CocktailSteps

Build over cubed ice, add soda, and stir gently

Americano

A low-proof aperitivo built directly over ice, where one splash of soda opens the bittersweet core.

Time
4 minutes
Level
Easy
Glass
Rocks glass
Approx. ABV
14% · Medium-low
Start guided make Quick check
Americano served in a rocks glass

Measured for the room

Ingredients

Number of servings
  • Unbranded bottle of vivid red bitter aperitivo
    Campari

    Recommended brandCampari Bitter

    1 oz
  • Unbranded bottle of sweet vermouth
    Sweet red vermouth

    Recommended brandCocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

    1 oz
  • Bottle with a generic Soda label
    Soda water

    Recommended brandFever-Tree Premium Club Soda

    1 splash
  • Fresh half slice of navel orange
    Orange sliceOptional

    Recommended brandSunkist Navel Orange

    0.5 slices
  • Fresh lemon peel twist
    Lemon zestOptional

    Recommended brandSunkist Lemon

    1 piece

Amounts scale from the verified one-glass recipe. Technique and timing stay unchanged.

Choose your bottle

Bottle buying guide

Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.

  • Recipe-defining bottle

    Campari

    The classic recipe names Campari, not a generic red bitter; substituting one makes a variation.

    • Best fit · RecommendedCampari BitterApprox. $25–32 · 750 ml

      Use the named bottle for the classic Negroni and Americano profiles.

  • Fortified wine

    Sweet red vermouth

    Choose a sweet red vermouth with enough body for Campari; freshness matters as much as brand.

    • Best fit · RecommendedCocchi Storico Vermouth di TorinoApprox. $20–28 · 750 ml

      Cocoa, citrus, and spice give the equal-parts build enough body.

    • Smart buyDolin RougeApprox. $16–21 · 750 ml

      Lighter and drier when you want a Negroni or Americano less sweet.

    • UpgradeCarpano Antica FormulaApprox. $30–40 · 750 ml

      Vanilla-rich and full-bodied for a rounder, more luxurious drink.

    Refrigerate after opening and write the opening date on the bottle.

Approximate U.S. shelf prices reviewed July 2026. Local price and availability vary.

Measured method

How to make Americano

  1. 01

    Build equal parts

    Cubed ice · 1 oz Campari · 1 oz vermouth

    Fill a rocks glass with cubed ice, then add 1 oz Campari and 1 oz sweet red vermouth.

  2. 02

    Add a splash of soda

    1 splash soda water

    Add 1 splash of soda water, keeping the bubbles lively and the ice in place.

  3. 03

    Stir gently

    Stir · 5 sec

    Stir gently for 5 seconds to combine without flattening the soda water.

  4. 04

    Add the orange

    ½ orange slice

    Set ½ fresh orange slice inside the glass beside the ice, if using.

  5. 05

    Finish with lemon zest

    1 lemon zest

    Express 1 lemon zest over the surface and rest it beside the orange, if using.

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Substitutions and step notes

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Set the station

Tools

  • Aged-brass Japanese-style jigger
    Jigger

    Recommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger

  • Long aged-brass bar spoon
    Bar spoon

    Recommended brandCocktail Kingdom Teardrop Barspoon

  • Empty clear rocks glass
    Rocks glass

    Recommended brandRIEDEL Drink Specific Rocks Glass

Know the pour

Medium-low

An equal-parts aperitivo and vermouth build lengthened by soda and serving ice.

Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.