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You don’t need to be in Italy nor does it have to be summer for you to feel like you’ve been transported to a cafe’s patio along the cobblestone streets of the country. With just two simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful cocktail that brings the taste of a classic Italian summer to your home, regardless of the season. Behold the Garibaldi — made from just Campari and orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed — an iconic cocktail featured on our list of Italian cocktails you need to try right away. You may also come across another name for it that clearly requires no further explanation: Campari-orange. The beauty of this beverage lies in its simplicity, wherein the tang from the orange juice paired with the distinct, bittersweet notes of Campari creates a complex blend of flavors that is savored by many a cocktail connoisseur and avid mixologist.
A Garibaldi is an apéritif (as opposed to a digestif) that is commonly enjoyed during a popular Italian snacking tradition called aperitivo, where folks stimulate their dinner appetites with refreshing drinks and a spread of snacks. Unlike its close apéritif cousin Aperol, Campari features a bolder flavor that can be overwhelming, especially for those new to Italian amaros. So, when crafting a Garibaldi, play around with different ratios of Campari to orange juice to figure out what works best for your taste. If you fancy an intense hit of Campari, you might be pleased with a 1:1 ratio, but for a milder and more balanced sip, you can start by topping one part Campari with three parts orange juice in an ice-filled glass, stir until evenly combined, and you’re set!
History of the Garibaldi cocktail and modern-day iterations
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The name Garibaldi pays homage to the Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi who played a pivotal role in the unification of the country in the 19th century. The shade of red from the Campari is believed to be a nod to his army’s uniforms, whereas the two ingredients represent the unification of the north and south of Italy in one glass: Campari being from Milan in the north and fresh orange juice depicting Sicily in the south. In addition to the sentiment of the drink, its eye-catching, deep sunset hue makes it a treat for the eyes as much as the taste buds.
Owing to the simple recipe of a Garibaldi, it’s an excellent canvas for innovation. For starters, some mixologists may switch out the orange juice for other citrus-based juices. Blood orange juice is a common swap, where its balance of sweet, tangy, and berry-like undertones paired with its floral notes offers a nice contrast to the bittersweet Campari. In addition, its crimson red hue gives a desirable boost in appearance. Grapefruit juice is a popular choice for those who gravitate towards the natural, bitter, zesty flavors of the citrus. When using grapefruit, some mixologists may opt to work with a combination of citrus juices, like a splash of the sweeter blood orange, for a more balanced result. As a final tip to make your Garibaldi stand out, consider squeezing the juice fresh right before serving, using a high-speed juicer or a stick blender on low speed to aerate the liquid and improve its texture.
Dining and Cooking