Bicicletta

This post contains affiliate links. See our disclosure policy here.

Get Our Recipes Sent To Your Inbox
Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Cocktail History

The Bicicletta is a classic cocktail that is believed to have been created in Italy in the 1930s. It’s traditionally made with Prosecco and Campari and topped off with soda water for some added sparkle, and it’s said to have been named for the elderly men who would swerve all over the road on their bicycles after drinking too many of them in the afternoon at the cafe.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Sparkling Wine: This is a carbonated wine made with white or red grapes. We used La Marca Prosecco because it has a crisp and refreshing taste with floral notes. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Prosecco in place of the sparkling wine.

Campari: This is a liqueur made in Italy with gentian root, rhubarb, citrus, herbs, aromatic plants, fruit, and alcohol. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Giffard Non-Alcoholic Bitter Syrup in place of the bitter liqueur.

Soda Water: This is a type of water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. We used Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water because it’s light, essentially flavorless, and refreshing.

Lemon Wheel: This is a slice of lemon that has been cut into a circular shape.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. We used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Tasting Notes

The Bicicletta leads with a slight citrus aroma, has an initially dry taste of white wine cut with a bit of Campari bitter-sweetness, and ends with a lingering bitterness in the throat that will leave you craving another sip.

Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: If you’re like Kendall and don’t love Campari, you may not enjoy this cocktail as much since there isn’t a lot of sweetness to counter its telltale taste. But if you do enjoy sipping a dry, palate-tingling drink like Alex does, you’ll be pleasantly surprised what the Bicicletta has to offer.

Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.

Take Our Quiz →

Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.

Take Our Quiz →

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.

Sale
The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks with 150 Recipes
The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks with 150 Recipes
Hardcover Book; Editors of PUNCH (Author); English (Publication Language); 352 Pages – 09/05/2017 (Publication Date) – Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
$13.05 Amazon Prime

AuthorThe Essential Cocktail Book

Yields1 ServingPrep Time5 mins

Ingredients
 3 oz Sparkling Wine
 1 oz Campari
 3 oz Soda Water
 1 Lemon Wheel

Method
1

Add sparkling wine, Campari, and cracked ice to a wine glass.

2

Top with soda water.

3

Stir gently for 3-5 seconds.

4

Garnish with lemon wheel.

Ingredients

Ingredients
 3 oz Sparkling Wine
 1 oz Campari
 3 oz Soda Water
 1 Lemon Wheel

Directions

Method
1

Add sparkling wine, Campari, and cracked ice to a wine glass.

2

Top with soda water.

3

Stir gently for 3-5 seconds.

4

Garnish with lemon wheel.

Bicicletta

Make It a Mocktail: Use Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Prosecco in place of the sparkling wine and Giffard Non-Alcoholic Bitter Syrup in place of the bitter liqueur to try a booze-free version of this drink.

Shop Glassware & Tools

Find collections of cocktail glassware and bartending tools we recommend for your home bar in our Amazon shop.

Sale
Riedel Vinum, 2 Count (Pack of 1), Clear
Riedel Vinum, 2 Count (Pack of 1), Clear
Set of two machine-made, fine crystal Pinot Noir glasses; The large bowl captures all the nuances of the wine’s aroma.
$59.50 Amazon Prime
Sale
Libbey Signature Kentfield Balloon Red Wine Glasses, 24-ounce, Set of 4
Libbey Signature Kentfield Balloon Red Wine Glasses, 24-ounce, Set of 4
Laser-cut rim ensures a fine & even edge with exceptional brightness & clarity; Dishwasher safe
$37.99 Amazon Prime
Sale
Riedel VINUM Montrachet/Chardonnay Glasses, Set of 2, 21.16 fluid ounces
Riedel VINUM Montrachet/Chardonnay Glasses, Set of 2, 21.16 fluid ounces
This set contains 2 glasses; All Riedel glasses are dishwasher safe; Glass size: 4.25Lx4.25Wx7.56H (Inches)
$69.95 Amazon Prime
OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Pairing Knife,Black/Silver,3-1/2-Inch
OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Pairing Knife,Black/Silver,3-1/2-Inch
Sturdy, stainless steel blade; Soft, comfortable, non-slip handle ensures a safe grip; Hand wash with warm, soapy water and promptly dry
$9.95 Amazon Prime

More Campari Cocktails

If you like this cocktail recipe, here are a few others made with Campari we’ve tried that you may enjoy:

Garibaldi Cocktail Recipe

Garibaldi: A Campari cocktail made with orange juice and an orange slice

Rhubarb & Gingerbread Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Rhubarb & Gingerbread Negroni: A gin cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth, gingerbread syrup, and an orange peel

Jungle Bird Cocktail Recipe

Jungle Bird: A rum cocktail made with Campari, lime juice, simple syrup, pineapple juice, and a lime wheel

Old Pal Cocktail Recipe

Old Pal: A whiskey cocktail made with dry vermouth, Campari, and an orange twist

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2023-12-07.

Leave a comment