Ingredients: Served: On the rocks: poured over ice. Drinkware: Old fashioned glass. Method: Pour the Campari and vermouth over ice into an old fashioned glass, add a splash of soda water and garnish with half orange slice and a lemon twist. 3 cl Campari, 3 cl sweet red vermouth, A splash of soda water

**Americano - Mixed Drink** Step into the world of Italian aperitivo with the elegant and refreshing **Americano Mixed Drink**. This simple yet sophisticated low-alcohol **Mixed Drink** is a delightful combination of bitter **Campari**, sweet red **vermouth**, and a splash of **Carbonated** soda water. It's lighter than its famous descendant, the Negroni, making it a perfect pre-dinner sipper. Built **On the rocks** and gently **Stirred** in an **Old fashioned glass**, it's all about balance and approachable bitterness. **Ingredients:** * 3 cl Campari * 3 cl sweet red vermouth * A splash of soda water **Preparation:** 1. Take an **Old fashioned glass** (**Served in Rocks Glass**) and fill it generously with ice cubes. Large ice is preferred. 2. Pour the **Campari** and sweet red **vermouth** into the glass over the ice. 3. Add a splash of **soda water** (just enough to lighten it and add a gentle fizz). 4. **Stir gently** using a bar spoon to combine the ingredients. 5. **Garnish** with half an orange slice and a lemon twist. 6. Serve **On the rocks**. **Notes and Tips:** * Using a quality sweet red **vermouth** is important, as it provides sweetness and complexity to balance the **Campari**. * The amount of **soda water** is flexible – add more for a lighter, longer drink, or just a small splash for less dilution and more intense flavor. * The garnish is key! The orange slice and lemon twist add crucial **Citrus** aromas that pair beautifully with the bitter **Campari**. Express the oils from the lemon twist over the drink before adding it. * Ensure your **Campari**, **vermouth**, and soda water are well-chilled. **History or Origin:** The **Americano Mixed Drink** is believed to have been first served in Gaspare Campari's bar in Milan in the 1860s. Originally called the "Milano-Torino" because of its ingredients' origins (Campari from Milan, vermouth from Turin), it was renamed the "Americano" sometime before 1900, supposedly because of its popularity among American tourists during Prohibition or perhaps earlier. It is the direct predecessor to the famous Negroni. **Visual Description:** Served **On the rocks** in an **Old fashioned glass**, the **Americano** has a beautiful, deep reddish-orange color from the **Campari** and sweet **vermouth**. The splash of **Carbonated** soda adds a gentle effervescence. It looks inviting and classic, finished with a vibrant orange slice and a delicate lemon twist. **Conclusion:** For a refreshing, slightly bitter, and balanced **Mixed Drink** that's perfect for easing into the evening, try the **Americano**. Its blend of **Campari**, **vermouth**, and **Carbonated** soda, **Stirred** and **Served Over Ice** in a **Rocks glass**, is a delightful Italian classic. It's a superb lower-alcohol option for any time you crave a sophisticated sip.