Roman Holiday Cocktail recipe
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Roman Holiday sits in the modern amaro-forward sour family, blending Italian bitter liqueurs with bright citrus and a few unexpected twists. It reads like a contemporary riff rather than a storied classic: a lowball drink that borrows the aperitivo mood of Campari and the darker, herbal pull of amaro, then pushes it into more adventurous territory with coffee and tropical fruit. The result feels equal parts after-dinner and warm-weather, with a profile that’s bold but still built for easy sipping.
You’ll find the amaro’s bittersweet herbs take the lead, while a small measure of Campari sharpens the bitterness and adds a vivid, bracing edge. Lime juice brings snap and lift, and the demerara-style sugar smooths the corners, turning the bitter-citrus tension into something rounder. Pineapple juice adds a soft, juicy sweetness that plays against the lime, and the coffee threads through the middle with a roasted depth that makes the whole drink taste darker and more layered.
Serve it when you want something that bridges aperitivo and nightcap—ideal for people who like Negroni-style bitterness but also enjoy a sour’s brightness. It suits early evenings, dinner parties, or any moment when you’re craving contrast: bitter and sweet, tart and rich, all in one glass.
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Tags
Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Amaro and Campari lead with a dark, bitter-herbal core, lifted by lime juice and rounded by pineapple juice, while coffee adds roasted depth and demerara sugar stitches everything together with molasses-like sweetness. It works because the lime’s snap and coffee’s bitterness keep the pineapple and sugar from turning cloying, making it ideal for amaro lovers who want a bracing sour with a subtle caffeinated edge.
Method
How to make a Roman Holiday
- Amaro 30 ml, Campari 7.5 ml, Pineapple juice 22.5 ml, Lime juice 22.5 ml, Coffee 30 ml, Sugar 5 ml (Demerara or dark sugar)
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- Combine amaro, Campari, coffee, pineapple juice, lime juice, and dark sugar in a shaker with ice
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- Shake vigorously until well-chilled, then strain into a lowball glass
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- Garnish with a cinnamon stick
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Find out more- To enhance the aromatic profile of the Roman Holiday, lightly toast the cinnamon stick used for garnish before adding it to the drink. This releases more fragrant oils, which elevate the cocktail’s aromatic experience.
- Use cold brew coffee instead of regular coffee for a smoother, richer texture and to provide a slightly sweeter undertone without additional sugar. Its less acidic profile pairs excellently with the citrus elements of the cocktail.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Roman Holiday cocktail?
The Roman Holiday cocktail is a delightful creation that hails from Cindy’s Rooftop, a celebrated spot located within the historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in Chicago, USA. This cocktail was crafted by the talented Nandini Khaund and offers a fascinating mix of flavors, perfectly embodying the innovative spirit of contemporary mixology. Its origin ties it to a place known for its blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy, making it not just a drink but a little piece of the cultural tapestry of Chicago. The Roman Holiday captures a moment of modern cocktail culture, bringing together a distinct fusion of bitter, tropical, and subtly sweet flavors.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Roman Holiday cocktail?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with ingredient substitutions in the Roman Holiday cocktail to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability. If you're looking for a different bitter profile, you might try using Aperol as a substitute for Campari, which will give a lighter and slightly less bitter note to the cocktail. For those interested in lowering the sugar content, consider using a natural sweetener like agave nectar in place of the dark sugar. You can also replace pineapple juice with mango or passion fruit juice to explore different tropical flavor profiles. However, be mindful that these changes will affect the drink's overall balance and taste.
What is the best way to garnish a Roman Holiday cocktail?
The traditional garnish for a Roman Holiday cocktail involves a cinnamon stick, which adds a warm, aromatic quality to the drink, enhancing its intriguing flavor profile. The presence of cinnamon offers a nice visual appeal and contributes an inviting scent that mingles with the herbal and tropical notes of the cocktail. If you want to creatively experiment with garnishes, consider adding a thin slice of lime or a small pineapple wedge to highlight the citrusy and tropical elements further. Be sure to use a fresh cinnamon stick, as its aroma will significantly impact the overall sensory experience.
How should the Roman Holiday cocktail be prepared for the best results?
To achieve the best results when preparing a Roman Holiday cocktail, it's important to follow the suggested method of shaking the ingredients rather than stirring them. Begin by combining all the ingredients - Amaro, Campari, coffee, pineapple juice, lime juice, and sugar - in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shaking the mixture ensures that the ingredients are well-integrated and the flavors balanced while also chilling the drink properly. Once thoroughly shaken, strain the cocktail into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice. This preparation method not only ensures a perfect blend of tastes but also lends the cocktail its characteristic cold and refreshing quality.
What foods pair well with a Roman Holiday cocktail?
The Roman Holiday cocktail pairs excellently with a variety of foods, largely due to its unique blend of bitter, sweet, and tropical flavors. For a savory option, consider pairing it with charcuterie featuring a mix of cured meats and cheeses, which complements the cocktail's bold flavors. Tapas with grilled vegetables or a light seafood dish, such as ceviche, also make ideal companions, as they bring out the citrus and herbal notes of the drink. For something on the sweeter side, dark chocolate or a dessert with caramel notes aligns beautifully with the depth provided by the Amaro and coffee components of the cocktail, creating a harmonious indulgence.
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