Americano

A coffee Americano is simply espresso diluted with hot water, while the Americano cocktail combines Campari and sweet vermouth topped with soda water. The cocktail version dates back to the 1860s in Italy, where it was originally called the Milano-Torino before American tourists embraced it. They are entirely different drinks that happen to share a name.

The Americano cocktail traces back to the 1860s at Gaspare Campari's bar in Milan, where it was originally named the Milano-Torino after its two main ingredients: Campari from Milan and sweet vermouth from Turin. It was renamed when American visitors took a strong liking to it. It was the first drink James Bond orders in Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale.

The Americano is a pleasantly bitter aperitif, with the herbal bitterness of Campari balanced by the sweetness of vermouth and the lightness of soda water. The orange garnish adds aromatic citrus oils that complement the drink's profile. It is refreshing but decidedly not sweet, making it a polarizing choice for those unaccustomed to bitter flavors.

The Americano is traditionally built over ice in a highball or Collins glass and garnished with an orange slice or twist. The soda water is added last and gently stirred to preserve carbonation. It is most commonly served as a pre-dinner aperitivo, particularly in Italian café culture.