Aperitivi
Americano
The short answer
An Americano is equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth topped with soda water over ice — the low-alcohol ancestor of the Negroni.
- Style
- Long, bitter, 9% ABV
- Glass
- Highball or rocks glass over ice
- Strength
- About 11% ABV
Where it comes from
Milan, 1860s, at Gaspare Campari's bar, where it was first served as the Milano-Torino: Campari from Milan, vermouth from Turin. American tourists ordered it so relentlessly through Prohibition that the name changed to Americano.
What you need
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) Campari
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) sweet vermouth
- Soda water to top
- Orange slice or lemon twist
How Larry builds it
- 01
Build over ice. Campari and vermouth straight into an ice-filled glass.
- 02
Top with soda. Two to three ounces, poured gently so the bubbles survive.
- 03
Stir once. One lift with a bar spoon. That is all it needs.
- 04
Garnish. Half an orange wheel, or a lemon twist for a sharper version.
Larry’s rule: The Negroni's older, calmer brother. Two is a normal number.
Variations worth making
Negroni
Add an ounce of gin and lose the soda. Same DNA, twice the proof.
Milano-Torino
Skip the soda entirely. Just Campari and vermouth over one big cube.
Americano Bianco
Bianco vermouth instead of rosso — lighter and more floral.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an Americano and a Negroni?
Gin. An Americano is Campari, sweet vermouth and soda at about 11% ABV; a Negroni swaps the soda for gin and lands near 24%.
Is an Americano the same as a Milano-Torino?
Almost. The Milano-Torino is the undiluted version — equal parts Campari and vermouth with no soda.
Which vermouth should I use?
A Vermouth di Torino such as Cocchi or Carpano Antica. Refrigerate it after opening; vermouth is wine and it dies in a month on the shelf.
More from Aperitivi
← All 67 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/americano.