📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Campari
Alcohol 10%
Calories 120 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 12g
Prep time 2 minutes
Ready to dive into a refreshing adventure with a twist of history? The Americano Highball is a bubbly and slightly bitter cocktail that tells a story in every sip. It’s like a journey through taste that tickles your tongue and teases your senses with its playful flavors. Let’s unravel the secrets of this delightful drink together, one ingredient at a time. ⬇️
History
The Americano Highball was born in Italy and quickly became a favorite across Europe. It was originally known as the “Milano-Torino” because of where its ingredients came from. During Prohibition in the United States, it gained popularity as Americans sought out less potent drinks.
- The name “Americano” hints at its popularity with American expats during Prohibition.
- It’s one of the first drinks to use Campari, an Italian bitter.
- The drink became a symbol of leisure and sophistication in European cafes.
The taste of an Americano Highball?
An Americano Highball dances on your palate with a bubbly fizz and a balancing act of sweet and bitter. It’s like a refreshing breeze on a hot day, with a complex taste that’s both inviting and mysterious.
I personally love drinking Americano Highballs because they’re like a pause button in a busy day, offering a moment of bubbly bliss.
Interesting facts about Americano Highball
- It was a favorite drink of James Bond before he fell for the Martini.
- The Americano Highball is considered an aperitif, meant to stimulate your appetite.
- Its red hue comes from Campari, which adds a signature bitter kick.
Ingredients
- Campari: 1 oz (30ml)
- Sweet Vermouth: 1 oz (30ml)
- Club Soda: A splash to taste
- Ice Cubes: Enough to fill the glass
- Orange Slice: For garnish
Highball glass is the quintessential vessel for an Americano Highball, as its tall shape showcases the drink’s effervescence. An alternative could be a Collins glass, which also allows the bubbles to rise and greet your senses.
Recipe. How to make Americano Highball
- Pour 1 oz (30ml) of Campari and 1 oz (30ml) of sweet vermouth into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda to fill the glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve with a stirring rod.
The Americano Highball isn’t just about taste; it’s also about making choices that suit your health. With its relatively low sugar content, it’s a friendlier option for those watching their intake, but remember, the key is always moderation.
Food Pairings
Imagine sipping your Americano Highball as you indulge in the perfect dish to complement its flavors. Here are some pairings that will elevate your cocktail experience:
Charcuterie
The saltiness of cured meats brings out the Americano Highball’s sweet vermouth notes, creating a harmonious taste adventure.
Italian Appetizers
Simple Italian starters like bruschetta or olives enhance the bittersweet profile of the cocktail, making each bite and sip a symphony of flavors.
Seafood
Light seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp, marry well with the Americano Highball’s refreshing essence, offering a seaside escape with every bite.
I find the Americano Highball’s flavor to be like a friendly chat with an old friend—comforting, yet always full of new stories.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh ice for the best chill and dilution balance.
- Experiment with the ratio of Campari to vermouth to find your preferred bitterness.
- Gently stir the cocktail to mix, but not so much as to lose the carbonation.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Americano Highball, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Americano Highball
- Campari: Can be swapped for another bitter aperitif for a different flavor profile.
- Sweet Vermouth: Try a dry vermouth for a less sweet taste.
- Club Soda: Substitute with tonic water for a quinine twist.
Americano Highball Variations
Negroni Sbagliato
- Ingredients: Substitute gin with Prosecco for a sparkling twist.
- Recipe: Build in a glass over ice, stir gently, and garnish with an orange slice.
Mezcal Americano
- Ingredients: Add a splash of mezcal for a smoky flavor.
- Recipe: Combine over ice, stir, and serve with an orange twist.
Boulevardier
- Ingredients: Replace club soda with bourbon for a stronger kick.
- Recipe: Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a cherry.
For a non-alcoholic take, the ‘Virgin Americano Highball’ uses a non-alcoholic bitter and sweetener with soda water to mimic the original’s complexity.
Q&A
What’s the best time of day to enjoy an Americano Highball?
Early evening is ideal—it’s a classic aperitif that awakens the senses and prepares your palate for a delicious meal.
Can I make a batch of Americano Highballs ahead of time?
Sure, mix the Campari and vermouth in advance, but add the soda right before serving to preserve the fizz.
Is it okay to use lemon instead of orange for the garnish?
Absolutely, lemon can add a different citrusy dimension to the drink. It’s all about your taste!
How can I make my Americano Highball more or less sweet?
Adjust the vermouth type or amount to tweak the sweetness to your liking. Life’s about finding the perfect balance!
Can the Americano Highball be considered a healthy cocktail?
In moderation, its lower alcohol content and absence of sugary mixers make it a better option than many cocktails.
What are some common mistakes when making an Americano Highball?
Over-stirring can flatten the soda, and too much ice can dilute the drink. Remember, it’s an art, not just a science!
