Move over Aperol spritz! The oldest and greatest classic, The Americano, is here to beat the heat. What makes it greater? It’s made with Carpano Antica Formula.
The first time I saw a red (seemingly) paper back but really hard copy dog-eared version was next to the cash register in an Irish pub. Probably an old hardcover copy. The book was there. I haven’t seen this book “Mr. Boston’s Deluxe Bartender Guide”since the late nineties; in person, until last week. I have decided to make a drink from it each month, starting with the Americano since the book is organized alphabetically. Yes, there are other drinks listed before this one. A is still the beginning of the American alphabet. Additionally, I have these ingredients in my possession, so that a bonus. And yes, you are correct! All recipes straight from Mr. Boston’s book. If you’re interested, you can purchase the book from my Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront (shameless promotion, I know) and make the drinks with me. A- Z one drink each letter each week and then go back to A. For those who don’t drink and are here for the smoothies, I appreciate that too! Thank you!
Before we get to the recipe, what is sweet vermouth? There are many different brands. I prefer the Carpano Antica formula. It’s one of the first and supposedly oldest sweet vermouths, born in Italy, as you may have guessed from the sound of the name. 1786 in fact. That’s vintage, right? It has notes of cinnamon, licorice, and cherry and is more robust and viscous than some others. Feel free to use any vermouth you have on hand, as the guide does not specify a particular brand, not even the Mr. Boston brand.
The Americano
Ingredients
4 oz Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
1 small bottle of San Pellegrino (unflavored)
1 lemon for a twist (skin on only skin)
Method per Mr. Boston reads as 👇 below.
Pour 4 oz. Sweet Vermouth into highball glass over ice cubes. Fill with carbonated water and stir. Add a twist of lemon peel.
Glass: Highball glass
Garnish: Lemon Twist
Photography Note: Fun fact – the ice in the photos isn’t real; it’s made using Encapso K. While not safe for consumption, it certainly helps with hot lights and solves the melting ice problem. I forgot to spray water for condensation at one point. Sheesh. Anyway, if you are working on your photography game too it’s also available on the Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront. And yes, there is a tiny piece of “ice” on the outside of the glass in one of the photos. That’s intentional. These are iPhone photos.
Writer Notes: I know it’s not my recipe…if this is copyright infringement someone let me know via comments. Thank you.
Where to buy the goods, you know glasses, stirring spoons and photography stuffs? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. Please know I may receive commissions from eligible purchases. Thank you.
