Make It Count

Bartender and beverage consultant Pamela Wiznitzer says that if you have just one drink, you might as well Make It Count. This lovely red-hued cocktail takes inspiration from the simple-but-pleasing concoction that is Campari and orange juice. Wiznitzer is not the only person to put a creative spin on Campari and orange—New York City bar Dante, for instance, is famous for its Garibaldi, for which bartenders “fluff” the orange juice with a handheld mixer until it’s foamy and frothy. However, Wiznitzer goes a step further with her take on the drink, using a blood orange concentrate from The Perfect Puree of Napa Valley, as well as honey syrup and club soda.

The blood orange concentrate brings an intense, orange-packed flavor to the drink, reduces the overall volume and, along with the honey syrup, mellows the bitterness of the Campari. However, the Make It Count would be overly rich and intense without dilution, so Wiznitzer includes an ounce of club soda, adding effervescence and brightening the drink without watering it down. The end result is a refreshing highball that you can enjoy on a hot afternoon or as an after-dinner treat.

While the Make It Count is easy to throw together, with only a few ingredients stirred over ice, there is the aspect of the blood orange concentrate to contend with. Wiznitzer’s choice is specific, a brand from the Napa Valley that produces a variety of fruit juice concentrates. Unfortunately, this means there are few, if any, clear substitutions. If the Perfect Puree brand is unavailable, try searching online markets for similar products. And if you’re committed to making the drink and still can’t find any blood orange concentrate online, you could try making your own through boiling or freezing juice. You can always use leftovers in other drinks, playing with substitutions, or mix it with club soda for a juicy and refreshing non-alcoholic fruit soda.