Americano Highball Cocktail Recipe
Americano Highball Nutrition Facts
Calories:120
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:10%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Americano Highball is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1860s. It was first created in Italy and was originally known as the 'Milano-Torino' due to its combination of Campari from Milan and sweet vermouth from Turin. The cocktail gained popularity among American tourists during Prohibition, leading to its current name. It's a refreshing, easy-to-make drink that's perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.
How Americano Highball Tastes?
The Americano Highball has a balanced taste, with a slightly bitter and herbal flavor from the Campari, sweetness from the vermouth, and a refreshing fizziness from the club soda. It's light, crisp, and perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Interesting facts about Americano Highball
- The Americano Highball is considered an aperitif, meaning it's typically enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
- The cocktail was a favorite of author James Bond, who orders one in the short story 'A View to a Kill'.
- The Americano Highball is often served with a slice of orange or lemon to enhance the citrus notes in the drink.
Ingredients
- Campari: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
- Club soda: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange or lemon slice: 1
Campari
- Campari is an Italian bitter liqueur known for its deep red color and intense bitter-sweet flavor. It provides the backbone of the Americano Highball and if left out, you'd miss the defining character.
Mary Mitkina
Sweet Vermouth
- Sweet vermouth not only adds a touch of herbal sweetness to balance the Campari but also complexity and depth. Skimp on this, and you lose out on the sophisticated edge.
Alex Green
Club Soda
- Club soda is the effervescent life of the party here, lightening up the density and adding welcome fizz. No soda? Prepare for a much stronger, less refreshing sipper.
Emma Rose
Orange or Lemon Slice
- The citrus slice adds a bright, aromatic garnish that complements the herbal notes and offsets the bitterness. Omit at the cost of a final, fragrant flourish and a touch of citrus oils.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Americano Highball Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour 1 oz of Campari and 1 oz of sweet vermouth over the ice.
- Top with 2 oz of club soda.
- Gently stir the drink to combine the ingredients.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ice to ensure the drink stays cold and doesn't get diluted quickly.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing the fizziness of the club soda.
- Use a fresh slice of citrus for garnish to enhance the flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Aperitivo Appetizers
- Charcuterie boards with a variety of cured meats complement the herbaceous vermouth.
- Marinated olives and salty nuts tangling with the bitterness of Campari.
Italian Cuisine
- Margherita pizza's simplicity goes well with the Americano Highball.
- Eggplant Parmesan, where the rich flavors would contrast the drink’s bitterness.
Seafood
- Grilled shrimp, its smokiness would be a great partner for the cocktail.
- Fried calamari pairing its light and crispy texture with the fizziness of the club soda.
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What you could change in Americano Highball
- Campari: Can be substituted with another bitter aperitif like Aperol, but it will change the flavor profile.
- Sweet Vermouth: Can be substituted with dry vermouth for a less sweet cocktail.
- Club Soda: Can be substituted with tonic water for a different twist.
Explore all drinks starting with A here
And of course - twists🍹
Rosso Americano Highball
- Swap sweet vermouth for a rosé vermouth to add a fruity twist.
- The result? A playful dance between floral, fruit, and bitter.
Americana Highball
- Add a dash of gin to bring in a botanical punch that plays well with Campari and sweet vermouth.
- It’s like introducing a new friend to an old group; they just click!
Spiced Americano Highball
- Introduce a cinnamon stick during stirring to infuse a warm spice note.
- It's your drink wearing a cozy sweater on a chilly evening.
In case you forgot basics how to make Americano Highball
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Americano Highball
Can I prepare an Americano Highball in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it's best to mix the drink just before serving to maintain the fizziness of the club soda.
Can I use a different type of glass for this cocktail?
The Americano Highball is typically served in a highball glass, but you can use any tall glass if a highball glass isn't available.
What other garnish can I use for Americano Highball?
Besides the traditional orange or lemon slice, a cherry or a twist of citrus peel can also be used.
Why is the cocktail called an Americano when it was created in Italy?
The cocktail gained its current name because it was popular among American tourists in Italy during Prohibition.
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