ColomboCocktail recipe
Rating
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Colombo sits firmly in the bittersweet, citrus-forward long drink camp, built around Campari and a generous mix of fresh juices. It doesn’t have a widely documented “classic” backstory, so you can treat it as a modern, bar-style refresher that borrows the Italian aperitivo spirit and pairs it with a punchy, tropical-leaning citrus profile. The result feels like a bright, sunny highball that keeps its edge thanks to that unmistakable red bitterness.
You’ll find Campari’s herbal bitterness and orange peel bite leading the way, then softened by orange juice’s rounded sweetness. Lime juice brings a sharp, zesty lift, while lemon juice adds a cleaner, brisk acidity that tightens the whole drink. Gomme syrup smooths the citrus’ angles and gives a lightly silky sweetness that helps the bitter and sour elements sit together rather than compete.
Serve it when you want something refreshing but not sugary—ideal as a pre-dinner palate-opener or a warm-weather sipper. If you like your drinks tart, vivid, and a little grown-up in their bitterness, this one hits the spot, especially in a highball glass where it feels light and easygoing.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Campari’s bitter orange and herbal bite leads, wrapped in bright lime, lemon, and orange juice that turns the sip sharply tangy before gomme syrup rounds the edges with a smooth, light sweetness. The mix works because the layered citrus lifts and stretches Campari while the gomme softens its bitterness; ideal for fans of bracing, bittersweet citrus long drinks.
Method
How to make a Colombo
- Campari 45ml, Lime juice 30ml, Orange juice 45ml, Lemon juice 22.5ml, Gomme syrup 15ml
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a highball glass over ice
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- Garnish with a couple of slices of orange and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Double strain the cocktail to remove any pulp from the citrus juices, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
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FAQ's
What type of cocktail is a Colombo?
The Colombo is a cold, alcoholic cocktail known for its vibrant tartness and slight bitterness. It falls under the category of shaken cocktails and is characterized by its unique combination of citrus juices and Campari, complemented by a touch of sweetness from gomme syrup. It's served in a highball glass, making it a refreshing choice for those who appreciate a balance between bitter and sweet flavors.
How should the Colombo cocktail be served?
The Colombo cocktail should be served cold in a highball glass. The ingredients, including lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, Campari, and gomme syrup, should be thoroughly shaken with ice to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail before straining it into the glass. This method ensures that the Colombo is refreshing and has the perfect balance of flavors.
Can the Colombo cocktail be considered a good choice for someone looking to enjoy a lower alcohol content drink?
Yes, the Colombo cocktail, with an alcohol content of 7.97%, can be considered a good choice for those seeking a beverage with a lower alcohol content compared to many other cocktails. Its composition, focusing on a sizeable volume of citrus juices alongside the alcoholic component Campari, provides a flavorful experience without a high alcohol content, making it suitable for social occasions where moderation is preferred.
What does the addition of gomme syrup contribute to the Colombo cocktail?
Gomme syrup, a sweetener made from sugar and gum arabic, adds not only sweetness to the Colombo cocktail but also a silky, smooth texture. The syrup's viscosity enhances the mouthfeel of the drink, balancing the tartness and bitterness of the citrus juices and Campari. This ingredient is crucial for creating a well-rounded cocktail that's both pleasant to drink and complex in flavor.
Is the Colombo cocktail typically shaken or stirred, and why?
The Colombo cocktail is typically shaken, not stirred. This preparation method is chosen to thoroughly mix the diverse components, including the viscosity of gomme syrup and the acidity of the citrus juices, into a cohesive, evenly chilled beverage. Shaking introduces aeration, breaking down the syrup and efficiently blending it with the liquors and juices, resulting in a vibrant, frothy, and well-incorporated drink that highlights the intended balance of flavors.
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