South Beach Cocktail Recipe

The South Beach Cocktail is perfect for a day on the beach. It’s a simple, tasty cocktail that combines the bittersweet taste of Campari, the sweet nuttiness of Amaretto, and fresh orange juice for a refreshing drink.

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Why You’ll Like It

This cocktail stands out because it mixes two strong flavors — Campari and Amaretto — with fresh orange juice to create a drink that’s both sweet and slightly bitter. Campari adds a herbal bitterness that counters the sweetness from Amaretto’s almond flavor.

The orange juice adds freshness and a citrus kick, making this drink perfect for warm days or casual evenings. And it’s got an elegant looking garnish, in the form of an orange slice floating on top of the drink.

It’s named for the South Beach area of Miami, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and beach culture. The cocktail reflects the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe of the region.

This cocktail is part of a broader trend of mixing bitter and sweet flavors to create complexity in drinks without adding too much sugar. It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something special.

Great for Parties

The South Beach Cocktail hits a good middle ground between sweet and bitter, making it friendly for many palates. Because it’s not too sweet or too strong, people new to cocktails often like it. It also has enough complexity to keep regular cocktail drinkers interested.

Its bright color, fresh flavor and fascinating garnish make it inviting at parties or casual get-togethers without being too fussy. Plus, it pairs well with food, so it fits nicely into brunches or light dinners.

Preparation Tips

Getting the balance right between the bitter Campari and the sweet Amaretto is key to making a great South Beach Cocktail. There are just a few things you need to know to make it perfect:

• Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice makes a big difference. It adds brightness and a natural sweetness that store-bought juices often lack.
• Chill Your Glass: Before pouring your cocktail, keep your coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water to chill it. This helps keep the drink cold longer.
• Change the Ratios: The recipe’s ratios are terrific, but feel free to change them up a little. If it’s too sweet, add more Campari. Too bitter – add more amaretto.

Speaking of amaretto, it’s worth picking a good bottle. While there’s only one Campari, amaretto is a traditional liqueur made by many different brands.

When choosing your Amaretto, consider whether you want something sweeter or more natural-tasting. Disaronno is a safe choice for most uses, but if you want a more authentic, less sweet almond flavor, Lazzaroni and Luxardo are excellent options.

Disaronno Originale

Probably the most popular and widely recognized brand, it’s smooth, sweet, and slightly bitter with strong almond notes. Great for cocktails or sipping on its own.

Lazzaroni Amaretto

Made in Italy using a traditional recipe with real almonds and cherry pits. It tastes more natural and less sweet than some other brands, with a rich, nutty flavor.

Luxardo Amaretto

Known for quality Italian liqueurs, this brand makes an amaretto with a balanced sweetness and almond flavor with a hint of cherry. 

The Garnish: More Than Just a Decoration

The garnish on the South Beach Cocktail isn’t just for looks—it actually plays an important role in the overall experience of the drink. The classic garnish is a thin slice of orange floated on top, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Why Use an Orange Slice?

The orange slice adds a fresh citrus aroma every time you bring the glass to your lips. This enhances the bright orange juice in the cocktail and complements both the bitter Campari and the sweet Amaretto. The oils from the orange peel also release subtle flavors when the slice touches the surface of the drink, making each sip more fragrant and lively.

The Orange Slice Garnish

The garnish is one of the best visual features of this drink, although the coupe glass is a close second. Any orange garnish will do, but I love the simplicity of this round of orange floating on top.

For the best effect, cut your orange slice thin enough to float easily without sinking or overpowering the drink. Make sure to wash the orange well to avoid any unwanted flavors from wax or pesticides. You can also lightly twist the peel over the drink before dropping it in to release extra citrus oils.

Other options:

• Orange Twist: A long, thin spiral of orange peel adds a nice aroma and looks elegant. You can rub it around the rim of the glass to boost the citrus scent.
• Dehydrated Orange Wheel: These dried slices look stylish and last longer than fresh ones, making them great for parties or gifts.
• Herb Pairing: Adding a small sprig of fresh rosemary alongside the orange slice can bring an herbal note that works well with Campari’s bitterness.
• Cherry Addition: Dropping in a maraschino cherry adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the other flavors.

What Glassware Works Best

The South Beach Cocktail is commonly served in a coupe glass or cocktail glass. These glasses are good because:

• They keep the drink cold longer by having a smaller surface area exposed to air.
• They look classy and match the cocktail’s style.
• They’re easy to hold while socializing.

If you don’t have a coupe, a small rocks glass works too—just serve with fresh ice cubes to keep it chilled.

When to Enjoy a South Beach Cocktail

The South Beach cocktail is great for:

• Summer parties or barbecues
• Casual happy hours
• Brunch gatherings with friends

Make Ahead!

If you’re planning to make this cocktail for a group or party, prepping ahead can save time:

• Batch the Drink: Mix Campari, Amaretto, and orange juice in a large pitcher or bottle in advance. Keep it refrigerated until serving.

• Add Ice at Serving Time: Don’t add ice to the batch mixture beforehand; add fresh ice when pouring into glasses so it doesn’t get watery.

• Chill Glasses: Store your glasses in the freezer before guests arrive so drinks stay colder longer.

Batching helps speed up serving and keeps things simple during your event.

What to Serve With It

This cocktail pairs well with light, fresh foods that won’t overpower its flavors. Some good options include:

• Seafood: Shrimp cocktail, ceviche, or grilled fish complement the citrus notes nicely.
• Cheese Plates: Mild cheeses like mozzarella or brie go well with the almond notes from Amaretto.
• Fruits and Nuts: Fresh fruit platters or mixed nuts add texture and flavor without competing with the drink.
• Light Appetizers: Think bruschetta, crostini, or simple salads.

How to Host a South Beach Cocktail Party

If you want to feature this drink at a gathering, here are some ideas to make it easy and fun:

• Batch the Drink: Multiply the recipe by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Keep it chilled and serve over ice.
• Set Up a DIY Bar: Provide bottles of Campari, Amaretto, fresh orange juice, and garnishes so guests can mix their own cocktails.
• Pair with Themed Snacks: Offer light snacks like tropical fruits, chips with guacamole, or mini sandwiches.
• Create a Relaxed Atmosphere: Use beachy decor like bright colors, string lights, and comfortable seating to match the vibe of the cocktail.

 

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