Americano Cocktail Recipe

If you enjoy Italian cocktails or like the edge of a Negroni, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate this one too. The Americano started out in the old cafés of Milan and even showed up in a James Bond movie. It’s still a favorite today, especially when you want something low in alcohol that’s perfect before dinner or on a warm afternoon.

Whether you're new to cocktails or just want something different to sip, this one’s worth a spot on your list.

What's in an Americano Cocktail?

You only need three main ingredients and a couple of basic tools to make this Italian classic.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Campari - This is where the bold, bittersweet flavor comes from. If you want something a little lighter, you can swap it with Aperol for a softer, slightly sweeter drink.
• Sweet Vermouth - Adds balance and smoothness to mellow out the Campari. You can go with Carpano Antica, Cocchi, Martini and Rossi, or try other red vermouths to find one you like.
• Soda Water - Brings fizz and lightness. If you don’t have plain soda water, club soda or sparkling mineral water will work just fine.

You might also like: recipe card

What You’ll Need

You don’t need much to get started. Just grab these essentials:

• Highball or old-fashioned glass
• Jigger or measuring spoon
• Bar spoon (you can use a regular spoon if needed)

If you’re putting together a home bar or want everything in one place, check out this stainless steel cocktail tool set to make mixing even easier.

How to Make an Americano

Start by grabbing a rocks glass and filling it with ice. A cold glass and plenty of ice help keep everything crisp and refreshing.

Next, pour in equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth over the ice. If you have a jigger, use it to keep the amounts even. No need to eyeball it.

Top it off with soda water, about twice as much as each of the spirits. Give it a gentle stir using a bar spoon or even a regular spoon. You're just blending the ingredients together, not shaking them up too much.

Add a slice of orange on top or rest it on the rim. Some people like using a lemon twist instead. That gives it a brighter touch. Both options work, so go with what you prefer.

Try to use fresh soda water if you can. If it’s gone flat, it won’t give you that nice bubbly lift that ties everything together.

This drink is simple and easy to adjust. You can tweak the amount of soda, try a different citrus garnish, or even experiment with another vermouth. It’s a classic, but still leaves room to make it your own.

The full recipe with exact measurements is in the recipe card below, so scroll down when you’re ready to mix.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Americano Cocktail

• Store your vermouth in the fridge after opening, and try to use it within a month. Fresh vermouth makes a big difference in flavor.
• Choose soda water with tight bubbles. Brands like Fever-Tree or San Pellegrino help keep your drink fizzy and refreshing.
• Garnish adds a lot. Twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils, or try a lemon peel for a brighter aroma. You can also rub the peel on the rim before dropping it in.
• If you want to adjust the flavor, try adding more Campari for a stronger bitter kick, extra sweet vermouth for a smoother taste, or a bit more soda water to lighten things up.
• Taste as you go and make it your own. Everyone’s perfect Americano is a little different.

Americano Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun ways to try something different:

• Swap the sweet vermouth - Try an Italian, French, or craft vermouth. Each one has a slightly different flavor profile. Some are more herbal, others are sweeter or spicier.
• Use Aperol instead of Campari - This gives your Americano a lighter, more citrusy feel. It’s a great option if you want something a little softer and brighter.
• Make it non-alcoholic - Use a zero-proof bitter, a bold red soda, and a splash of grape juice. Top it with soda water and you’ll have a booze-free version that still feels like a real cocktail.
• Adjust the ratios to suit your taste - Want it lighter? Use a little less bitter liqueur and more soda water. Prefer something stronger? Add more Campari and dial back the soda. A small change goes a long way.
• Turn it into a Negroni - Swap the soda water for gin if you're in the mood for something bolder. You’ll get a richer, fuller flavor that’s just as easy to make.

More Classic Cocktails to Try

If you liked the Americano, there are plenty of other classics worth mixing next.

• Negroni
• Milano-Torino
• Aperol Spritz
• Tom Collins
• Clover Club
• French 75
• Gin Rickey

Give a few of these a try and see what fits your taste. They're all simple to make and a fun way to build your home bartending skills.

Frequently Asked Questions