Meet the cocktail of the summer. This Golden Hour Cocktail is what we sipped in Bodrum at Macakizi, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This Golden Hour Cocktail is vibrant, refreshing, and just the right amount of bitter thanks to the Campari. The tequila gives it structure, the citrus makes it feel bright and beachy, and it’s not overly sweet... just perfectly balanced. We had glasses of this every afternoon in Bodrum at Macakizi, and now it’s officially on repeat at our house. If you want to top it off with sparkling water for a little spritz moment, go for it, but it’s just as good served as-is over ice.
It’s also how Thomas describes this Golden Hour Cocktail that really seals the deal: a bold yet balanced blend of bitter and bright. LOL - he thinks he is a cocktail connoisseur. The smoky bite of tequila meets the citrusy sweetness of blood orange and triple sec, all grounded by the complex edge of Campari and a splash of lime. It’s sunset in a glass: vibrant, moody, and unforgettable. Can you die? For someone who used to only eat meat and potatoes, he's really come a long way!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Blanco tequila
- Campari
- Cointreau or simple syrup
- Blood oranges or oranges (grapefruit if you prefer)
- Limes
- Ice
- Citrus wedges or twists for garnish
- Optional: sparkling water
How to Make
Fill a glass with ice. Add the tequila, Campari, citrus juice, triple sec or simple syrup, and lime juice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a citrus wedge or twist. If desired, top with a splash of sparkling water. Serve the Golden Hour Cocktail immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Blood orange gives it a stunning color and soft sweetness, but grapefruit is more tart, use what’s in season or what you love.
- Triple sec will add a more citrus-forward sweetness, while simple syrup keeps it clean.
- Chill your glass if you're serving this on a hot day, it makes it feel extra special.
- Stir gently to keep it balanced and avoid too much dilution.
- Want to turn this Golden Hour Cocktail into a spritz? A splash of sparkling water does the trick.
FAQ's
Can I batch this for a group?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need and mix in a pitcher. Add ice and garnish just before serving.
What if I don’t like Campari?
If you’re not a bitter cocktail person, try using Aperol for a slightly sweeter and softer finish.
Is this better shaken or stirred
Stirred! Shaking could over-dilute it. Just add everything to a glass with ice and give it a quick stir.
Similar Recipes
Golden Hour Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces fresh blood orange juice or orange juice or grapefruit juice
- 1.5 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounces fresh lime juice
- .75 ounce cointreau or simple syrup
- .5 ounces Campari
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice. Add everything to the glass and stir to combine. Garnish with a citrus wedge or twist. If desired, top with a splash of sparkling water. Serve immediately.
This looks like the perfect summer cocktail!