Starting Summer with the Americano

Summer is finally upon us. As a teacher summer officially begins this week; it the last week with students and the season really starts off with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Starting this week and going throughout the summer I am going to be intermittently writing about my favorite refreshing yet classy and innovative summer cocktails. I will be focusing on creative takes on old classics as well as entirely new types of cocktails that are easy to make and will wow anyone looking for a new and refreshing way to soak in this great season.

For this article I am going to cover the Americano; a low alcohol Campari-based sipping cocktail that is great for long and hot summer afternoons. First gather your ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Campari
• 1 ½ oz sweet vermouth
• Club soda or seltzer
• Orange slice for garnish

Start by filling a classic cocktail tumbler with ice to pre-chill the glass. In an ice filled shaker mix the Campari and sweet vermouth, straining in to the ice filled tumbler and topping off with club soda or seltzer water (I prefer club soda). Finish the prep by garnishing your Americano with a slice of orange. The distinct and classy cocktail that results is a rooty, earthy, and full bodied experience that has only a slight hint of sweetness. At its core the Americano is a deep and etherial drink that is refreshing yet distinct and mature. The Americano can be adapted by using a bigger glass with more club soda or seltzer to create a very low abv drink that can be enjoyed all day long. 

Enjoy this amazing warm weather cocktail as you watch the days get longer and warmer from the comfort of your front porch.