Campari and Bourbon Cocktail

On the menu at Rosewood Miramar Beach, you'll see the Campari and Bourbon cocktail listed as the Napoleon. “Animal Farm has always been a favorite book of mine because of its symbolism. Napoleon's character is a beautiful reminder that greed —be it for wealth, power, or status — can rot anything. The template for the cocktail is loosely inspired by the Prohibition-era Scofflaw cocktail which consists of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, grenadine, and lemon juice. Drawing a parallel to the book's setting, we wanted to highlight ingredients and drinking traditions of farm life in the American South. Also, as corny as it may be, I spent much of my early childhood on a farm in southeast Louisiana — we had chickens, pigs, rabbits, and tons of wild berries in the neighboring woods. I grew up foraging for berries and gathering fresh eggs for breakfast so I wanted to incorporate that element of farm life into the cocktail. I also saw the greed of pigs firsthand while also experiencing the beauty of the rest of the farm.”  — Sam Penton, director of bars at Rosewood Miramar Beach

Frequently asked questions

How do you make simple syrup?

To make simple syrup, bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool completely.

What is white vermouth?

Also known as blanc vermouth, white vermouth is sweeter than dry vermouth, but not quite as sweet as red vermouth. White vermouth typically has a floral, rich flavor. 

What is the difference between Campari and Aperol?

While Aperol and Campari have a lot of similarities, they can be used to achieve very different goals. Bartenders reach for Campari when they want to add depth, body, and bitterness to a cocktail. Aperol’s sweetness can play well with sweet-and-sour fruits, and add bitter complexity to anything juicy.  

Notes From the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Not sure where to start when it comes to finding the right bourbon for the Napoleon cocktail and your palate? Check out our guide to the 25 most important bourbons ever made!