The Americano is famous for being the first cocktail ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale (1953), even before his famous “vodka martini, shaken not stirred.” The Americano is primarily an aperitif, so it’s usually drunk before a meal. It’s also one of the cocktails on the official list of the IBA (International Bartenders Association).
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Classic recipeFill a Tumbler glass with ice cubes. Pour in 3 cl Campari and 3 cl red vermouth. Top up with 10 cl of chilled sparkling water. Stir gently with a bar spoon. Garnish with an orange slice and a lemon zest, if desired. Milano TorinoFill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes. Pour in 3 cl Campari and 3 cl red vermouth. Stir gently with a bar spoon. Garnish with an orange slice and a lemon zest, if desired. |
The Americano appeared around 1860 in the Caffè Campari in Milan, run by Gaspare Campari (creator of the famous red aperitif of the same name). It is a direct descendant of a cocktail called the Milano–Torino (or Mi-To), a blend of Campari (Milan) and red vermouth from Turin, usually served with a citrus twist. Towards the end of the 19th century, sparkling water was added to sweeten and lengthen the drink, giving rise to the Americano.
At the time, Americans visiting Italy appreciated this cocktail, which was less alcoholic than the local drinks. Moreover, the fashion for the “Americano” style in the 1910s–1920s (drinks topped with sparkling water) spread throughout Europe.
