The Long Faced Dove Cocktail: Tequila, Campari, and Grapefruit in Harmony
Experience a bright fusion of bitter, citrus, and spice in every sip.
The cocktail world is full of creatively balanced recipes, but few achieve the complexity and refreshment found in the Long Faced Dove. Marrying bright tequila, bitter Campari, tart grapefruit, and the spicy snap of ginger beer, this drink is an evolution of modern classics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into its inspirations, flavor profile, precise recipe, preparation secrets, and smart variations—everything you need to master or modify this crowd-pleaser at home.
Origins and Inspirations
The Long Faced Dove draws its roots firmly from two celebrated cocktails: the classic Paloma—Mexico’s beloved tequila and grapefruit highball—and the globally-loved Negroni with its hero bitter liqueur, Campari. Conceived by Chicago bartender Paul McGee at RPM Italian in 2013, the drink was adapted and popularized for wider audiences, standing out as a modern riff that unites the best traits of its influences.
- Paloma: Traditionally blends tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda, garnished with salt.
- Negroni: Combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—the king of bittersweet cocktails.
What makes the Long Faced Dove special is its ability to evoke both the sunny, easy-drinking nature of the Paloma and the sophisticated bitter edge of the Negroni, all in one glass.
Flavor Profile: Bitter, Sweet, and Tart in Balance
At its core, the Long Faced Dove is an exercise in balancing contrasts:
- Blanco Tequila: The backbone, offering grassy, herbal character and a dry finish.
- Campari: Infuses bold bitterness and a rush of orange and herbal aromatics.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Layers tartness with subtle sweetness, brightening and taming the bitter elements.
- Lime Juice: Sharp, acidic, and vibrant—intensifies the fresh, citrus punch.
- Simple Syrup: Smooths rough edges and delivers just enough sweetness to counter bitter notes.
- Ginger Beer: The final crown: light carbonation, warmth, and spicy lift.
Each component shines for its purpose, and when measured with care, the result is a sunset-hued refresher with layers of bitter, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors—ideal for summer sipping, but complex enough for occasion drinking all year round.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitution Tips
| Ingredient | Amount | Role | Substitution Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanco Tequila | 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) | Primary spirit base | Reposado tequila for oak notes or smoky mezcal for a twist |
| Campari | 1/2 oz (15 ml) | Bitter complexity | Aperol for less bitterness, or Cappelletti for gentler herbal |
| Grapefruit Juice (fresh) | 3/4 oz (22 ml) | Tartness & brightness | Other citrus juices alter profile; pink grapefruit is best |
| Lime Juice (fresh) | 3/4 oz (22 ml) | Acidic edge | Use lemon for a different zing |
| Simple Syrup | 1/3 oz (10 ml) | Sweetness, balance | Agave syrup (more floral), but reduce slightly for sweetness |
| Ginger Beer | 1/2 oz (15 ml or to taste) | Fizz, spicy lift | Ginger ale for less spice or club soda for less flavor |
| Lime Slice | 1 (garnish) | Visual and aroma | Grapefruit or orange slice as a substitute |
Long Faced Dove: Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
- 1/2 oz Campari
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/3 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz ginger beer (or more to taste)
- Ice
- 1 slice lime, for garnish
Instructions
- In a lowball or rocks glass, combine tequila, Campari, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice and stir gently to integrate and chill.
- Top with ginger beer and stir once more to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh slice of lime.
Tip: For larger gatherings, scale up the tequila, Campari, juices, and syrup in a pitcher ahead of time. Chill until serving, then pour over ice and top with ginger beer to order.
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Expert Technique & Bartender Insights
- Fresh Juice: Always squeeze grapefruit and lime juice to order for the brightest, cleanest flavor.
- Tequila Selection: Choose a crisp, neutral blanco; avoid heavily aged/tannic tequilas, which can muddy bitterness and citrus.
- Campari Measures: Start with the balance in the core recipe—adding more can overpower, so scale cautiously for personal taste.
- Chilling: Stirring with ice both chills the cocktail and slightly dilutes, which is essential to open up complex aromatics.
- Ginger Beer Choice: Use a ginger beer with true ginger spice and a lively fizz; avoid overly sweet versions that can flatten the drink.
- Garnish: A lime wheel adds aroma; for extra flair, consider a grapefruit twist for a more intense citrus nose.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
The spirit of this cocktail is adaptability. While the ingredients work beautifully as listed, don’t hesitate to experiment:
- Mezcal Dove: Substitute smoky mezcal for tequila to add earthy notes and a campfire edge.
- Rosy Dove: Swap Campari for Aperol to create a lighter, less bitter, and more floral variation.
- Winter Citrus Twist: Mix in blood orange juice when grapefruit is out of season or blend different citrus for more complexity.
- Tequila Spritz Dove: Serve in a tall glass and increase ginger beer (or use club soda) for a lighter, more sessionable version.
Story Behind the Long Faced Dove: History & Why It Works
The Long Faced Dove isn’t just a mashup—it’s a thoughtfully constructed drink born out of appreciation for contrast in cocktails. Paul McGee was inspired by the collision of the Paloma’s quenching citrus-tequila combo and the Negroni’s rich bitterness. Bittersweet and tart, but never heavy, it toes the line between Old World bitterness and New World refreshment.
The drink’s name, a playful nod to both its citrusy ‘Paloma’ bird namesake and the inclusion of Campari (which features a stylized bird in its Italian branding), reminds us how modern cocktails continually reinterpret classics.
Perfect Pairings: Food Ideas
The Long Faced Dove’s layered bitterness, citrus tang, and touch of spice make it versatile for food pairings, echoing flavors found in Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. Try serving it with:
- Carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa
- Ceviche with avocado and grapefruit supreme
- Charred octopus or grilled shrimp
- Spicy roasted nuts or salsa verde and tortilla chips
Hearty appetizers and dishes with smoke, spice, or acidity will all play well alongside the drink’s bittersweet backbone.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cocktail too bitter | Use less Campari, or add a splash more simple syrup and grapefruit juice |
| Drink is flat or lacks sparkle | Up the ginger beer, and ensure it’s added right before serving for the freshest fizz |
| Not enough citrus zip | Increase lime or grapefruit juice fractionally |
| Tastes too sweet | Cut back on syrup; double-check juice isn’t overly sugary or from concentrate |
| Overpowering ginger | Switch ginger beer for ginger ale, or use club soda to lower intensity |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of tequila is best for a Long Faced Dove?
Use a clean, crisp blanco (silver) tequila, which brings out bright citrus and herbal flavors without introducing oaky or caramel notes.
Can I batch this drink for parties?
Yes. Mix all but the ginger beer in a pitcher, chill, and pour over ice. Top each glass with ginger beer just before serving to preserve fizz.
Is Campari essential, or can I use another bitter?
Campari delivers a trademark bitter-orange bite, but you can substitute Aperol (for less bitterness), Cappelletti, or even Suze for a herbal twist. The result will differ, but each brings a unique personality.
Why use fresh grapefruit and lime juice?
Freshly squeezed juices provide sharper, brighter, and more aromatic flavors than bottled or concentrate, which can taste dull or too sweet.
What is the origin of the name “Long Faced Dove”?
It is a whimsical twist referencing the Paloma (“dove” in Spanish) and the inclusion of a bitter Italian amaro; the drink melds both the laid-back and sophisticated sides of the cocktail world.
Pro Tips for Cocktail Enthusiasts
- Citrus Prep: Roll citrus fruits on the counter before juicing—this releases more juice and oil, enhancing aroma.
- Ice Matters: Use large, clear ice cubes for slower dilution and visual appeal in the glass.
- Serve Immediately: Mix, garnish, and serve promptly for freshest flavors and maximum effervescence.
- Seasonal Tweaks: In winter, swap in blood or ruby oranges for a sweeter, redder presentation.
The Long Faced Dove: Worth the Pour
A modern classic with timeless appeal, the Long Faced Dove is a masterful fusion of bold bitterness and lively citrus. Its structure rewards thoughtful assembly—attention to balance, fresh ingredients, and choice of spirits delivers something more than the sum of its parts. Whether enjoyed solo, served at brunch, or mixed in batches for a party, it’s a cocktail to sip, savor, and share.
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