Speranza Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 04/23/21
Speranza Cocktail Recipe - Cinzano Bianco Vermouth

SKYY Spirits
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
773 Calories
2g Fat
174g Carbs
12g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 773
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 16mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 174g 63%
Dietary Fiber 28g 100%
Total Sugars 119g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 734mg 3,671%
Calcium 510mg 39%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 2244mg 48%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The Speranza cocktail recipe calls for a specific sweet vermouth, pairing Cinzano Bianco with Campari and just a hint of vodka. The drink is similar to the Campari cocktail and is a pleasant alternative to the ever-popular Negroni, all of which are designed to be enjoyed before dinner.

Cinzano Bianco Vermouth is a delicate sweet vermouth that is not as full bodied as Cinzano's Rosso or many of the other sweet vermouths on the market. In fact, it's pale yellow color almost makes it look like dry vermouth, but the taste is certainly on the sweeter side.

In the Speranza, the vermouth is a great complement to the intense flavors of Campari, adding just enough richness to the bitter aperitif without fighting it too much. When the two come together, the cocktail makes a fantastic aperitif and is a nice, gentle introduction to Campari.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ounce vodka

  • 3/4 ounce Campari

  • 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

  • Orange wedge, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Build the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.

  3. Garnish with an orange wedge. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • The Speranza recipe was created for the Campari Group (the company that purchased Skyy Spirits), so it naturally recommends Skyy Vodka. Any vodka will do just fine, though. Just make sure to choose a premium brand with a clean, smooth taste so you can enjoy the drink at it's best.
  • Many aperitifs, especially those featuring Campari, are served as very short drinks. You will notice that the Speranza follows suit, mixing up just over 2 ounces. Given Campari's bold, bitter flavor, this is actually a perfect serving; most people will want to move on to another beverage after the first cocktail.
  • Serving the drink over a single large piece of ice, such as an ice ball, rather than ice cubes will slow down the dilution while keeping your cocktail cold.

Recipe Variations

  • A top-shelf citrus vodka would be an excellent alternative for the Speranza cocktail.
  • Follow the lead of the Negroni and mix this cocktail with gin rather than vodka.
  • If you prefer, stir the cocktail with ice for 30 seconds and strain it into a chilled cocktail glass. An orange twist would be an elegant garnish for this option.
  • Adding a squeeze of fresh orange juice can really set this cocktail off nicely. Cut a wedge from the orange you cut the garnish from and squeeze it over the drink, then give the mix a quick stir.
  • Add a dash or two of bitters if you like. Good choices would be aromatic bitters like Angostura or an orange bitters such as Regans' No. 6.

How Strong Is a Speranza?

The Speranza is a delicate aperitif and definitely not as strong as others, including the gin martini. On average, its alcohol content will be 19 percent ABV (38 proof), or a little stronger than a glass of wine.