Bicicletta

By Rebekah Peppler

Updated Feb. 13, 2024

Bicicletta
Nico Schinco for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Rating
4(427)
Comments
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The popular lore goes that the Bicicletta, a classic Italian aperitivo, was named after the wobbling mode of transportation used by elderly men after a spirited afternoon or evening. However the drink came to be named, the three-part combination of red bitter liqueur, dry white wine and soda water is bright, refreshing and as easy to make as riding a bike.

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • Ice
  • 2ounces red bitter liqueur, such as Campari, Cappelletti or Contratto Bitter
  • 2ounces dry white wine 
  • Chilled soda water, to top 
  • 1 to 2orange or lemon wheels
Ingredient Substitution Guide
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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice. Add the Campari and wine. Top with soda water. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with the citrus wheel.

Ratings

4 out of 5
427 user ratings
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Comments

Flâneuse

I remember drinking these in Italy in the late 90s-early 2000s. You don't see them on the menu in the tourist areas; you need to ask or go to the small villages to enjoy. Life is better in those places anyway.

Richard

Simply sublime.

Susan Di Gatti

My husband’s mom used to make a lower-alcohol version of this drink by mixing Campari and lemon-lime soda. That might be too sweet for some people, but we thought it was refreshing—and beautifully colorful!

jane

Really delicious- simple to make but a nice complex flavor. Great summer drink!

Robin

Any suggestions for a nonalcoholic version?

Stephanie K.

You might try a nonalcoholic “spirit” like Seedlip Grove, which has notes of orange & ginger, instead of the Campari. Top w soda water and add some orange bitters (look for an NA version if needed).

Judy Baltimore

On a low alcohol trend Lemon spindrift and Campari . My go to for light drinking and added hydration!

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