Italian Gentleman

Campari is striking in its singularity in terms of flavor and bitterness, meaning it can dominate other ingredients in cocktails. It's bitterly bold and aggressive which is why Campari lovers are so dedicated to it. Because of its intensity Campari, is often used judiciously in cocktails. Bourbon is robust enough, however, not to be buried under Campari, which is why this recipe calls for a sizable pour of the latter. This cocktail might strike you as being similar to a Boulevardier, which is essentially a Negroni with bourbon, but this Italian Gentlemen also includes a generous dose of lemon juice, placing it somewhere between a Boulevardier and a Whiskey Sour.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make simple syrup?

To make simple syrup, bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool completely.

What is the difference between Campari and Aperol?

While Aperol and Campari have a lot of similarities, they can be used to achieve very different goals. Bartenders reach for Campari when they want to add depth, body, and bitterness to a cocktail. Aperol’s sweetness can play well with sweet-and-sour fruits, and add bitter complexity to anything juicy.  

What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, much the way that Champagne is a type of wine. So all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.