Americano Campari cocktail

Campari is an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails including the Negroni and the Garibaldi. The bittersweet liqueur mixes well with other spirits and tastes delicious on its own. The Americano is a relatively simple Campari cocktail that is light and refreshing and makes for a perfect summertime beverage. 

The Americano is a gentle introduction to the unique and bitter taste of Campari. It is a fascinating drink with a long and rich history, and it was the first cocktail mentioned in the James Bond novels. This is an iconic and delightful aperitif that you can enjoy before any meal. The cocktail recipe itself is extremely simple: Equal parts of Campari and sweet vermouth are poured over ice and topped with soda. It's about as refreshing as a Campari cocktail can get, and the bittersweet taste will delight your palate. 

That is not to say that the Americano is for everyone. The flavor profile is decidedly Campari, which is bitter and not in line with the inherent tastes of many Americans. Yet, if you can give it a chance and train your palate to enjoy Campari, the Americano will soon become a favorite.

"The Americano cocktail is one of the reasons for Campari’s sustained success. It is the perfect vehicle for the red bitter aperitif. This recipe correctly displays the foundations of the low ABV libation. Equal parts, build, top with soda water. Simplicity itself."

When Was the Americano Invented?

A classic cocktail, the Americano was first served in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari's bar in Milan, Italy. It was originally named "Milano-Torino" because of the origins of its two primary ingredients: Campari calls Milan home and the sweet vermouth was made in the style of Torino, Italy. The cocktail was later renamed because of its popularity among American tourists around the turn of the 20th century and prior to Prohibition.

James Bond and the Americano

It seems that Ian Fleming also had a fascination with the Americano. This is the first cocktail ordered by James Bond in "Casino Royale," Fleming's first 007 spy novel. However, the Vesper martini (or the manner in which it was ordered) overshadowed the Americano in the books and movies.

The Americano did make a few appearances in the series. In the short story, "A View to a Kill," Fleming explains where Bond thinks it appropriate to enjoy an Americano. He writes that "One cannot seriously drink in French cafes" and that gin, whiskey, and vodka have no place on sunny sidewalks. In this venue, "Bond always had the same thing—an Americano."

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Campari

1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth

1 to 2 ounces soda water, to taste

Lemon or orange slice or twist, for garnish

Steps to Make It

Gather the ingredients. Pour the Campari and vermouth into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice cubes. Top with the soda. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice or twist. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

Pour a quality clear soda water without sweeteners or extra flavors. Club soda is the most popular option, though seltzer and mineral water make fine Americanos as well. Ensure your sweet vermouth is fresh. The fortified wine does not have the long shelf life of distilled spirits and will go stale just three months after the bottle is opened.

Switch to a highball glass and add more soda for a tall thirst quencher.