Skip to Content
Cocktails

The Casa Julian: A Mexican-Italian Cocktail to Beat the Heat

Chef/owner Julian Media shares a cocktail recipe from his first Italian restaurant, Amarena, in Manhattan.

New York City summer is in full swing — and we’ve got our eyes on the most refreshing options for summer sipping. 

One of New York’s newer Italian restaurants, Amarena, has a cocktail on its menu dubbed the Casa Julian. It was crafted by Amarena chef and owner Julian Medina, who was born and raised in Mexico, lives in New York City and is a fan of Italian culture. The drink is meant to fuse Italian and Mexican spirits.

"This cocktail is inspired by two of my favorite flavors, Tequila and Campari,” Medina tells Appetito. 

He breaks down the refreshing drink’s inspiration: “We add the ginger and lemon syrup for freshness and cucumber to make it light and refreshing. It is a great summer cocktail that reminds me of laughs and good company during my experiences at happy hours in Florence, Italy."

Medina’s Amarena is located on New York City’s Upper East Side and offers brunch, lunch, and dinner alongside an extensive cocktail and wine list. The Casa Julian is priced at $20 on the Amarena menu.

Casa Julian Cocktail

Casa Julian Cocktail

Recipe by Julian Medina
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

1

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz 2 Tequila Blanco

  • .75 oz .75 cucumber juice

  • .75 oz .75 simple syrup

  • .75 oz .75 lemon juice

  • .5 oz .5 Faccia Bruto Aperitivo

  • .25 oz .25 Campari

Directions

  • Shake well with ice and garnish with a slice of lemon and/or a thin slice of cucumber.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Chef Adrianne Calvo’s Squid Ink Linguine Vongole with Clams Recipe

This recipe for squid ink linguine vongole combines clams, garlic, white wine, and lemon in a simple sauce.

Human Zero Waste: How a Sicilian Kitchen Became a Classroom

In Catania, a chef is using the kitchen to teach young people about food, community, and possibility.

Mediterranean Diet Comes to the World Bank with New Global Focus

At a World Bank gathering in Washington, the Mediterranean Diet is presented not just as a way of eating, but as a model for health, culture, and global policy.

May 4, 2026

How Not to Throw an Italian Wedding Feast

In Italian, something modest cannot pass for something grand.

May 4, 2026

Sunday Shop: 10 Sweet Options for Mother’s Day Gifting

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

May 3, 2026

Inside the Les Dames d’Escoffier NYC Dinner with Lidia Bastianich

Hosted by chef Silvia Baldini, a May 7 dinner with Lidia Bastianich at Becco NYC will support the next generation of culinary professionals.

See all posts