Giostra d’Alcol is a delightful, playful cocktail created by Italian artist Enrico Prampolini. Often called a Prampolini, this red wine spritz blends Barbera d’Asti, Cedrata soda and Campari for a balanced mix of bitterness, sweetness and refreshing fizz.
I first discovered this drink in Mimi Thorisson’s book Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from Our Travels in Italy and was eager to try it. The Giostra d’Alcol dates to the 1930s and was conceived as part of the Italian Futurist Movement. Its name translates roughly to “carousel of alcohol.” Prampolini originally served the cocktail with an unusual garnish of cheese and chocolate — a quirky flourish of the Futurist era.
The cocktail has echoes of sangria, but it’s much simpler and less sweet. With just red wine, Cedrata (a citron-flavoured Italian soda) and Campari, it’s quick to make and delicious. We’ve slightly increased the soda in our version to temper the bitterness; the original proportions can be found in the recipe notes below.
Ingredients
The photo below shows the three essentials for a Giostra d’Alcol: Barbera d’Asti red wine, Campari and Cedrata soda.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
If you can find the original ingredients, it’s worth making the classic version. If not, these substitutes keep the cocktail’s character while making it more accessible:
- Barbera d’Asti: If unavailable, try Barbera d’Alba, Barbaresco or Barolo as alternatives.
- Cedrata: Cedrata is a Sicilian citron soda. If you can’t find it, a quality lemonade or other lemon-citrus soda works well.
- Campari: Aperol can be used for a milder, less bitter result.
More delicious Italian cocktails to try
Drinks
Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Drinks
Classic Campari Cocktail – Spritz
Drinks
Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail
Drinks
Classic Negroni Cocktail
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Giostra d’Alcol (Red Wine Spritz)
By Emily
Ingredients
- 2 parts Barbera D’Asti red wine
- 2 parts Cedrata soda
- 1 part Campari
- 1 orange slice, for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice. Add the Campari and red wine, then stir to combine.
- Top with Cedrata soda to taste (add more for a sweeter, fizzier drink). Garnish with an orange slice and serve.
Notes
- The original proportions are 2 parts red wine, 1 part Campari and 1 part Cedrata. This version uses a little extra soda to reduce bitterness; adjust to your preference.
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I use extra virgin olive oil in recipes unless otherwise noted.
- For canned or jarred tomatoes I prefer Cirio or Mutti for consistent flavour.
- Vegetable sizes are medium unless stated.
- Recipes are tested in a fan (convection) oven where applicable.
- Nutrition is automatically calculated and should be treated as an approximation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate.
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