Americano
A refreshing Italian classic combining Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water. Bittersweet and aromatic with bright citrus, herbal complexity and a light, sparkling finish.
Americano Recipe
- Campari 30 ml
- Sweet red vermouth 30 ml
- Soda water 60 ml
- Fresh orange 1 slice
- Fresh lemon 1 twist
- Ice 200 g, optional
Make it properly
- Fill a rocks glass generously with ice.
- Add the Campari and sweet vermouth.
- Top with soda water and stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and lemon twist.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD AMERICANO?
A good Americano should be light and refreshing while keeping the distinctive bittersweet character of Campari and the herbal richness of sweet vermouth.
Soda water opens up the stronger flavours and adds freshness without introducing additional sweetness. Plenty of ice and good carbonation keep the drink crisp, while orange and lemon add a fresh citrus aroma.
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AMERICANO: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Americano, from choosing the right vermouth to balancing Campari with soda water and keeping the finished drink fresh and sparkling.
HOW TO BALANCE AN AMERICANO
The foundation of the Americano is simple: equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, lengthened with soda water.
Our recipe uses 30 ml Campari, 30 ml sweet vermouth and 60 ml soda water. This preserves the cocktail's distinctive bittersweet character while making it lighter and more refreshing than a Negroni.
You can adjust the soda slightly according to taste. Less soda produces a stronger, more intensely bittersweet drink, while more soda creates a longer and lighter Americano.
THE STORY BEHIND THE AMERICANO
The Americano has its roots in Italy and developed from the Milano-Torino, a cocktail combining Campari from Milan with sweet vermouth from Turin.
Adding soda water transformed that combination into a lighter, longer and more refreshing aperitif. The drink eventually became known as the Americano, traditionally associated with its popularity among American visitors to Italy.
The Americano is also an important predecessor to the Negroni. Both share the same Campari and sweet vermouth foundation, but the Americano uses soda water where the Negroni uses gin.
TECHNIQUE: BUILD DIRECTLY IN THE GLASS
The Americano doesn't require a shaker or mixing glass. It is built directly in the glass in which it will be served.
Fill a rocks glass generously with ice, then add the Campari and sweet vermouth.
Top with well-chilled soda water and stir gently just enough to combine the ingredients. Avoid excessive stirring, which releases carbonation and makes the drink less lively.
Finish with the citrus garnishes and serve immediately.
HOW TO SERVE AN AMERICANO
Serve the Americano in a rocks glass filled generously with ice, matching the classic short, aperitif-style presentation.
The soda water should be well chilled and freshly opened so the finished cocktail retains plenty of carbonation.
Garnish with a fresh orange slice and lemon twist. The orange complements Campari's bittersweet citrus character, while the expressed lemon oils add a brighter aromatic note.
Serve immediately while the drink is cold and sparkling.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR AN AMERICANO
The Americano contains only three liquid ingredients, so the quality and balance of each one makes a noticeable difference.
Campari is essential to the classic recipe. Its distinctive bitter orange, herbal and bittersweet character forms the backbone of the cocktail.
For the sweet vermouth, we recommend Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino. Its rich wine character, herbs and warming spice complement Campari while adding depth and roundness.
For the soda, Fever-Tree Soda Water provides clean, lively carbonation without introducing additional sweetness or competing flavours.
Fresh orange and lemon complete the drink with bright citrus aroma.
Questions about the Americano
What is an Americano cocktail made with?
A classic Americano combines Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water, served over ice with a citrus garnish.
What does an Americano taste like?
It is bittersweet, herbal and citrusy, with a light and refreshing character thanks to the soda water.
What is the difference between an Americano and a Negroni?
Both contain Campari and sweet vermouth. An Americano adds soda water, while a Negroni uses gin instead, making the Negroni stronger and more spirit-forward.
What sweet vermouth is best for an Americano?
A rich, aromatic Italian-style sweet vermouth works particularly well. Drinkero recommends Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino.
Should an Americano be shaken or stirred?
It should be built directly in the serving glass. Add the ingredients over ice, top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
Can I make Americanos for a group?
Yes. Choose whether you're making 6, 12, 24 or 48 Americanos and Drinkero calculates the Campari, sweet vermouth, soda water and other ingredients you need.
Is the Americano an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Americano is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail collection. See the IBA’s official Americano recipe for the classic specification.