Paul Kushner
The Dolce Vita is bright, bold, and full of personality. It blends the bittersweet edge of Campari with citrus-forward gin and the rich, fruity taste of raspberry juice. The result is a perfectly balanced drink that’s slightly tart, gently bitter, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for another sip. It’s a great choice for happy hour or whenever you want something refreshing with a bit of complexity. Serve it over ice with a fresh raspberry or citrus twist for a clean, colorful finish that looks as good as it tastes. Inspired by art.cocktails.bzh.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Dolce Vita is a beautiful balance of tart, bitter, and lightly sweet flavors with a smooth, frothy finish. Campari brings its signature bitter citrus notes, while the citrus gin adds a fresh, zippy kick. Raspberry juice introduces a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. The fig-rhubarb syrup adds a touch of earthiness and depth, making this drink stand out. Lemon juice brightens everything up, and the egg white creates a soft, velvety foam on top. A splash of grapefruit tonic finishes the drink with a light, refreshing sparkle and a hint of bitterness that ties all the flavors together.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for this drink, especially to properly emulsify the egg white and create a smooth, frothy texture. A jigger helps ensure accurate measurements for balanced flavors. Use a coupe glass or a stemmed cocktail glass to highlight the beautiful foam and vibrant color. A fine strainer ensures a smooth pour, removing any pulp or ice shards. A bar spoon is useful for gently stirring in the tonic at the end without disturbing the foam. Chill the glass ahead of time to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Citrus gin
- 1 oz Raspberry juice
- 0.25 oz Fig-rhubarb syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- 1 oz Grapefruit tonic (to top)
- Optional garnish: dried citrus wheel or fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Add Campari, citrus gin, raspberry juice, fig-rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to build a frothy texture.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or sour glass.
- Carefully top with grapefruit tonic and stir gently.
- Add a dried citrus wheel or a few fresh raspberries for a vibrant finish.
Pro Tips
- For the smoothest foam, always start with a dry shake to fully mix the egg white before adding ice.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference, brightening the flavors and cutting through the bitterness.
- If you’re making the fig-rhubarb syrup at home, simmer figs, rhubarb, sugar, and water, then strain well.
- For the tonic, choose a high-quality grapefruit tonic like Fever-Tree for the best flavor.
- Serve immediately after adding the tonic to keep the foam fresh and the bubbles lively.
When to Serve
The Dolce Vita is perfect for evening gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions when you want to serve something sophisticated but approachable. Its beautiful color and creamy texture make it a great conversation starter. Serve it as a pre-dinner drink or as a lighter dessert cocktail. It’s also a great choice for spring and summer celebrations when fresh, bright flavors are in season.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- For the gin, try a citrus-forward option like Tanqueray No. Ten, Malfy Con Limone, or Bombay Sapphire Citron Pressé.
- Campari is the classic choice for this drink, offering the perfect balance of bitterness and citrus.
- Use fresh raspberry juice if possible, or a high-quality bottled version like Lakewood Organic.
- For the grapefruit tonic, Fever-Tree and Q Mixers offer excellent options that add just the right amount of sparkle and flavor.
Similar Cocktails
- Campari Orange Vodka Sour
- Broncos Sunset
- Plum Negroni Sour
- Blackberry Sage Collins
- Matcha Green Tea Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz Citrus gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Raspberry juice
- 0.25 oz Fig-rhubarb syrup
- 0.5 oz Lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- 1 oz grapefruit tonic to top
- Optional garnish: Dried citrus wheel or fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Add Campari, citrus gin, raspberry juice, fig-rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to build a frothy texture.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or sour glass.
- Carefully top with grapefruit tonic and stir gently.
- Add a dried citrus wheel or a few fresh raspberries for a vibrant finish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use pasteurized egg whites for convenience and safety.
- Shake extra hard during the dry shake for a thick, lasting foam.
- For added aroma, express a grapefruit peel over the foam before serving.
