This straightforward Rosita cocktail recipe is the perfect one for Negroni lovers in search of something different! The blend of Tequila, sweet & dry vermouth, and Campari creates an uplifting drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 194
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Reposado Tequila
- ½ oz sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz dry Vermouth
- ½ oz Campari
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Lemon or grapefruit twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Mixing Glass
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Add Bitters: Pour 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour ½ oz sweet Vermouth and ½ oz dry Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Campari: Add ½ oz Campari to the mix.
- Add Tequila: Pour 1½ oz Reposado Tequila into the mixing glass as well.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds).
- Strain: Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass, over the ice.
- Garnish: Express the lemon or grapefruit zest on top of the glass. For an added citrus touch, drop the twit into the glass and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: If you don't have Tequila, use mezcal for a smokier flavor profile or white rum for a lighter, sweeter taste.
- Sweet Vermouth: Any kind of red vermouth can be used for this recipe. You could also try a fortified wine like port or sherry (Oloroso, Palo Cortado, or Pedro Ximenez for example) for a different flavor profile.
- Dry Vermouth: Any kind of white or dry vermouth can do the trick for this cocktail. You can also substitute dry vermouth with extra-dry vermouth if needed; it won't be exactly the same, but it will do in a pinch.
- Campari: You can use any brand of bitter aperitivo you like to make this cocktail. However, if you're not a fan of heavily bitter drinks, Aperol can be a good alternative. It's lighter but still brings that orange essence; just keep in mind that it will make you drink a little bit sweeter than the original version.
Making a Pitcher of Rosita:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of sweet vermouth, 4 oz of dry vermouth, 4 oz of Campari, and 16 dashes of Angostura.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the ingredients: start with the dashes of Angostura, and then add the tequila, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and Campari. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, and garnish with lemon or grapefruit zests. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep them in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container as vermouth is prone to oxidation when kept at room temperature. Serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
Please keep in mind that, as the Rosita cocktail is solely made out of alcoholic ingredients, it can be hard to recreate its flavor using only non-alcoholic substitutes; the overall flavor and mouthfeel will probably change greatly from the original drink. In order to make the perfect mocktail version of this drink, you may have to revise the quantity of each ingredient depending on the specific substitute you decide to use.- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic Tequila's flavor. Otherwise, you can use fresh orange juice as a substitute.
- Campari Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic aperitif or for bitter soft drinks such as Crodino (prefer the red one) or San Bitter. To give it an additional twist, you can also make a simple syrup infused with orange and grapefruit peels; a drop of this syrup will give your drink an extra touch of both fruitiness and bitterness.
- Dry Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic vermouth (Martini Floreale for instance). These are usually widely available in supermarkets and liquor stores.
- Sweet Vermouth Substitute: You can use a non-alcoholic sweet vermouth (Martini Vibrante for instance).
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're suitable for vegans. Some brands may use animal-derived products in their manufacturing process.What is a Rosita Cocktail?
A Rosita Cocktail is a tequila-based classic cocktail made of reposado tequila, sweet and dry vermouth, Campari, and Angostura bitters. It’s garnished with a lemon or grapefruit twist to add an extra zing. The drink is not complicated if you have the ingredients and follow the recipe accurately.
The Rosita Cocktail is a variant of the well-known Negroni cocktail but substitutes gin with Tequila and includes both sweet and dry vermouth instead of just sweet. This gives it a unique flavor profile that differentiates it from its more famous cousin.
What is a Rosita Cocktail made of – The ingredients
You’ll require these ingredients to craft a Rosita Cocktail:
- Tequila: The primary spirit in the cocktail, it provides a strong, earthy base.
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds a sweet and slightly bitter flavor to balance the Tequila.
- Dry Vermouth: Contributes a crisp, dry note to the cocktail.
- Campari: An Italian bitter liqueur that adds complexity and a hint of bitterness.
- Angostura Bitters: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its botanical elements.
- Lemon or Grapefruit Twist: Used as a garnish, it adds a fresh citrus aroma and subtle zest.
