Riviera Cocktail Recipe
Riviera Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:15%
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 Riviera cocktail is a classic drink that originated in the French Riviera during the 1920s. It was a popular choice among the glamorous and wealthy patrons who frequented the luxurious bars and casinos along the coast. The Riviera cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated and elegant drink with a touch of history.
- The French Riviera was a popular destination for the rich and famous during the 1920s
- The cocktail was created in the luxurious bars and casinos along the coast
- It is a sophisticated and elegant drink with a touch of history
How Riviera Tastes?
The Riviera cocktail has a balanced and refreshing taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It is light and crisp, with a hint of citrus and a subtle herbal undertone.
Interesting facts about Riviera
- The Riviera cocktail was named after the French Riviera, a popular vacation destination for the rich and famous
- The drink is often associated with glamour and sophistication, making it a perfect choice for upscale events and parties
- The Riviera cocktail has been featured in various movies and TV shows, showcasing its timeless appeal
Ingredients
- Gin: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Campari: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange twist: 1
- Garnish with cherry: 1
A few good options for Riviera are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
Gin is the canvas here, at a rightly measured 1.5 oz. It’s the backbone, rich in botanicals, providing a complex base for other flavors to dance upon. Too little and you'll miss its song; too much and it will drown the symphony.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
At 0.75 oz, freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the cocktail its zesty character. It's like the high notes in a piece of music, bright and sharp. Skip it, and you're dismissing the soul of the Riviera.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
0.5 oz simple syrup sweetens the deal, balances the tartness and the bitterness. Like a mediator in a debate, without it, things could get sour.
Mary Mitkina
Campari
Campari brings 0.5 oz of bitterness and deep red color to the mix. It’s the drama, the intrigue, the plot twist in our cocktail story. Forget it and you leave our tale bland and colorless.
Emma Rose
Orange Twist
The orange twist is the flair, the flourish. It's not just decoration; the oils add aroma and a whisper of orange flavor that teases the senses.
Alex Green
Cherry Garnish
Lastly, the cherry garnish is the final bow, complements the drink aesthetically and adds a touch of sweet, fruity contrast to savor with the last sip.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Riviera Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Campari
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Use a high-quality gin for a smoother taste.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Charcuterie: The botanical notes in gin and the bitterness from Campari complement the rich, fatty flavors of cured meats beautifully.
- Seafood: Try it with grilled shrimp or calamari. The citrus notes from the lemon juice and orange twist highlight seafood's natural flavors.
- Dark Chocolate: After dinner, the bitter and sweet combination matches dark chocolate's intensity, offering a sophisticated dessert pairing.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Water: Between cocktails, cleanse the palate with some sparkling water to enhance the Riviera's refreshing qualities.
- Light Lager: If moving between cocktails and beers, a light and crisp lager can be a suitable transition without overshadowing the Riviera.
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What you could change in Riviera
- Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners.
- Campari: Aperol can be used as a less bitter substitute.
Explore all drinks starting with R here
And of course - twists🍹
Mediterranean Riviera
Ingredients: Substitute gin for olive oil washed gin, add a pinch of sea salt. Recipe: The same as original, just use the infused gin and sprinkle salt over the finished cocktail. Description: This twist adds a savory note, evoking the breezes of the Mediterranean coast. It's for those who appreciate a cocktail that steps out of the sweet comfort zone.
Amaro Riviera
Ingredients: Replace Campari with Averna or another amaro. Recipe: Follow the original, just switch the bitter liqueurs. Description: This will provide a more herbal, less bitter taste, ideal for those who want the complexity without the punch of Campari.
Bitter Orange Riviera
Ingredients: Add a touch of orange bitters and use a blood orange twist. Recipe: Include a few dashes of orange bitters with the gin, and proceed as usual. Description: This enhances the orange profile, bringing a citrusy bitterness that complements the Campari and adds an exotic twist with the blood orange's haunting color.
In case you forgot basics how to make Riviera
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!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Riviera
What is the alcohol content in a typical Riviera cocktail?
The alcohol content in a Riviera cocktail can vary depending on the recipe, but typically, it is moderate due to the usage of 1.5 oz of gin. The exact alcohol content may depend on the type and brand of gin used.
Is the Riviera cocktail vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, the Riviera cocktail should be vegan and gluten-free. It only contains gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, campari, and fruit garnish which don't contain any animal by-products or gluten. However, keep in mind that this could change depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you use.
What type of glass is traditionally used to serve a Riviera cocktail?
While the glass is not specified in the Riviera cocktail's original recipe, it's typically served in a cocktail or coupe glass.
Is the Riviera cocktail suitable for non-drinkers?
The Riviera cocktail contains gin and campari, both of which are alcoholic. Therefore, it's not suitable for non-drinkers. However, mocktail versions can be made by replacing gin and campari with non-alcoholic substitutes.
Do I need any special equipment to make a Riviera cocktail?
You should ideally have a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients well and a strainer to serve the cocktail. Also, a jigger or measuring cup would be useful for accurate measurements.
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