Americano Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

This sweet and bitter tipple is the perfect afternoon refreshment on a hot summer day.

Back in the early 1950s, former British Naval Intelligence officer, Ian Fleming, was taking time off at his seaside estate on the northern part of Jamaica. Named GoldenEye after a WWII operation, he found himself at a sort of crossroads in his Caribbean hideaway. He was in his forties, had always enjoyed a bachelor’s lifestyle but was now about to get married for the first time. The uncertainty of this future caused a bit of a mid-life crisis, and to channel this anxiety, Fleming sat in front of his typewriter and banged out what he called “the spy story to end all spy stories”. On April 13th, 1953, Casino Royale was released and the world was introduced to a suave, sophisticated and licensed to kill secret agent named Bond, James Bond.

Even if you’ve never read one of his adventures or watched one of his movies, the name James Bond will be familiar to you. After 71 years and decades of indelible and iconic pop culture moments, you know the name and the number, 007. Many of the tropes and traditions of the film series that was born from Fleming’s works have weaved themselves into the fabric of our lives. The music is just as famous as the films, the title songs becoming smash hits and Oscar winners, and the catch phrases pop up in everyday conversation, like “nobody does it better” and the iconic “shaken, not stirred.”

What you might be fascinated to find out is that the first drink James Bond ever had in his existence as a character is not what you think it would be. While the book and the movie it’s based on has a classic scene involving the ordering of a certain martini, the first cocktail that 007 orders in Casino Royale is the Americano. And tonight, we’ll be taking a look at this bubbly and refreshingly bittersweet treat.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Negroni or any other cocktail featuring Campari, the Americano is going to be right up your alley. Mixing the Italian liqueur with sweet vermouth and club soda, this effervescent drink not only looks delicious, but it’s sweet and strong flavors will tickle your nose as well as your tastebuds. If you’re playing baccarat poolside this summer, this concoction will be your good luck charm.

What are the origins of the Americano?

While this cocktail is the first we see James Bond enjoying, he certainly wasn’t the first to have one. Predating the Negroni, the Americano was invented around the 1880’s at Caffe Camparino in Milan, Italy. The name seems to have come from its popularity amongst American tourists in the following years during the Prohibition era.

What is the Best Vermouth to Use in an Americano Cocktail?

When choosing a sweet vermouth for your Americano, or any vermouth for any cocktail, treat the purchase of it as you would any other spirit. If you’re spending a decent amount on your Campari, don’t skimp on the vermouth. While there are some brands out there that are top-shelf and in the higher priced range, there are those that taste and mix just as beautifully and won’t break the bank. My personal preference for my go-to vermouths, whether sweet or dry, is Dolin. Great price and I love the way they meld with my cocktails.

What type of glass and garnish is used for an Americano?

A tall highball or Collins glass, filled with ice and garnished with an orange twist is the ideal way to enjoy your Americano. The glass looks sleek and will keep your ice chilled longer.

What can you substitute for Campari?

If you find Campari a tad too bitter for your palate, Aperol is a lighter tasting but still bittersweet replacement.

What is the difference between an Americano and a Negroni?

Simple. The Americano is served on ice with club soda. The Negroni is served up and replaces the club soda with gin.

Does James Bond drink an Americano in the movies?

I’m not actually sure. While he doesn’t explicitly order or mention one in any of the films, during Thunderball Bond is seen mixing himself a fairly tall drink involving Campari and ice in his hotel room. Some fans think this is either a Negroni or an Americano. I can never tell because we never get a good look.

Similar Cocktails to the Americano

Campari has become a fairly recent obsession for me. After discovering the robust joys of a Negroni, I began to do a little exploring and seeking out other cocktails I could enjoy that had a similar bittersweet bite. If you’re searching for the same types of refreshment, Twist & Toast has the recipes that’ll scratch that itch. Check out some of them below, then visit our site to find even more.

• Negroni Sbagliato – If you want a slightly boozier treat, switch out the club soda with Prosecco and you’ll get a Negroni Sbagliato.
• Boulevardier – Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari combine for a bittersweet and smoky elixir.
• Siesta – Tequila and Campari make fantastic bedfellows in this spicy, sweet, and tart tipple.
• Classic Negroni – Simple to make, and complex in taste, this classic cocktail belongs in every home bartender’s arsenal.