How to Make the Select Aperitivo Americano

The Select Aperitivo Americano cocktail beautifully blends the herbal aromatics of Select liqueur with the sweetness of vermouth, and finished with a spritz of soda.

Select Aperitivo was created in 1920 by the Pilla Brothers in Venice with 30 botanicals, balancing sweet and bitter tones with a vibrant ruby red color. Read more about it on my post!

Background of the Classic Americano Cocktail

The Americano was originally created by combining Campari and sweet vermouth, topped with soda water. The Americano cocktail first became popular among American expats frequenting cafés in Italy in the 19th century – hence the drink’s name referencing its early devotees.

Over time, experimentation led to using various Italian liqueurs in place of Campari, putting unique spins on the classic while maintaining its bitter-sweet profile, thus we have the Select Americano

Ingredients & Equipment for the Select Americano

Now that you know the rich histories behind this drink, let’s go over how to mix this sophisticated cocktail:

Ingredients:

• Select Aperitivo
• Sweet Vermouth
• Club soda or soda water
• Orange slice for garnish
• Ice

Equipment:

• Jigger
• Barspoon
• Highball or rocks glass

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mixing the Perfect Select Americano

Step 1: Add ice to a rocks glass or highball and set aside to chill. Build the cocktail by adding to the glass Select Aperitivo and sweet vermouth.

Step 2: Top with club soda and gently stir to integrate.

Step 3: Garnish with an orange slice. Sip and enjoy this balanced Italian aperitif!

Achieving the Perfect Flavor Balance

Adjust ratios to find your perfect balance:

• Select Aperitivo brings herbal, citrus bitterness
• Sweet Vermouth provides pleasing sweetness
• Soda water lends lively bubbles

Taste as you mix and tweak amounts to your preferred flavor profile. The result is a beautifully balanced, complex aperitif.

Tips for Serving Select Aperitivo Americanos (Americani?)

Follow these tips for an impeccable Select Aperitivo Americano experience:

• Accompany with small savory bites like nuts, olives, or hard cheeses.
• Use premium soda water like Q or Fever Tree for bubbles that enhance, not overpower.
• Play with ratios, adding more soda for a spritzier drink or less for strong spiritous flavor.
• Add a dash of orange or aromatic bitters to further accentuate botanicals.
• For alcohol-free, blend all soda with Italian sodas like chinotto or aranciata.
• Make a batched cocktail by preparing a large pitcher to serve multiple drinks easily.

However you choose to mix it, the Select Aperitivo Americano makes for a sophisticated start to any Italian-style gathering. Salute!

A few other Select Gin recipes to enjoy

Here is the recipe!