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This charmingly bitter, delicately fruity number peddles nothing but good vibes.
About the cocktail
“Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle!” If ‘Bicycle Race’ is Queen’s cheerfully camp tribute to the Tour de France, Bicicletta is Italy’s deliciously bitter tribute to la dolce vita. This showstopping Spritz supposedly takes its name from the sight of old Italian men wobbling home on bicycles after a couple of Biciclettas. While we highly recommend making a Bicicletta, it’s best to leave your bike in the shed.
While the Bicicletta might appear to ride the coattails of the Aperol Spritz, it puts its own twist on the refreshing favourite with its own fruity yet bitter identity. By swapping prosecco for dry white wine, and Aperol for Campari, you get a bold, generous, energetic alternative that's well overdue for its time in the sun. Campari, or an equivalent bitter orange liqueur, rather than Aperol, gives the Bicicletta greater depth, but it’s far from cerebral. Like riding a bike, once you’ve made your first Bicicletta, you’ll never forget how to do it. So, when you’re changing gears, and it’s time to fix(ie) yourself a drink, wheel out the Bicicletta. As for our final tip? They taste better when you bring your friends along for the ride.
Ingredients
60mL dry white wine
30mL Campari 60mL soda water Glass: highball Garnish: orange wheel
Method
Fill a glass with plenty of cubed ice
Add all ingredients and stir Garnish with an orange wheel
Dan’s top tips
Bicicletta descends from a long line of Italian Spritzes that share much in common – wine, amaro, soda water. While the ratios and specific ingredients make all the difference, its history of adapting to what’s local means the Bicicletta can abide substitutes. A switch-up may technically mean it’s no longer a Bicicletta, but it will still hit the aperitivo spot.
For its citrus fruit character and bright acidity, our Bicicletta was made with a Clare Valley riesling. This boosted the cocktail’s energy and helped balance the Campari’s bitterness. If you’d prefer an all-Italian affair, consider pinot grigio, Soave, or trebbiano. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s a wine you would also enjoy drinking on its own.
If you’ve stayed true to the Bicicletta’s ingredients but something’s not quite right, feel free to adjust the ratios. For less punch, add extra soda. For more, add more Campari. Just remember that if you do add more liqueur, or more wine, the ABV will also increase.
Member Offer
$9.90 per bottle Non-Member: $10.25 pack (4)
image credits: Shelley Horan (photographer), Bridget Wald (stylist), LSS (production).
