Drink of the Week: Serrano Cocktail

March 12, 2010

In a recent conversation with Tony Abou-Ganim, the cocktail legend revealed his affinity for Campari. Playing around with the bitter orange liqueur for several recipes in his new book, The Modern Mixologist, Abou-Ganim introduces the Serrano Cocktail (which is named for James Beard award-winning chef Julian Serrano, and not the piquant pepper). With vodka as its backbone, this drink combines Campari, limoncello and fresh orange juice for a vibrant sipper. Try it with a batch of homemade limoncello for extra citrusy brightness, and find more vodka-inspired cocktail recipes in “Clearing the Way” from Imbibe’s March/April issue.

Serrano Cocktail
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. limoncello
1 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice
Ice cubes
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: coupe
Garnish: lime twist

Combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish.

Tony Abou-Ganim, The Modern Mixologist (Agate Surrey, 2010)

Photo by Tim Turner