Americano
The Americano is a precursor to the Negroni that's made with Campari and Sweet Vermouth. Just add some Gin and that's basically the Negroni recipe (minus Soda Water). This creates a cocktail that's a fair bit lower in alcohol than many other cocktail recipes since you're not using the typical higher proof base spirits found in many recipes. In a lot of ways, the Americano also resembles a Manhattan, just made with Campari instead of Rye (and different ratios of course!).Anyway, going further, the Americano is an older cocktail recipe that first came up in the mid-1800's. No one is quite sure where the name came from, but some think it didn't come about until the Prohibition in the United States. This was (so we're told) a favourite drink amongst American tourists during the time when they were travelling to Europe to "escape" Prohibition.
Ingredients
- 45 mL Campari
- 45 mL Sweet Vermouth
- Club Soda to top up
- Garnish with a twist of Orange
Instructions
- Put plenty of ice in a Highball glass.
- Add Campari and Sweet Vermouth.
- Add Club Soda to taste. Stir gently.
- Garnish and enjoy.
Notes
Since the Americano uses only a few ingredients, make sure they're of high quality. You don't really get to choose between high quality and low quality Campari (since it's a specific brand), but there's a lot of choices you can make in Sweet Vermouth. Since Sweet Vermouth is such an important aspect to many cocktail recipes, make sure you pick a good one!
Other than that, have fun with this cocktail. It's certainly a nice balanced refreshment to have.