth. But who’s to say that you can’t tweak the recipe to your liking?

Make it less bitter

Campari’s bitter notes can take some getting used to. You can reduce the bitterness by using less Campari or balance it with extra sweet vermouth.

Make it less boozy

As written in the recipe below, the Americano cocktail is equally strong as a 1 1/2-ounce drink made with 80-proof liquor like vodka, gin, or tequila. To lower its alcohol content, use more club soda and less Campari and vermouth. Try just 1/2-ounce or 1-ounce each of the Campari and vermouth for a low-alcohol drink.

What to Serve with Your Americano

The Americano is commonly served as an aperitivo. Italian aperitivos are designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. These cocktails are typically somewhat bitter, carbonated and more dry than sweet.

Serve your Americano cocktails with Italian or generally Mediterranean-flavored appetizers. Campari is bitter, and salty, sweet, creamy or fatty foods will take the edge off. You can’t go wrong with a cheese board.

Here are simple options that pair well:

More Fizzy Cocktails to Enjoy

Love the Americano? Here are a few more cocktail recipes I think you’ll appreciate.

Please let me know how you like your Americano cocktail in the comments! I’m always eager for your feedback.

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