The classic Americano is a wonderful aperitivo made with equal parts Campari and Sweet Vermouth, topped off with club soda. In our "Sicilian" version, we add black pepper and clove infused fresh blood orange juice. We serve the cocktail without any ice, it is too cold outside.
2 blood oranges
½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
1 clove
1.5 oz Campari
1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
Slice both of the blood oranges in half, and squeeze the juice of three of the halves into a small saucepan.
Add the spices to the saucepan and bring to a light simmer.
Once the juice has reduced a bit and the spices have infused, let it cool down slightly and then strain the liquid.
Combine the juice, Campari, and Vermouth into a tumbler.
Slice the other orange half into thin slices, add two slices into the glass, then decorate the rim with a small slice of the orange.
