Rosso Repo Refresher

The Rosso Repo Refresher is a cocktail that brings together bold and layered flavors in a smooth and balanced way. Reposado tequila provides a warm base with notes of oak and spice, while Cardamaro adds a touch of botanicals that feel earthy and unique. Rosso vermouth deepens the drink with a hint of sweetness and richness, and Cynar contributes herbal complexity with a slightly bitter edge. The result is a cocktail that feels refreshing yet full of depth, offering a mix of sweet, herbal, and spiced flavors. It is an excellent choice for gatherings or a relaxing evening drink.

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Tasting Notes

The Rosso Repo Refresher is a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail that layers herbal, bittersweet, and earthy flavors. Reposado tequila brings smooth agave notes touched with oak, forming a sturdy base. Cardamaro adds depth with its blend of herbs and cardoon, offering a mild bitterness balanced by natural sweetness. Sweet vermouth enhances the profile with rounded richness, while Cynar introduces a vegetal bitterness that ties everything together. Fresh cucumber brightens the drink, providing a clean, crisp finish that lifts the heavier elements. The result is a cocktail that feels refreshing, complex, and perfectly suited for slow sipping.

Equipment and Glassware

Preparing the Rosso Repo Refresher requires just a few key tools. A cocktail shaker allows for muddling the cucumber, releasing its fresh juice to blend with the spirits. A muddler ensures the cucumber is pressed gently without becoming overly pulpy. Once combined, the drink is stirred with ice to achieve smooth dilution and chill without clouding the liquid. A fine strainer ensures clarity, removing cucumber bits and leaving a clean pour. The cocktail is best served in a coupe glass, which highlights both its refined presentation and its inviting balance of herbal, bitter, and fresh notes.

Ingredients

• 1.25 oz Reposado tequila
• 1 oz Cardamaro
• 0.75 oz Sweet vermouth
• 0.25 oz Cynar
• 2 Cucumber slices
• Cucumber slice for garnish

Instructions

• Place two cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their juices.
• Add reposado tequila, Cardamaro, sweet vermouth, and cynar to the shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and stir the ingredients well to chill.
• Fine strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
• Garnish with a cucumber wheel. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use fresh cucumber slices for the brightest flavor.
• Stir gently with ice rather than shaking to preserve clarity.
• Fine strain carefully to avoid cucumber pulp in the glass.
• Pre-chill the coupe glass for optimal presentation.
• Adjust Cynar to preference if you prefer less bitterness.
• Use large, clear ice cubes for smoother dilution.
• Garnish with a thin cucumber wheel for elegance.
• High-quality sweet vermouth will significantly improve the drink’s balance.

When to Serve

The Rosso Repo Refresher is a versatile cocktail suited for evenings when something layered yet refreshing is desired. Its balance of bitter, herbal, and crisp notes makes it ideal for aperitivo hour, preparing the palate for a meal. The cooling cucumber ensures it fits comfortably into warm-weather gatherings, while the amaro and vermouth give it enough depth for autumn or winter sipping. It works well at dinner parties, cocktail lounges, or as a refined choice for intimate nights in. Serve when you want a cocktail that feels polished, balanced, and a little different from the usual tequila serve.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Reposado Tequila: Espolòn, Herradura, Don Julio
• Cardamaro: Cardamaro (only one brand available)
• Sweet Vermouth: Carpano Antica, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Martini & Rossi
• Cynar: Cynar (only one brand available)

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