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

Noni’s Lighter Turkey Bolognese

This lighter turkey bolognese delivers slow-simmered comfort without the heaviness of the classic sauce.

January 20, 2026

Nirvana in Toscana: Borgo San Felice Resort

Our Editor-in-Chief returns to his beloved Tuscany and shares his experience at Borgo San Felice Resort in Chianti Country.

January 20, 2026

Appetito’s Take on the New Dietary Guidelines

Our Editor-in-Chief takes a humorous lens to the new Dietary Guidelines of the US government and has some advice of his own.

January 19, 2026

Sunday Shop: 6 Products I Use On Repeat

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

January 18, 2026

La Caravella Amalfi: A Conversation with Chef Antonio Dipino

Inside a historic Amalfi restaurant where cuisine, art, and family history continue to shape the experience.

January 15, 2026

Après-Ski Italian in Aspen: Rubirosa’s Alpine Dining Experience

Mt. Rubirosa pairs a warm dining room with an open-air terrace for Italian favorites in the perfect mountain setting.

January 15, 2026
See all posts