Campari Mocktail
I had very good intentions to do a dry January. But then the daily news just kept getting worse and worse and my vow to not drink lasted for about 10 minutes.
But now it’s February (actually the month is almost half over) and I’m having another go at it. This time around though, I’m being a bit easier on myself. I’ve decided that instead of going cold turkey, I’ll limit my cocktails to the weekend (I’m not a monster.) During the week I’ll fix myself a ‘fake’ cocktail. Because I realized it’s not just the alcohol that’s doing it for me at the end of the day, it’s also the ritual that I love.
Just like any good housewife from the ’50’s I wait for my husband to come home from work. I hand him his drink and we sit in our ‘cocktail corner’ on our pink chairs for an aperitivo. We chat. We look at our phones. We drink. We nibble. And then I go get dinner ready (I told you this was a story from the ‘50s.).
I thought I’d share my current favorite drink. I don’t think I can legally call it a mocktail because the cocktail police might be angry. It does have a bit of alcohol in it. But 1 tablespoon of Campari does not a cocktail make.
Since there’s not a lot of Campari in here, the bitters really do make a difference. I chose to use Angostura Orange Bitters because they are aromatic and add a bit of spice. I realize that not everyone has access to my liquor cabinet, nor to my extensive bitters collection, so if all you have or can find is regular Angostura, that is just fine. And if you have Peychaud? Even better. I’m in love with Fee Brothers that makes a wide range of bitters I use all the time, including this Orange one
Feel free to play around with the citrus. I used Meyer Lemon last week, which was great. But I have to say I prefer the increased sourness of lemon.
And while I used Campari (I love the taste and the pretty pink hue it gives which matches my chairs and usually my flowers if I’m lucky) I’m thinking that I’ll probably move into using an Amaro next week. But if you’re looking for a Valentine-hued drink, this one should work perfectly.
And if you’re wondering why I’m limiting cocktail consumption? Calories first of all. And also I realize I sleep better.
And if you’re wondering what that darker red cocktail lurking in the background is, it’s a Negroni. And it’s for Domenico.
Do you have a favorite Mocktail? I’m open for suggestions.
Yield 1
Ingredients1 Tablespoon Campari1/2 cup chilled sparkling water or club sodaPeychaud Orange Bitters1 Lemon wedgeIceInstructionsPour the Campari in a highball or rocks glass. Add the sparkling water. Squeeze the lemon wedge into the glass and add it. Top with ice and add a few drops of bitters.
Enjoy!
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