Martha Stewart Americano Cocktail

Martha Stewart Americano cocktail turns sweet vermouth, Campari and club soda into a bittersweet, fizzy highball in 5 minutes. Save this easy Italian aperitif for happy hour, summer cookouts or holiday parties, because it's a few ingredients cocktail you build right in the glass.

Fill the tall glass with ice before anything else goes in, because cold ice keeps the drink crisp from the first sip. Pour over a half-empty glass and the soda goes flat while the Campari turns sharp and syrupy.

Martha keeps the ratio dead even, with equal parts vermouth, Campari and club soda, so neither bitter nor sweet takes over. The orange slice does more than decorate, since its oils lift the herbal notes in both bottles.

Martha Stewart Americano Cocktail

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Course: BeverageCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

160

kcal

Sweet vermouth and Campari swirl together over ice, then club soda lightens the mix into a bubbly, ruby-red sipper. A fresh orange slice adds a bright citrus finish.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces sweet vermouth
  

• 2 ounces Campari
  

• 2 ounces club soda
  

• Orange slice
  

Directions

• Fill the glass: Fill a tall glass to the top with ice. A full glass keeps the drink cold and slows the dilution.
• Add the spirits: Pour in 2 ounces sweet vermouth and 2 ounces Campari over the ice. Then give it a quick stir so the two blend evenly.
• Top with soda: Add 2 ounces club soda, pouring slowly so the bubbles stay lively. Stir once, gently, just to combine.
• Garnish and serve: Tuck an orange slice onto the rim or drop it into the glass. Serve right away while the drink is cold and fizzy.

Tools for this recipe

• OXO steel double jigger, Tvmania silicone ice cube trays with lids, set of 2. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of club soda?

Sparkling water or seltzer works the same way, since both add fizz without sweetness. Tonic water is the one to skip, because its sugar and quinine make the drink heavier and more bitter.

What is the difference between an Americano and a Negroni?

A Negroni swaps the club soda for gin, which makes it stronger and served without bubbles. The Americano is the lighter cousin, so it suits a long afternoon of sipping.

Can I make a batch of Americanos for a party?

Mix the vermouth and Campari in a pitcher ahead of time, using 2 ounces of each per guest, and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Add ice and the club soda to each glass at serving time so the bubbles stay.

Can I make this drink less bitter?

Add an extra ounce of sweet vermouth or a splash more soda to soften the Campari. A thick orange wedge, squeezed in before serving, also rounds off the bitterness.

What is the most common mistake with this cocktail?

Using too little ice is the big one, because a warm drink goes flat and tastes harsh. Fill the glass to the brim, and use fresh club soda from a newly opened bottle.