Fruity, bitter, and bubbly, the Americano is a refreshing summer cocktail that is closely related to the Negroni. Where the Negroni has gin, the Americano has club soda, so this drink has less alcohol (i.e., you can drink more of them!)

 I have already posted about my love of the Negroni, but when my Campari craving kicked in today (it does that), I wanted something a little lighter than my old standby. Oh, and it is the Fourth of July weekend, so... Americano! Because America! This is, of course, a very Italian drink, but one that alcohol-deprived American tourists loved to drink during the prohibition era. Whatever its pedigree, it is a classic cocktail with sophisticated flavor that is perfect for sipping on a summer afternoon.

 Americano Cocktail

Serves 1

• Ice
• 1 1/2 oz Campari
• 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
• club soda 
• lemon or orange peel (or slice), to garnish

Fill a Collins glass with ice. Add Campari and sweet vermouth. Top off with club soda and garnish with fruit slice or peel.