An Americano is a traditional bitter apéritif from Piemonte; a play on the French word amér, meaning 'bitter,' it is similar to a vermouth, but usually contains extra bitter components. Mauro Vergano's is based on Grignolino from his niece-in-law, Nadia at Cascina Tavijn, blended with raw alcohol steeped in sugar, wormwood, savory, orange skin, Gentiana root, and a host of dry Italian pantry herbs. Full of cherries and quinine, served on the rocks with a glug of soda and a slice of orange, it is a cult classic that never disappoints.