Americano Cocktail

Americano Cocktail – Sweet vermouth, Campari, soda, and a hint of my own secret ingredient. This cocktail is bright, citrusy, and perfect as a summery treat at the end of the day. Simply mix the ingredients over ice and enjoy!

When it comes to an alcohol-forward cocktail, this style is exactly what I’m talking about. Made with citrusy aperitif liqueurs, an alcohol percentage level that I can palate, and a perfect balance of sweet and bitter. This Americano cocktail exactly what I crave when I need a pick-me-up at the end of the day!

I’m a fan of Americanos made with a splash of soda water. It gives your drink some lovely bubbles as well as making it easier to sip and enjoy. Along with my own twist on this classic cocktail, I think these couldn’t have come out better. I have feeling you’ll agree!

What is an Americano cocktail?

No, this isn’t an espresso shot topped off with with hot water. I’m sure that was evident upon seeing the photos! This Italian cocktail in its most basic form is made with just sweet vermouth and Campari. It gained popularity after it was ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel like the world’s most elusive spy?

With time, versions of the Americano cocktail made with soda water were born to give the drink a bit of fizz, and also to help ease the sweet and tart flavor of the vermouth.

Ingredients

• Sweet vermouth – Such as Cinzano, Martini & Rossi, Carpano, or Dolin.
• Campari – See below for substitutes.
• Lemons – For both juice and garnish.
• Soda water – Or sparkling water.

What is Campari?

This bright red aperitif boasts a bold sweet and bitter flavor. Its popularity and worldwide recognition is thanks to its necessity in both this classic Americano cocktail and the Negroni.

It has a citrusy orange flavor somewhat similar to Aperol. In fact, if you can’t find any Campari or you simply want a lighter fare with a bit lower alcohol percentage, you can use Aperol as a replacement in this recipe. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone!

How to make an Americano cocktail

1. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the vermouth, Campari, and lemon juice. Top the glass with soda water and gently stir.
2. Garnish with lemon or orange slice or twist and enjoy!

I used a blood orange slice since I love its color. I know it’s not used in a traditional Americano, but it made all the difference here. It adds a really nice fresh flavor to the drink that I think you’ll love!

How to serve an Americano

While traditionally served in a highball or rocks glass, you can drink it out of any receptacle you have! Enjoy it out of a king’s chalice, sip it out of your favorite coffee mug. You’ll enjoy it regardless.

For food pairings, this bright and citrusy drink is lovely with seafood. Try it with these easy recipes:

• Lemon Dill Pan Fried Salmon
• Honey Soy Shrimp
• Cilantro Lime Salmon
• Sole Meuniere
• Shrimp Scampi
• Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon

Ready to harness your inner bartender? Try these simple homemade cocktails:

• Manhattan Drink
• Negroni
• Pomegranate Cider Mimosas
• Aperol Spritz
• Whiskey Sour
• Cosmopolitan Cocktail
• Mojito Recipe