Pompeii Cocktail Recipe
Pompeii Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:18g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Pompeii cocktail is inspired by the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD. This cocktail is a tribute to the city's rich history and culture, making it a favorite among history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
- The name 'Pompeii' comes from the ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
- The cocktail is said to capture the essence of the city's vibrant and luxurious lifestyle.
- The Pompeii cocktail is often enjoyed by those who appreciate ancient history and archaeology.
How Pompeii Tastes?
The Pompeii cocktail has a complex and intriguing taste, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is strong and bold, yet smooth and refreshing.
Interesting facts about Pompeii
- The Pompeii cocktail is often served in a unique glass that resembles the shape of Mount Vesuvius.
- The cocktail's vibrant red color is reminiscent of the fiery lava that once flowed through the city.
- Some variations of the Pompeii cocktail include the use of ancient Roman ingredients, such as garum (a fermented fish sauce) or honey.
Ingredients
- Rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Campari: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Grenadine: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Orange peel: 1
- Garnish: Cherry
Rum
It's the spirit base of our Pompeii, providing a smooth, warm backdrop that carries the other flavors. Using less than 2oz might leave you with a cocktail lacking backbone, while more might overpower the delicate balance. If you swap it with, say, vodka, you'd miss out on that rich, sugarcane essence.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
The citrusy zing of 1oz lime juice gives our cocktail its vital acidity, offering a lovely tang that keeps you coming back for more. Less lime juice might make the cocktail too sweet, more could make it puckeringly sour. Lemon juice could be a substitute, yielding a slightly different type of citrus note.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
Sweet salvation! The 0.5oz simple syrup is just enough to kiss the bitterness goodbye without making the Pompeii too sugary. If omitted, the bitter and sour would dominate, potentially making the drink unpalatable for some. Maple syrup could be a more characterful substitute.
Emma Rose
Campari
The 0.5oz Campari brings in the bitter elegance and a subtle herbal melody. More Campari could lead to a bitterness overload, while less would make the cocktail too tame. Aperol could be used for a sweeter and less alcoholic punch.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters
Just a couple of dashes and these bitter botanicals infuse complexity and depth. Without them, the Pompeii loses a layer of its mysterious allure. There aren't many substitutes that evoke the same magic, but Peychaud’s Bitters could introduce an interesting twist.
Alex Green
Grenadine
This pomegranate potion, at a modest 0.25oz, adds just a hint of fruity sweetness to round out the flavors. Too much could make a syrupy mess, too little and the balance is tipped. Raspberry syrup could add a different berry note if you're out of grenadine.
Emma Rose
Orange Peel
The zesty oils expressed from 1 orange peel add a fragrant aroma and a whisper of citrus oil to the rim, enhancing the drink's nose. Without the orange peel, the Pompeii would lack its fragrant bouquet. Lemon peel could be a tangy alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Cherry
The garnish is the cherry on top, literally! It's not just decoration; it adds a touch of class and a whisper of cherry flavor if you choose to pop it in your drink. No garnish is a missed opportunity to dress up your cocktail.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Pompeii Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, Campari, Angostura bitters, and grenadine to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled and well combined.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
- Express the orange peel over the cocktail and discard.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a more authentic taste.
- Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Grilled Shrimp: The citrus notes of the Pompeii cocktail cut through the richness of the shrimp.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh tomatoes and mozzarella balance with the herbaceous and bitter notes of the Campari.
Main Courses
- Lemon Herb Chicken: The zesty lime in the cocktail complements the chicken's flavors.
- Seared Tuna Steak: Its meaty texture is a good match for the robust flavors of the Pompeii.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness will align nicely with the cocktail's citrus profile.
- Dark Chocolate: Offers a bold contrast to the cocktail's sweetness and bitters.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Pompeii
- Rum: Can be replaced with vodka for a lighter taste.
- Campari: Aperol can be used as a less bitter alternative.
- Grenadine: Can be replaced with a dash of cranberry juice.
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Pompeii
- Replace rum with mezcal for a smoky version
- Ingredients: 2oz mezcal, 1oz lime juice, 0.5oz simple syrup, 0.5oz Campari, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 0.25oz grenadine, orange peel, cherry garnish
- Recipe essentially follows the original but the mezcal introduces a deep, smoky character that contrasts wonderfully with the bright, bitter elements. It feels like an ancient ritual in a glass, where every sip summons the spirits!
Spiced Pompeii
- Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker
- Ingredients remain the same, with the addition of jalapeño
- Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño slice gently in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This Pompeii has a fiery kick — a spicy eruption to tickle your taste buds, akin to the molten heart of a volcano!
Herbal Pompeii
- Use basil-infused simple syrup
- Ingredients: 2oz rum, 1oz lime juice, 0.5oz basil-infused simple syrup, 0.5oz Campari, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 0.25oz grenadine, orange peel, cherry garnish
- Recipe follows the original, with the herbal twist in the sweetener. This version is like stumbling upon a hidden garden in Pompeii, its herbal whispers bringing a touch of green to the ruins.
In case you forgot basics how to make Pompeii
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Pompeii
What type of rum is best used in a Pompeii cocktail?
The Pompeii cocktail is versatile and can be made with any type of rum you prefer. However, a good quality golden rum is often used for its complex flavors and notes that can bring forward the other ingredients as well.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Pompeii cocktail?
Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Pompeii. Instead of rum, you can use a rum-flavored syrup or a non-alcoholic spirit. Non-alcoholic bitter substitutes are also available for the Campari.
Is the taste of the Pompeii cocktail similar to any other cocktails?
Given its ingredients, the Pompeii cocktail is sometimes compared to the Negroni or the Old Fashioned, but it possesses its own unique flavor profile.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the Pompeii cocktail to my preference?
You can adjust the sweetness of the Pompeii cocktail by reducing or increasing the amount of simple syrup or grenadine you use. Experiment until you find the perfect balance to suit your taste.
Aside from a cherry, what other garnishes can be used for the Pompeii cocktail?
You can also garnish the Pompeii cocktail with an orange slice, a fresh mint sprig, or even a flaming orange peel for an impressive display.
More similar recipes to Pompeii!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Angel's Share
The Angel's Share cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The whiskey provides a strong, robust base, while the citrus and sweet vermouth add a touch of brightness and sweetness. The bitters bring a subtle bitterness that balances the drink perfectly.
Kentucky B
The Kentucky B cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice. The bourbon provides a strong, oaky base, while the other ingredients add complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Negroni
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
Americano
The Americano has a complex and bittersweet taste, with herbal and citrus notes. It is refreshing, slightly bitter, and mildly sweet, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It has a tart, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the triple sec, a herbal bitterness from the absinthe, and a crisp, dry finish from the gin.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Scotch Sour
The Scotch Sour has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring the smoky and peaty flavors of Scotch whisky, the tartness of lemon juice, and the sweetness of simple syrup. It is a sour, slightly sweet, and robust cocktail with a smooth and velvety texture.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Dark 'N' Stormy
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Last Word
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre has a sweet and refreshing taste, with the sweetness of the cola balanced by the warmth and spice of the rum. The addition of lime juice adds a touch of tartness and brightness to the drink.