Americano Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving a classic drink that’s easygoing and genuinely refreshing, I usually grab an Americano. The Americano cocktail is a mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and club soda, served over ice with a twist of orange.

This recipe is so straightforward, and honestly, it’s my go-to when I want a balanced, low-alcohol cocktail. The flavors are easy for anyone to appreciate, and you don’t need any fancy skills or much time to pull one together.

If you want a drink that stands out without being too boozy, the Americano just makes sense.

Americano Cocktail Recipe

Americano Cocktail Recipe
I like the Americano for its balance, that gentle bitterness, and the refreshing finish. Just a few tools and ingredients, and I’ve got a classic that feels both simple and satisfying.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass): It’s the perfect size for an Americano and really lets you appreciate the look and aroma.
  • Jigger: I use this to measure out equal parts of the main ingredients. Accuracy helps.
  • Bar spoon: This helps me mix everything without smashing the ice.
  • Mixing stick (optional): If I can’t find my bar spoon, I’ll grab one of these.
  • Ice cubes: Big, solid cubes work best so the drink stays cold and doesn’t get watery too fast.
  • Knife: Gotta have a sharp knife for that orange peel garnish.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz 30 ml Campari
  • 1 oz 30 ml sweet vermouth
  • 2 –3 oz about 60–90 ml club soda (to taste)
  • Ice cubes enough to fill the glass
  • 1 orange peel twist for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. I like to use enough ice to really chill the whole drink.
  • Pour 1 oz Campari and 1 oz sweet vermouth right over the ice.
  • Stir gently with a bar spoon. Usually, 8–10 seconds does the trick to chill and mix.
  • Top with 2–3 oz club soda. I pour it in slowly so I don’t lose the bubbles.
  • Stir again, just a little, to blend in the club soda.
  • For the garnish, I run the orange peel around the rim first—just for that burst of aroma—then drop it in.
  • I usually take a quick taste before serving. If it’s not fizzy enough, I’ll add a splash more club soda.

Notes

Fresh ingredients really do make a difference. A good sweet vermouth and a fresh orange peel just improve everything, both taste and looks.
Club soda should be as cold and bubbly as possible. If I want the drink lighter, I’ll add extra soda; for something bolder, I just use less.
I never shake this cocktail—stirring keeps it smooth and the bubbles lively. Sometimes I’ll swap in a lemon peel for a twist on the citrus note.
Keeping the Campari and vermouth in the fridge helps make the drink colder and brighter. I always serve it right away, so it stays crisp and sparkling.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

With the first sip, the bittersweet flavor pops out immediately. Campari brings a gentle bitterness, and the sweet vermouth gives it this warm, rich backbone.

The club soda lifts everything, making it light and a little fizzy. Those bubbles really brighten up the flavors, and each sip feels crisp.

I notice hints of orange and herbs from the Campari and vermouth. Using an orange twist as a garnish adds a fresh citrus aroma that’s hard to beat.

Main Flavor Elements:

  • Bittersweet taste
  • Refreshing and light feel
  • Herbal and citrus notes

Texture:
The drink is smooth and never heavy, thanks to the sparkling water. It’s not too strong, so I can sip it slowly and just enjoy.

If I’m in the mood for more citrus, I’ll rub the orange twist around the rim a bit more. That tiny step really makes the aroma pop.

Substitute

Sometimes, I just don’t have all the classic Americano ingredients on hand. So, I reach for whatever’s close enough and make do with simple alternatives.

Ingredient Substitutes:

  • Sweet Vermouth: I’ll swap it with dry vermouth if I’m after something a bit less sweet. Red wine or even port? Sure, they work in a pinch too.
  • Campari: If Campari’s missing, I grab Aperol for a lighter flavor. Any red Italian bitter could step in, honestly.
  • Soda Water: Any sparkling water is totally fine.

Ingredient List (using substitutes):

  • 1 oz dry vermouth or red wine
  • 1 oz Aperol or other bitter liqueur
  • Sparkling water
  • Orange slice

Equipment:

  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Highball glass

Instructions:

  • Fill up a highball glass with ice. Don’t skimp on it.
  • Add 1 oz of vermouth (or red wine) and then 1 oz of Aperol (or whatever substitute you’ve got).
  • Top it off with sparkling water. No need to measure that too precisely.
  • Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon. Don’t go wild.
  • Garnish with an orange slice. It just looks and tastes better that way.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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