The story of the Americano Cocktail

The Americano cocktail has an intriguing history. It was first served in the 1860s at Gaspare Campari’s bar, Caffè Campari, in Milan, Italy. The cocktail’s original name was “Milano-Torino”, reflecting the origins of its two primary ingredients: Campari, which hails from Milan, and sweet vermouth, made in the style of Turin, Italy 

The story goes that American traveler visited Caffè Campari and ordered a Campari, expecting a long drink. However, they found it too bitter and suggested serving it iced and fizzy. The bartender added soda water to the mix, resulting in the Americano cocktail we know today.

In popular culture, the Americano gained fame as the first drink ordered by James Bond in Ian Fleming’s novel “Casino Royale”. Bond also enjoys “two excellent Americanos” during his flight to Istanbul in “From Russia With Love”.

In summary, the Americano cocktail owes its name to American travelers and their influence on Italian bar culture. So, the next time you sip an Americano, you’re enjoying a piece of cocktail history with an international twist!

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