Giuseppe's Red Shirt

This is not a Star Trek or Babylon 5 themed drink. This cocktail is similar to a Boulivardier but sweeter in that it achieve's it's red color from Cappelletti Vino Aperitivo Amaro, a bitter sweet liqueur with an unusually bright red color. It is not as bitter as Campari, however. I named this drink for Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of Italy's wars of unification. Giueseppe also happens to be distiller Cappelletti's first name.

Italy of the 19th century was a brutal place, So Brutality Battle Strength whiskey is called for. This whiskey is dry and strong. It is also fairly young and can work well in bitter cocktails where the whiskey itself cannot be counted on for the sweetness.

The final ingredient is Zucca Amaro. This Milan liqueur is a rich combination of bitter herbs and rhubarb that is proofed up to 30 percent alcohol. Finally the Italian cocktail is unified by a smacked basil leaf.

• 2 oz. American whiskey (MurLarkey Brutality used)
• 1 oz. Cappelletti Vino Aperitivo
• 1/2 oz. Zucca Amaro
• smacked basil leaf

Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice. Smack the basil leaf in between both hands and garnish with it.