American Soul84

History of the Americano

Although its creation is a mystery, like with many other cocktails, there are several tales that speculate on it. One of the oldest stories claims the Milan-Turin cocktail, a favorite of American tourists who used to request the addition of soda, was the inspiration for the Americano, which was created in 1860 in the Gaspare Campari tavern in Milan.

Another story from the 1930s claims the drink was given its nickname, “the Americano,” in honor of the Italian boxer Primo Carnera, who competed in the US. 

The association between boxing and the ingredients of the cocktail was due to the fact that the latter were all quintessentially Italian: bitters from Milan and vermouth from Turin.

How to prepare the Americano Soul 84

Fill a rocks glass with ice and pour, in order, the Mérida bitter, the red vermouth, and a splash of soda. Decorate with half a slice of orange. Squeeze the lemon peel on the rim of the glass to release the essential oils, then add it to the glass as a garnish.

Variants

For a different or friendlier Americano, you can use white vermouth. You can substitute soda with fizzy water.