Milano Torino (Mi-To)
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 17.8% ABV ∙
The Milano-Torino, or Mi-To, is a two-ingredient Italian aperitivo of equal parts red bitter and sweet vermouth, stirred and served over ice. Bittersweet and bracing, the red bitter's herbal snap leads while the vermouth's soft, wine-like sweetness lingers into a mellow, low-proof finish.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Red bitter 45 mlRosso vermouth 45 ml
- Strain into the ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice)
- Garnish with an orange slice or wedge
Tips
- Pre-chill the glass before straining so the drink stays cold despite the low dilution from a short stir.
- Stir just long enough to chill, about 20-25 seconds; over-stirring waters down a drink that has no spirit base to carry extra dilution.
History
The Milano-Torino, nicknamed the Mi-To, is credited to Gaspare Campari, the Milanese liqueur maker who is said to have first served the two-ingredient drink at his own bar in Milan in the 1860s. Its name pairs the hometowns of its components: Campari bitter liqueur from Milano and sweet vermouth traditionally sourced from Torino (Turin), and the drink is widely described as the bittersweet template from which several Italian aperitivo classics descended.
Most notably, bartenders in Campari's bar are said to have lengthened the Milano-Torino with soda water for American clientele who found it too strong, giving rise to the Americano, while a later addition of gin produced the Negroni. The Americano in turn takes its own name from those American drinkers who reportedly requested the lighter, fizzier version.
FAQ
What is in a Milano-Torino?
Equal parts red bitter, such as Campari, and rosso (sweet) vermouth, stirred with ice and strained into a glass with more ice, garnished with an orange slice. It is essentially a Negroni without the gin, which is why it comes in noticeably lighter at under 18% ABV.
How do you make a Milano-Torino cocktail?
Stir the red bitter and rosso vermouth together with ice, then strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, ideally a single large cube or block. Finish with an orange slice for a citrus lift over the bittersweet base.
Is a Milano-Torino shaken or stirred?
Stirred, not shaken. Stirring chills and lightly dilutes the two liqueurs without aerating them, keeping the drink clear and full-bodied rather than frothy.
What glass is a Milano-Torino served in?
An old-fashioned (rocks) glass, filled with ice and garnished with an orange slice.
How strong is a Milano-Torino?
About 17.8% ABV, noticeably lighter than a gin-based cocktail since it is built from just a red bitter and vermouth rather than a full-strength spirit.
How is a Milano-Torino different from a Negroni?
A Negroni adds gin to the same red bitter and vermouth, making it more spirit-forward and considerably stronger. The Milano-Torino keeps only the bitter and vermouth, giving a lighter, lower-ABV drink with the same bittersweet character.
