Enjoy an extra relaxing evening when you sip on a sweet, bitter and citrusy Jasmine cocktail.
Gin and Campari are bedfellows that were always meant to be, it seems. Soulmate spirits that find themselves teamed up time after time in a number of popular and titanic tipples. Why, just adding some sweet vermouth to these two will get you the legendary and beautifully bitter powerhouse cocktail, the Negroni. Both herbaceous and rich in their infusions, gin and Campari are always welcome in my rocks-filled glass.
While many drink enthusiasts might automatically think of Negronis or Americanos when the subject of Campari is brought up, the robust Italian liqueur has inspired the creation of many mixed libations over the years, including tonight’s recipe. The Jasmine cocktail is a delectable and satisfying melding of gin, Campari, orange liqueur and lemon juice, resulting in a sweetly complex and smooth sip.
The Jasmine is a concoction that was born during the mid-1990s, in Emeryville, California, at the Townhouse Bar & Grill. Bartender Paul Harrington was challenged by his good friend Matt Jasmin to come up with a brand new cocktail. Inspired by classics like the Pegu Club and White Lady, Harrington crafted the Jasmine and christened it after his pal. Its inclusion in the book Cocktail: The Drinks Bible for the 21st Century in 1998 further cemented The Jasmine’s reputation as a contemporary classic.
What is the best gin to use in The Jasmine Cocktail?
If you’re curious as to what kind of gin will work best in this sweet and slightly bitter beverage, I found that a classic and stalwart London Dry makes a lovely, strong and balanced libation. With infusions of juniper, licorice, and citrus, this style of spirit melds nicely with the Campari, swimming in harmony with the rich and complex tastes found in the red cordial.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce orange liqueur
- 1/4 ounce Campari
- Lemon peel and mint leaf for garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and Campari to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and a mint leaf.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
If you have some lovely and elegant-looking Nick & Nora glasses sitting on your shelf, pop one in the freezer for a bit before shaking your Jasmine up. Once your glass is nice and chilled, pour your concoction in and garnish with a lemon peel and fresh mint leaf.
What is the best orange liqueur to use?
I enjoy mixing my drinks with Cointreau, a higher-end orange-flavored cordial. Grand Marnier is also a delicious and rich-tasting choice, as it is an orange liqueur blended with brandy, lending some subtle grape flavors to what you mix it in.
Similar drinks to The Jasmine Cocktail
Now that you have a nice bottle of Campari sitting on your shelf, you may be eager to mix up some deep red and robust libations to sip on this evening. And if you’re curious about other recipes besides the Negroni that you can experiment with, you’re in luck. Twist & Toast has a few recipes that’ll give your Italian liqueur a workout.
- Bicicletta – A sparkling and refreshing mix of Campari and white wine.
- Left Hand – Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari come together for a smoky and complex sipper.
- Campari Spritz – The red liqueur joins with sparkling wine and club soda for a light and bitter beverage.
- Ferrari Shot – Fernet-Branca and Campari combine for this speedy shooter.
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