The Golden Gate 75 Cocktail

I created the Golden Gate 75 cocktail in tribute to the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary. They are doing a whole series of events around the anniversary with a big party on May 27th. 

I had an idea: Golden Gate 75 is close to French 75. And if we swap out gin and lemon for Campari and orange juice, the color could match the famous "international orange" of the bridge! 

It took a lot of experimenting to get the color right. I couldn't make it happen with regular orange juice (Campari wants to go pink) but luckily blood oranges had just come into season. It turns out that was the key. So then I talked to the Campari folks and they had it professionally photographed. I got the color pretty close I think. 

Photo by Rich Niewiroski Jr

Golden Gate 75
By Camper English

2.5 ounces California Sparkling Wine
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Blood Orange Juice (Or substitute regular orange juice)
.5 ounces Rich Simple Syrup*
1 dash Orange Bitters (Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6 recommended)
Orange peel for garnish

Directions: Blood orange juice helps turn this cocktail a color resembling the Golden Gate Bridge, celebrating its 75th birthday this year. Add Campari, orange juice, simple syrup, and bitters to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and fine strain (to remove any pulp) into a champagne flute or coupe. Top with sparkling wine. Zest the orange peel over the top of the drink and drop the peel in the drink or discard.

*Rich Simple Syrup: Heat 2 parts sugar to one part water and stir until dissolved. Store covered in the refrigerator between uses. Depending on the sweetness of sparkling wine used, you may use less simple syrup.

Now, this drink is delicious, but it's not rocket science. There are several recipes I found online for the combination of Campari, sparkling wine, and orange juice, this is just a small adjustment with bitters and simple syrup, and of course using blood orange to make it match the bridge. 

When I made this at home, I used aspic cutters to make a "75" out of orange peels. But they were pretty big so they kind of sank.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the drink!