The Blue Marianito swaps the Campari for Blue Curaçao. The drink keeps its vermouth-forward, low-proof structure but trades bitterness for bright orange-citrus — and, of course, an unmistakable blue.
The Marianito, in a colour it has no business being.
Colour Over Bitterness
Campari gives the Marianito its bitter backbone and its red. Blue Curaçao gives neither — it is sweet, orange-flavoured, and vivid blue. The Blue Marianito is therefore a sweeter, more playful drink than its parent, leaning on the vermouth for what depth it has.
It Is Still a Curaçao
For all the spectacle, Blue Curaçao is simply an orange liqueur with colouring added. That means it slots into the Marianito's frame the way any orange liqueur would — the drink is balanced and genuine, not a novelty, however it looks in the glass.
A Cocktail Glass
The Blue Marianito is served up, in a cocktail glass, where the colour can be seen — an orange twist and an olive nod to the original. The garnish is the one place the drink stays sober.
The Marianito Family
Bilbao's answer to the Negroni — vermouth-forward, lighter on its feet, made for pintxos.
- 1 1/2 ozSweet vermouth
- 3/4 ozGin
- 3/4 ozCampari
The Marianito on agricole rhum — grassy, light, and faintly funky.
- 1 1/2 ozSweet vermouth
- 3/4 ozAgricole rhum
- 3/4 ozOrange curaçao
The Marianito gone smoky and vegetal — mezcal and aloe liqueur.
- 1 1/2 ozSweet vermouth
- 3/4 ozMezcal
- 3/4 ozAloe liqueur
A Bilbao house trick — a splash of fresh pomelo juice to brighten the Marianito.
- 1 1/2 ozSweet vermouth
- 3/4 ozGin
- 1/2 ozPomelo juice