How to make a perfect Americano cocktail: the original, Italian recipe

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The Americano is one of the most famous and appreciated pre-dinner cocktails globally, the aperitif par excellence. The recipe is simple, minimal, and stunningly beautiful: bitter and sweet vermouth (the red one) and a splash of soda. But this simplicity has such a special unique flavor that never ceases to amaze the palate, thanks to the bitter and refreshing taste that glides elegantly on your tongue.

Despite the name, all the ingredients and the cocktail itself are proudly Italian, and, not surprisingly, the cocktail is also known by the name of Milan-Turin. In these two cities, the bitter Campari and vermouth were born. The Milano Torino cocktail was the first incarnation of an Americano without soda and ice. Its birth can be traced back to the second half of 1800, in the bar of Gaspare Campari. The name Americano comes from the fact it was a cocktail particularly loved by American ex-pats.

Ingredients for making the Americano cocktail

Glass
Tumbler

• 3 cl of bitter
• 3 cl of sweet vermouth
• soda
• ice
• lemon peel and a slice of orange

How to prepare a perfect Americano cocktail

Fill the glass with ice and pour the bitter and sweet vermouth.

Complete with a splash of soda, stir gently, and garnish with a slice of orange and lemon peel.

We said “garnish,” but the orange slice is an essential ingredient, so don’t forget it.

Americano cocktail food pairings

The bitter undertone, tempered by soda and sweetened by sweet vermouth, makes the Americano the perfect cocktail for an aperitif: it goes along with every finger food, Chinese food, smoked meat, salmon canapes, brisket, tortillas, sweet and sour seitan, and grilled tuna and vegetables.

Other great cocktails to try as an aperitif

Negroni, Mojito, Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic, Dark and Stormy, Daiquiri, Margarita, Spritz, Hugo, Old Fashioned, Manhattan.