Refreshing three-ingredient Americano is the perfect low-alcohol cocktail for a warm summer evening.

If a cocktail almost looks like a classic Negroni, and nearly tastes like a classic Negroni, then you can bet it’s a classic Americano!

This low-alcohol aperitif cocktail shares the Campari, sweet vermouth and the orange peel or slice with the famous negroni cocktail. However, omitting the gin, and served in a highball glass that’s topped with club soda turns the Americano into a lighter, refreshing cocktail that’s particularly perfect for the warmer months of the year.

Refreshing, slightly bitter with a warming sweetness, light citrus flavour, and delicate spicy aroma, the Americano is indeed a popular alternative in the homeland of Campari.

A little history of the Americano cocktail

The Americano was invented in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari’s famous Italian cocktail bar. Originally known as Milano-Torino, the cocktail was named its two main ingredients. Campari hailing from Milan and sweet vermouth from Turin. Being a lighter and less bitter version of the classic Negroni, the drink quickly gained in popularity among American tourists, which led to the new name.

By the way, it’s easy to believe the Americano was invented as a lighter version of the Negroni. But in truth, it’s the other way round. The Negroni was invented only around 1918 when Count Camillo Negroni asked for a more substantial drink, requesting the bartender to omit the soda and instead add gin to the drink.

How to mix an Americano cocktail

The classic Americano cocktail is mixed together in almost no time. It’s the perfect refreshing cocktail for a warm summer evening. Serve it with some nibbles or snacks as a classic Italian aperitivo.

45 ml Campari
45 ml sweet vermouth
club soda
orange slice

Add Campari and vermouth to a highball glass filled with ice and stir until combined and chilled, then top with soda water and lightly stir again.

Garnish with an orange slice.