Bella, Bella

Happy 4th weekend!   I'm looking forward to a long holiday weekend, as well as some really nice weather.   And of course, at every BBQ and family picnic across the U.S., there will no doubt be mountains of Bud Light and Bud heavy cases - and perhaps even a few mixed cocktails or two.  Please do not pull a drinking + fireworks combo if you're severely inebriated, like these guys.

For those classy BBQs in which you are mixing drinks, today's cocktail may be a good one for the man or woman who loves the flavor of alcohol.  What do I mean by that?  Well, for some of the population, the actual taste of the high-proof alcohol is objectionable.  Many get over this hump when they reach a certain age, but some never do.  For those who have jumped over the hurdle, so to speak, the Bella, Bella may be a strong fit.  Let's take a look.

The Ultimate Bar Book, page 176

Bella, Bella

1 oz gin
2/3 oz Campari
1/2 oz limoncello
1/2 oz Mandarine Napoleon (or other orange liqueur)
2/3 oz fresh orange juice
Lime peel spiral

Shake the liquid ingredients vigorously with ice.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with lime peel spiral.

For the gin, I'm using New Amsterdam, and in the place of Mandarine Naoploen I am using Cointreau.  Feel free to use triple sec or Grand Marnier if you have either on hand.

As first mentioned above, the Bella, Bella is a strong cocktail.  This cocktail includes over 3oz of liquor, strong liquor.  It's rich too.  The mixture yields an almost velvety texture. 

What is lacks in subtlty with respect to alcohol flavors, it makes up for with somewhat subtle orange notes.  How can that be, you ask - there are two components adding nothing but orange flavors?  True, but, in the context cocktail, along with the gin and Campari, the orange flavors are but a strong baseline holding up the rest of the tune. 

Enjoy the Bella, Bella.  Enjoy the holiday weekend!  Check back on Tuesday when we return with some new drinks next week.  Until then, cheers, and happy 4th!