Cardinale

The Cardinale is a sophisticated Italian aperitif cocktail that beautifully balances the botanical notes of gin with the bitter complexity of Campari and the herbal dryness of vermouth. Often considered a drier, more refined cousin of the Negroni, the Cardinale uses dry vermouth instead of sweet, creating a lighter, more elegant drinking experience.

With its stunning ruby-red color and complex flavor profile, the Cardinale is the perfect pre-dinner drink. It stimulates the appetite while offering a sophisticated blend of bitter, botanical, and citrus notes that awaken the palate.

Instructions

Official Recipe:

1. Chill the glass: Place a cocktail glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill.

2. Add ingredients: Pour gin, dry vermouth, and Campari into a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.

3. Stir well: Stir gently for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted. Never shake this cocktail.

4. Strain: Empty the chilled cocktail glass and strain the mixture into it.

5. Garnish: Express a lemon zest over the drink to release its oils, then either drop it in or run it around the rim.

Note: The Cardinale should be served ice-cold but without ice in the glass.

Tips

• Quality ingredients: Use a quality London Dry gin for the best botanical backbone. The gin should be assertive enough to stand up to the Campari.
• Dry vermouth matters: Fresh, quality dry vermouth makes a huge difference. Vermouth oxidizes quickly, so replace it every few months.
• Stir, don’t shake: Stirring creates a silky texture and proper dilution without aerating the drink.
• Proper dilution: Don’t under-stir. The drink needs time to chill and dilute properly for the best flavor.
• Fresh lemon zest: Use a vegetable peeler or knife to cut a wide strip of zest, avoiding the white pith.
• Express the oils: Twist the lemon zest over the drink to spray the aromatic oils onto the surface.
• Temperature: Serve very cold for the best experience.

Classic Variations

• Cardinal: Some recipes use equal parts gin and dry vermouth (30ml each) with 10ml Campari
• Cardinale Royale: Add a splash of Prosecco for effervescence
• Smoky Cardinale: Use a gin with smoky notes or add a few drops of mezcal
• Aperol Cardinale: Replace Campari with Aperol for a lighter, sweeter version

Flavor Profile

The Cardinale offers a complex tasting experience:

• Initial taste: Clean gin botanicals with herbal notes from the vermouth
• Mid-palate: Bitter-sweet Campari complexity with citrus and herbs
• Finish: Crisp, dry, and refreshing with lingering bitterness

The dry vermouth keeps the drink elegant and not overly sweet, making it an excellent aperitif.

History

The Cardinale is an Italian aperitif cocktail that emerged in the mid-20th century. Its name, meaning “Cardinal” in Italian, likely refers to the drink’s rich red color reminiscent of a cardinal’s robes.

The cocktail is part of the Italian aperitivo tradition, where bitter drinks are served before meals to stimulate the appetite. Like many classic Italian cocktails, it showcases Campari, the iconic Italian bitter liqueur created in 1860.

The Cardinale is recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) as an official cocktail and remains a favorite among those who appreciate dry, sophisticated aperitifs.

Cheers!