The Royal Salmoncito adds sparkling wine to the original — a tweak suggested by the Mexican gin brand Sexto Abismo. The bubbles lift the drink, make it more festive, and soften its bitterness a touch: the Salmoncito dressed for an occasion.
The Salmoncito, with the volume of the celebration turned up.
Why 'Royal'
In cocktail naming, 'royal' has long signalled the addition of sparkling wine — a Kir Royale is a Kir with Champagne. The Royal Salmoncito follows that convention exactly: it is the standard drink, lengthened and lifted with a measure of sparkling wine.
Festive, and a Little Softer
The sparkling wine does two things. It adds effervescence and a celebratory note, and it gently dilutes the Campari's bitterness — making the Royal Salmoncito the most crowd-friendly member of the family, without losing the pink, bittersweet character that defines it.
Build It Gently
Like the original, the Royal Salmoncito is built in the glass — but the sparkling wine and tonic go in last, with a single gentle stir, so the bubbles survive. Plenty of ice keeps it cold without a hard stir that would knock the life out of it.
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
A Palm Springs take — Select Aperitivo for Campari, the tonic dropped, served up.
- 1 1/2 ozLondon Dry gin
- 1/3 ozSelect Aperitivo
- 1/3 ozGrapefruit juice