When it comes to Italian cocktails, the limelight often falls on classics like the Negroni or the Aperol Spritz. However, Italy is home to a wide array of lesser-known but equally enchanting concoctions. One such hidden gem is the Bicicletta: A refreshingly, simple, and yet captivating drink that encapsulates the essence of la dolce vita.
Comprising white wine and Campari, this drink is a staple in the Italian countryside, particularly among older generations who claim it's the ideal refreshment after a leisurely bike ride, hence the name "Bicicletta."
While the Bicicletta enjoys a certain time-honoured status in Italy, it's steadily gaining traction across the UK. Its uncomplicated recipe and crisp, revitalising notes make it a compelling choice for British cocktail enthusiasts looking to venture beyond the usual Pimm's or G&T.
Whether sipped at a local gastropub or enjoyed during an alfresco dining experience, the Bicicletta is poised to make its mark on British cocktail culture, adding a dash of Italian elegance to the mix.
The Rural Origin
Contrary to popular belief, the Bicicletta wasn't conceived in a posh Milanese bar or a Venetian canalside café. The birthplace of this unassuming cocktail is much humbler, often traced back to rural Italy. It gained prominence as a post-work refreshment among farmers and day labourers, perhaps explaining its straightforward ingredient list.
The name "Bicicletta" adds another layer of allure to the cocktail. In Italy, where cycling is not just a sport but a way of life, the drink pays homage to a beloved pastime. The legend goes that after consuming a glass or two, even the most exhausted farmers felt rejuvenated enough to pedal their bicycles back home as if they were competing in the Giro d'Italia! It's an amusing anecdote, but it also speaks volumes about the Italian philosophy of finding joy and revival in simple pleasures.
While we may never know who mixed the first Bicicletta, the cocktail's rise in popularity could very well be attributed to Campari, the aperitif that adds the cocktail's characteristic bitterness. With Campari’s marketing efforts throughout the 20th century, the Bicicletta started to be seen not just as a rural delight but as a stylish, yet casual, Italian cocktail.
In recent years, the Bicicletta has crossed Italian borders, travelling as far as the trendy bars of Tokyo and the historic pubs of London. What originally began as a local staple has evolved into a drink with international charm, proving that sometimes the most unpretentious creations are the ones that capture hearts around the globe.
Whether it's the nostalgia invoked by the name, the charm of its rustic roots, or the allure of its straightforward character, the Bicicletta is a drink steeped in tales as rich as the Italian soil from which it emerged. It serves as a delectable reminder that sometimes the most meaningful stories are found in the most unexpected places.
Balancing Heritage and Taste
For aficionados of the Bicicletta, the choice of white wine plays a pivotal role in capturing the drink's essence. Opt for an Italian white with high acidity and nuanced floral notes, such as a Soave or a Verdicchio. These wines not only uphold the cocktail's Italian heritage but also complement Campari's bitter complexity, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
On the British front, the Bicicletta's straightforward charm and revitalizing palate draw a delightful parallel to the UK's staple summer refreshment, Pimm's. Much like Pimm's becomes the drink of choice for Wimbledon or garden parties, the Bicicletta offers Brits a chic alternative with an Italian twist, seamlessly blending the casual elegance of Italian culture into the diverse tapestry of British drinking traditions.
2 oz (60 ml or 6 parts) Italian white wine (such as Soave or Verdicchio)
1 oz (30 ml or 3 parts) Campari
Soda water, to top
Ice cubes
Orange slice for garnish
