A sunny orange tonic with sizzle.
Here’s a zesty number to add a little spring to your step. Vaporetto, Melbourne’s Venetian-style wine bar, doles out vitamin C the Italian way. “The Stallion was inspired by Rocky Balboa from the Rocky movies,” says manager David Wickwar. “It’s a blend of classic Italian ingredients with a real kick.” Aperol has a bitter orange-peel note, he says, which is perfect with Campari. Slightly sweet Punt e Mes helps to nail the balance, and then it’s made long and refreshing with the addition of Italian sparkling orange soft drink (Wickwar uses Imperdibile Aranciata).
Combine 30ml Campari, 15ml Aperol, 15ml Punt e Mes and two dashes of bitters in a highball glass. Half-fill the glass with ice and stir to mix. Add 120ml sparkling orange soft drink, stir, then top up with more ice. Garnish with a wheel of dried orange and serve.
Vaporetto Venetian Bar and Eatery, rear 681 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn, Vic, vaporetto.com.au
