The Americano is an Italian aperitif cocktail dating back to the 19^th century. The cocktail features a unique taste that is equal parts refreshing, sweet and bitter thanks to the flavours of its three main ingredients.

Invented in the 1860s by Gaspare Campari at his bar in Milan, the cocktail is considered a precursor to the Negroni. The original name of the drink was Milano-Torino due the origins of its two main ingredients, Milan’s Campari and Torino’s Vermouth.

The cocktail was believed to have been renamed as the Americano due its popularity with American tourists in the early 20^th century. Another theory suggests it was created in Campari’s bar with the help of an American drinker who suggested the addition of soda and Vermouth to Gaspare’s famous drink.

The cocktail features a simple three ingredient recipe that is easy to make at home and easy enough to order in any bar. Depending on your taste, half a slice of lemon can substitute the orange slice.

The Americano was famously the first drink ordered by James Bond in Casino Royale, the first book in Ian Fleming’s famous 007 spy series.

Ingredients

• 30ml gin
• 30ml Campari
• Soda water
• 1 orange

Preparation

1. Fill a chilled Collins glass with ice cubes
2. Add the gin and Campari to the glass
3. Fill the glass with soda water
4. Stir the ingredients
5. Add the half an orange slice to the glass