First served in the mid-1800’s at Gaspare Campari’s bar in Milan, Italy, the Americano is said to be the older cousin of the Negroni. Built around equal parts Campari and Sweet Vermouth with club soda, this drink falls into the category of herbaceous, light drinks designed to whet the appetite called “aperitivo” in Italy, or “apéritif” in France. It is said “aperitivo culture”, the daily ritual of stopping at the local cafe after work to unwind and visit with friends over a mild drink and a snack before dinner, is as deeply ingrained in Italy as the Catholic Church and Soccer. If you are not fond of the bitterness of Campari, you can substitute an equivalent measure of Aperol and enjoy an Aperol Americano. Two bits of mixology pop-culture trivia: before Ian Flemming’s James Bond popularized martinis (“shaken not stirred”) and the “Vesper”, the “Americano” was his drink of choice first appearing in the book “Casino Royale” in 1953; secondly, it is thought the drink’s name became formalized during Prohibition when Americans flocked to Europe in search of good drinks and more relaxed European culture. Salute!