The Il Corso is the Salmoncito as poured at the bar of the same name in Palm Springs. Select Aperitivo stands in for Campari, the tonic water is dropped entirely, and the drink is shaken and served up — a sharper, more concentrated aperitivo.
The Salmoncito, concentrated and dressed for dinner.
Select Instead of Campari
Select Aperitivo — the Venetian bitter at the heart of a proper Spritz — is lighter and more floral than Campari, with a gentler bitterness. In the Il Corso it shifts the Salmoncito's balance: less bracing, a touch more aromatic, a different shade of red.
No Tonic, Served Up
Dropping the tonic is the larger change. Without it, the Il Corso is no longer a highball but a short, shaken cocktail — gin, aperitivo, and grapefruit concentrated into a coupe. It is the Salmoncito's evening form, where the original is its afternoon one.
The Dehydrated Garnish
Il Corso finishes the drink with a dehydrated blood orange wheel — a garnish that survives the night without wilting and looks the part. A fresh grapefruit twist works just as well at home; the point is a clean citrus note over the top.
The Salmoncito Family
A bittersweet gin highball — gin, Campari, grapefruit, and tonic, pink and refreshing.
- 1 1/2 ozLondon Dry gin
- 1/3 ozCampari
- 1/3 ozGrapefruit juice
The Salmoncito with bubbles — sparkling wine added, festive and a little softer.
- 1 1/2 ozLondon Dry gin
- 1/3 ozCampari
- 2 ozSparkling wine