Story by Andy Ratcliff, andrewjohn@me.com
The Garibaldi, a simple concoction of Campari and freshly juiced orange, is named after the great Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Garibaldi (1807-1882), was a legendary freedom fighter, who perhaps like Caesar (who wore a red cape into battle), donned a red shirt and led his army of patriots into battle. Not a particularly well thought out uniform for guerilla fighters whose main aim was to stay camouflaged, but this isn’t a military fashion guide.
Not interested in power for himself, Garibaldi is commonly credited for the unification of Southern and Northern Italy, sparking radicalism and fellowship amongst his fellow countrymen and being a champion of the rights of labor and the emancipation of women. Garibaldi, simply, was a badass.
The Garibaldi Cocktail, a simple, yet potent highball, consists of just two main ingredients: Campari and fresh orange juice. Campari, with its bitter-sweet character, represents Lombardy (in the North), the birthplace of the liqueur. The vibrant orange juice, on the other hand, represents the bright oranges grown in Seville (in the South).
An excellent example of pure preparation comes from Dante in New York City, where fresh orange is run through a Breville juicer to order. This whips it into a fluffy consistency that you couldn’t get from an elbow-press.
The origins of the drink can be traced back to the renowned Bar Cavour in Milan, where it was first concocted in honor of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s visit to the city. The bartender behind this straightforward creation remains lost in history. What we do know is that this drink quickly gained popularity not only in Italy but around the world.
Bartenders have evolved the drink throughout the years. Some have added a splash of soda water to mellow its bitterness, while others have experimented with different variations (blood orange working particularly well). An excellent example of pure preparation comes from Dante in New York City, where fresh orange is run through a Breville juicer to order. This whips it into a fluffy consistency that you couldn’t get from an elbow-press.
In every sip, you’ll find a taste of history, a glimpse of rebellion, and a toast to the enduring legacy of Giuseppe Garibaldi.