Meet the Italian Gentleman, a modern Italian‑inspired cocktail combining the bitter elegance of Campari with bourbon’s richness and a lemony brightness that lifts it all. Featured in Food & Wine, this drink channels aperitivo charm in a glass—sophisticated, starring Italian flavors, and ideal for before dinner or a stylish evening in.
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A Modern Aperitivo with Italian Roots
Created in 2014 by Carey Jones and John McCarthy in Food & Wine, the Italian Gentleman cleverly blends Campari (an iconic Italian bitter liqueur from the 1860s) with bourbon and citrus for a fresh take on Negroni-style cocktails. Though not a century old, its balanced bitterness and approachable profile have made it a modern favorite.
How It Stacks Up with Other Italian Classics
This drink shares origins with iconic cocktails like the Negroni and Boulevardier and often appears on aperitivo menus nationwide. Media outlets like Kindred Cocktails reference the Italian Gentleman as a well-executed, approachable entry point into Campari-based drinks.
Perfect for Stylish Evenings & Food Pairing
The Italian Gentleman pairs beautifully with Italian antipasti—think bruschetta with creamy ricotta or prosciutto-wrapped melon. Serve it in chilled glassware for dinner parties or offer it alongside Negronis and Limoncello Spritzes during aperitivo hour.
Ready to sip like an Italian Gentleman? Mix up this bold, balanced cocktail tonight—then explore our other Italian creations like Negronis, Bellinis, and Limoncello Spritzes to complete your aperitivo lineup!
Get a great bartender kit here on Amazon and pick up some Coupe glasses as well.
The Italian Gentleman
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Coupe or chilled glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz Bourbon Bulleit, Redemption, Jefferson – choose a fave
- 3/4 oz Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1/4 oz Simple syrup Adjust to taste
- Dash Orange bitters
- Lemon wheel or rind Garnish
Instructions
- Pre‑chill a coupe or cocktail glass.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Campari, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of orange bitters.
- Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until chilled.
- Double‑strain into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Notes
- The Italian Gentleman sits between a Boulevardier and a Whiskey Sour, offering bold Campari bitterness balanced with bourbon’s warmth.
- For more citrus brightness, try a blend of Meyer and regular lemon juice.
- Adjust sweetness by cutting simple syrup in half if needed.