5 Ingredients or Fewer

Bicyclette Cocktail

April 23, 2010
4
4 Ratings
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Serves 1
Author Notes

This is a really nice aperitif in that it's not too alcoholic (in other words, one or two won't knock you on your heiney), refreshing, and pretty to look at.

A Bicyclette is similar to an Italian pre-dinner drink called a Spritz. A Spritz is made of a bitter (usually Campari) mixed with prosecco (usually in a 1 to 2 ratio). Ver' nice.

The Bicyclette is a little simpler and you may have the ingredients at hand. White wine and sparkling water take the place of the prosecco. It's a refreshing, very drinkable drink. A great variation is made with Aperol substituted for the Campari. Aperol is newly available in the US. It looks like orange Robitussin but does not taste medicinal in any way. It's orange-flavored, with a gentle bitter note.

An Aperol Bicyclette looks a little like orange Fanta. —Savorykitchen

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Ingredients
  • 2 ounces white wine
  • 1.5 ounces Campari
  • 1 ounce sparkling water
  • 1 slice of orange or lemon, optional
Directions
  1. Combine the ingredients in a small glass or goblet. Add cracked ice and swirl to chill. Garnish with an orange or lemon slice.
  2. Sip and imagine you're sitting in a piazza in Tuscany or in a town square in Provence.
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5 Reviews

alygator April 27, 2021
Nice and light and not too much of a kick for a weeknight. I really enjoyed this!
Alexandra G. April 25, 2020
I made this last night for a dinner party and it was a hit! I think this drink is a much better introduction to campari than a negroni, because it isn't so strong and bitter. The sparkling water (I used pelligrino) was a nice addition because it prevented everyone from getting a little too tipsy after a couple. If you have a bottle of campari sitting on your bar and you are tired of negroni's definitely try this!
Jennifer A. May 3, 2010
Sounds perfect for a warm spring/summer night!
Savorykitchen April 26, 2010
Aperol is a magical spirit. I'm always trying to find new drinks to use it in.
lastnightsdinner April 24, 2010
I love Aperol - yum. Great drink :)