Bicicletta Cocktail Recipe

I love trying out classic Italian cocktails, and honestly, the Bicicletta is one of my go-tos for its light, bittersweet taste. The Bicicletta cocktail is easy to make and only needs a few simple ingredients: white wine, Campari, and soda water.

It’s refreshing—perfect for a warm afternoon or just hanging out with friends. When I serve the Bicicletta, people are often curious about its story and how to mix it just right.

With the right steps and a couple of tips, anyone can make this drink at home and get a little taste of Italy.

Bicicletta Cocktail Recipe

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The Bicicletta is an Italian aperitif that brings together bitter and sparkling flavors for a crisp, refreshing drink. I find this cocktail super easy to make with basic bar tools and ingredients you can find almost anywhere.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Wine glass or tumbler: I usually go for a stemmed wine glass, but a rocks glass totally works.
• Jigger: Makes measuring the ingredients a lot easier.
• Bar spoon: Good for blending the cocktail and layering the soda water.
• Ice cubes: Regular cubes do the job and chill the drink nicely.
• Citrus peeler or knife: For a fresh orange slice or twist on top.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Campari
• 3 oz dry white wine Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, or Sauvignon Blanc work well
• 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• 1 orange slice or twist for garnish

Instructions

• Fill your glass with ice cubes, almost to the top.
• Pour in 2 oz Campari using the jigger.
• Add 3 oz dry white wine.
• Top with 2 oz club soda or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of peel.

Notes

I always stick with dry white wine for this recipe; sweet wines just take over and ruin the balance. If I’m in the mood for a stronger drink, I cut back a little on the soda water.

Sometimes, for a festive twist, I swap in prosecco instead of club soda—those extra bubbles are fun. If oranges are in season, I’ll use a juicy slice instead of a twist, which adds a nice aroma as you sip.

I always serve the Bicicletta cold and drink it soon after mixing so the ice doesn’t water it down too much. When I have friends over, I set out extra orange slices for garnish—people seem to love that.

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Tasting Notes

First sip of a Bicicletta? I get a gentle bitterness from the Campari, but it’s not overwhelming. That bitterness gets balanced by the dry, soft notes from the wine.

The drink feels light and crisp. The little fizz from the soda water makes it so refreshing and honestly, pretty easy to drink.

Here are a few flavors I notice:

• Bitter Orange: Campari brings out a clear orange taste with a bit of herbal kick.
• Mild Sweetness: There’s a hint of sweetness, but it’s definitely not a sugary drink.
• Citrus Twist: If I add an orange garnish, I get a fresh aroma and some light citrus notes.

Texture:

• The Bicicletta has a smooth body.
• The bubbles keep it lively on the tongue.

Aroma:

• I smell both the wine and Campari right away.
• The orange peel adds a bright, zesty scent on top.

This cocktail is for people who like bittersweet flavors and a simple, clean finish. If that’s you, you’ll probably love it.

Substitute

Sometimes I don’t have all the classic ingredients for a Bicicletta cocktail.

Here are simple swaps I use to keep the drink easy and tasty.

Equipment:

• Mixing glass or just a regular glass
• Spoon
• Measuring jigger
• Strainer (optional, honestly I skip it sometimes)

Ingredients:

• Instead of Italian bitter (like Campari):
  • Aperol (makes it sweeter and lighter, honestly a nice twist)
  • Cappelletti (brings in more herbal notes if that’s your thing)
  • Select Aperitivo (less bitter, kind of richer too)
• Instead of dry white wine:
  • Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • Any crisp, dry white wine works in a pinch
  • Club soda or sparkling water if you want a lighter version—sometimes I go this route
• Garnish alternatives:
  • Lemon twist
  • Lime wheel
  • Orange slice (classic, but hey, use what you have)

Instructions:

• Fill your glass with ice. No need to be fancy.
• Pour in about 2 ounces of your chosen bitter.
• Add 3 to 4 ounces of white wine or club soda—up to you, really.
• Stir gently. No need to overthink it.
• Garnish with your favorite citrus. Whatever looks good.