Americano Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 16, 2025

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Prep Time

2 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Highball Glass and Rocks Glass

Ingredients

1 oz Campari (30 ml)
1 oz sweet vermouth (30 ml)
2–3 oz soda water (60–90 ml), to taste
Ice
Orange slice or twist, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Bar spoon
Paring knife (for garnish)

Directions

Fill a highball or rocks glass with ice.
Add Campari and sweet vermouth.
Top with chilled soda water and stir gently.
Garnish with an orange slice or twist.

Mixologist's Notes

Use a high-quality sweet vermouth, its depth matters.
Chilled soda water keeps the drink crisp and reduces dilution.
Stir gently to avoid flattening the bubbles.

Flavor Profile

Light, bitter, and slightly sweet with herbal depth and a refreshing fizz.

About the Americano cocktail

The Americano might be one of the most underappreciated aperitivo cocktails, and one of the oldest.

It first appeared in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari’s bar in Milan. Originally called the Milano-Torino, thanks to its use of Campari (from Milan) and sweet vermouth (from Turin), the drink was later renamed the Americano in honor of American tourists who took a liking to it during Prohibition.

It’s fizzy, bittersweet, and elegantly simple - no shaker required.

Why the Americano Cocktail Stands Out

The Americano cocktail recipe blends two of Italy’s most iconic ingredients - bitter Campari and sweet vermouth - and tops them off with soda water.

The result is a low-proof, slow-sipping drink that opens up the palate without overwhelming it. That’s why it’s a staple pre-dinner drink in Italy and a go-to for anyone who enjoys cocktails with bite and balance.

It’s also easy to build directly in the glass, making it ideal for casual nights or aperitivo hour with friends.

Variations and What to Pair It With

Prefer a stronger sip? Add gin and you’ve got a Negroni. Add bourbon, and you're sipping a Boulevardier.

For food, it shines alongside antipasti, olives, cured meats, and salty cheeses.

The carbonation refreshes the palate, and the bitter notes balance rich bites. It also works well with tomato-based pasta dishes and roasted vegetables.

Want to riff? Try different vermouths, play with flavored soda waters, or add a citrus twist for extra brightness.