Marianito

Marianito is a vermouth-based cocktail mainly associated with northern Spain and the Basque Country, La Rioja, and Burgos. Although the name can sometimes describe a simple combination of vermouth served with an olive and an orange slice, it also refers to a cocktail that consists of sweet vermouth, Campari, gin, and Angostura.

The cocktail is usually garnished with olives and an orange slice or orange twist. The origin of Marianito is not known, though several still unconfirmed theories tried to explain it. Although vermouth did not originate in Spain, it was introduced in the 1800s, and it soon became a staple in several Spanish regions.

In Spain, vermouth is the perfect afternoon aperitif. It is often enjoyed neat, and it is believed that Marianito grew out of this tradition and the desire to upgrade the standard version. Sometimes, this cocktail is made with other bitter liqueurs, such as Cynar, Fernet Branca, and Bitter de Naranja.