Americano — Low-ABV aperitif with Campari

Americano

Low-ABV aperitif with Campari

Number of people

Ingredients

  • 2 dashesAngostura Orange Bitters
    Bright citrus notes
    Substitute: Optional garnish
  • 3 ozSoda Water
    To top
    Substitute: Club soda
  • 1 1/2 ozCampari
    Italian bitter aperitif
    Substitute: Aperol for lighter
  • 1 1/2 ozSweet Vermouth
    Italian sweet vermouth
    Substitute: Dolin Rouge

Instructions

  1. Add 1 1/2 oz Campari and 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth to highball glass filled with ice
  2. Add 2 dashes orange bitters
  3. Top with 3 oz soda water
  4. Stir gently to combine
  5. Garnish with orange peel

Technique Notes

Fill the glass to the top with ice, not halfway. A half-filled highball warms and over-dilutes at the same time, and this drink is meant to last.

Why the Americano Works

The Negroni base diluted with soda instead of fortified with gin — bitterness and sweetness in equal measure, lengthened to a session-able strength. Orange bitters amplify the citrus already in the Campari peel; the result is the most efficient introduction to bitter aperitivo the cabinet allows.

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