Canada Day Cocktails
Each one of the cocktails below and those coming tomorrow showcases the colours and flavours of Canada, like maple syrup or ginger ale. At the same time, they feature the awesome flavours brought to this country by people from around the world, like bitters, vodka, cognac and Campari.
The best way to beat the summer heat is to reduce the amount of sugary drinks you might consume in the course of a day. It’s the middle of the afternoon, the sun is at its highest point and you swear you can see the waves of heat rising off your body. What do you reach for? A little bitter, of course. That will most definitely cool you down and quench your thirst. The recipe for Campari, invented by Gaspare Campari between 1862 and 1867, has remained secret, but basically, it’s an infusion of alcohol, water and bitter aromatic herbs, plants and fruit. Try it on its own poured over ice on a super hot day. My favourite way to drink it is to top an ounce of Campari with sparkling water. A dash of fresh squeezed orange or tangerine juice adds a subtle and refreshing fruitiness.
While considering how you’ll spend the upcoming long weekend, sip one of these tipples. If they don’t help you come up with some great ideas, they will surely leave you feeling chilled and relaxed.
Americano
In honour of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, and remembering how the people of Upper and Lower Canada put aside their differences to stand their ground against a common enemy.
1 oz Campari
1 oz Cinzano Rosso
Dash Club soda
Prepare directly in a highball glass on the rocks. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Negroni
3/4 Campari
3/4 oz Cinzano Rosso
3/4 oz gin
Prepare directly in a highball glass on the rocks. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Campari & Vodka
3/4 oz Campari
1-1/4 oz vodka
Prepare directly in a highball glass on the rocks. Garnish with a slice or orange.
Camparinha
2 oz Campari
1/2 lime
2 tsp castor sugar
Prepare directly in a highball glass. Cut the lime into small pieces and place in the glass along with raw sugar. Crush together with a spoon and cover with crushed ice. Fill glass with Campari and mix well.
Campari & Sparkling Water
Use Club Soda if that happens to be what you’ve got on hand.
1-1/4 oz chilled Campari
Sparkling water
Place chilled Campari in a glass and top with sparkling water.
Campari Orange
1-1/4 oz Campari
4 oz orange juice
Prepare directly in a glass on the rocks. Garnish with a slice of orange.