Gin-Campari Old Fashioned

I'm not crazy about the name of this cocktail. I guess it is technically an Old Fashioned: spirits, sugar, and bitters. But it's so different from the typical Old Fashioned that a unique name wouldn't have gone amiss.

A friend of mine made this cocktail for me after looking for something with gin and Campari to please a Negroni skeptic. It was a perfect choice, as he had also recently bought a bottle of GrandTen's Wire Works Gin and wanted us to taste it. This gin-forward cocktail did a great job of showing it off. One sip and I was converted; the fact that it's made locally in Boston only helped. I've almost gone through an entire bottle since.

The Gin-Campari Old Fashioned is a bit unusual. You begin by muddling a slice of lemon zest with simple syrup, Campari, grapefruit bitters, and salt. Yes, salt - the first time I've seen it used outside of a Margarita rim, but it's just a pinch and it works. Add your gin and ice, stir, and enjoy. The flavor is sweet and bitter citrus. It's a perfect summertime aperitif, and a great warm-weather substitute for an Old Fashioned. It will definitely be influenced by what gin you choose, so give it a try with your favorite.

History: The Gin-Campari Old Fashioned was created by Dave Kwiatkowski at The Sugar House in Detroit.

Gin-Campari Old Fashioned

2 oz. gin
1 tsp. Campari
1 tsp. demerara simple syrup (I used regular)
3 dashes grapefruit bitters
1 scant pinch fine sea salt
1 long strip lemon zest

In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle lemon zest with Campari, simple syrup, grapefruit bitters, and sea salt. Add one or two large pieces of ice and gin. Stir well.

Recipe from Food & Wine.