Roman Holiday Cocktail | John Cusimano
John created this drink to go with Rach's Italian Sausages with Sweet and Sour Peppers and Onions (Agrodolce) for our G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) episode. "I think it's a little agrodolce also," he says. "I call it Roman Holiday. It's sort of like a negroni, but not. It's vodka instead of gin; Campari, which is bitter; a little bit of simple syrup; and grapefruit juice, so it's got that sort of tangy, sweet, bitter flavor going on." Not only is it delicious, it's a gorgeous shade of pink!
For another recipe from our G.O.A.T. episode, check out Jacques Pepin's Chicken Ballotine Stuffed with Sausage.
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Campari
- ½ ounce simple syrup*
- 1 ½ ounces grapefruit juice
- Dash of grapefruit, rosemary and peppercorn bitters, optional
- 1 ounce club soda
- 2 rosemary sprigs, for garnish
*For the simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, then let cool to room temperature. Syrup will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Makes about 1 ½ cups.
Add the vodka, Campari, simple syrup, grapefruit juice and bitters (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake and strain into two ice-filled Collins glasses. Top with club soda and garnish with rosemary sprigs.
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