Garibaldi
A BevX Cocktail Recipe
Named for the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, a central figure in the 19th-century unification of Italy, the Garibaldi is a study in simplicity with surprising depth. At its core, this classic Italian cocktail combines just two ingredients: Campari, produced in northern Italy, and fresh orange juice, often seen as a nod to the citrus-rich south, particularly Sicily. While early versions sometimes used a one-to-one ratio, most modern builds lean heavily on the juice to create a softer, more balanced drink.
Despite its minimalism, the Garibaldi carries rich symbolism. Its vivid red-orange hue is often said to evoke the red shirts worn by Garibaldi’s followers, the Garibaldini, while the combination of northern Italian Campari and southern citrus reflects the broader idea of national unity that defined Garibaldi’s legacy. Though the exact origins of the drink are unclear, it has endured—and, in recent years, resurged.
The real secret to a great Garibaldi lies in the texture of the juice. The orange juice should be extremely fresh and aerated—what’s often described as “fluffy.” Some suggest using a frother to achieve the desired texture, but we feel that fresh juice and vigorous shaking will get the job done.
Ingredients
1.5 oz. Campari
4 oz. fresh orange juice
Occasion
Serve before dinner or at brunch, for those who do this sort of thing. It needs no season to evoke the need for refreshing bitter drinks.
Method
Fill a highball glass with ice and garnish with an orange wheel. Add Campari, orange juice and ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously for seven seconds and then strain and pour into your prepared highball glass.
Variations
Modern variations occasionally build on the classic by adding a splash of grapefruit juice, a few dashes of orange bitters, or even a pinch of salt to heighten the citrus and round out the bitterness. These are all good ideas but be sure to check out our sparkling version.
Source: Classic
