Cool off this summer with the Valentino Drink recipe! Mix vodka or gin, Campari, and red vermouth for a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm evenings. It’s not exactly refreshing, I would rather have something along the lines of an aperitivo drink good for fall / spring.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 193
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka or Gin
- ½ oz Campari
- ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
- Lemon Zest twist - optional, for garnish
Equipment
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Strainer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a coupe glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Campari: Pour ½ oz Campari into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour ½ oz Sweet Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Gin or Vodka: Finally, add 2 oz Vodka or Gin to the mix.
- 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). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take your coupe glass and discard the ice inside. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon zest twist (express the lemon zest on top of the drink and then place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside) and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin or Vodka: A Valentino drink can be prepared with gin, vodka or rye whiskey. Feel free to experiment with these 3 versions of the drink!
- 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.
- Sweet Vermouth: Any kind of red vermouth can be used for this recipe. You could also try a fortified wine like red port or sherry (Oloroso, Palo Cortado or Pedro Ximenez for example) for a different flavor profile.
Making a Pitcher of Valentino Drink:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of vodka or gin, 4 oz of Campari, and 4 oz of sweet
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, Campari, and red vermouth. Add ice and stir well. Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary. Strain to remove the ice and transfer it into a bottle.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish each glass with a lemon zest twist, and serve immediately. Be sure to put the bottle back into the fridge or freezer between each serving: a Valentino should always be served as cold as possible. If you have any leftovers, you can keep the bottle in the fridge or freezer for up to a year.
What is a Valentino Drink?
A Valentino Drink is a modern classic cocktail made of gin or vodka, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This drink offers an elegant balance of flavors, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of red vermouth. It is basically a hybrid between a Negroni and a Martini: it has the same ingredients as the Negroni, but the slightly different proportions lead to a drier cocktail, with a balance reminiscent of a Martini or Manhattan cocktail.
What is a Valentino Drink made of – The ingredients
Prepare these ingredients to craft a Valentino Drink:
- Gin: A clear spirit flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals, offering a crisp and aromatic profile.
- Vodka: A clear, neutral spirit known for its smooth and clean taste, making it a versatile base for many cocktails.
- Campari: Adds a bitter, citrusy note that balances the sweetness of the vermouth.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine that contributes a sweet, herbal flavor that compliments the bitterness of Campari.
- Lemon Zest: Used as a garnish to add a fresh citrus aroma and a hint of bitterness.
