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 Joe Isidori’s Family-Style Meatballs with Ricotta

Chef Joe Isidori brings old-school flavor to Arthur & Sons through family-style meatballs topped with fresh ricotta.

December 4, 2025

Inside Sorrento’s Grand Hotel La Favorita

A local’s look at Grand Hotel La Favorita, from its central location to its standout dining.

December 4, 2025

Win-Win! The Gift of Appetito Is also a Gift to Appetito

Just in time for the 2025 holidays, Appetito announces a very generous gift box that brings joy to all involved.

December 3, 2025

A Cozy New Latte for the Season: illy’s Vanilla Clove Caffè Latte

illy’s Vanilla Clove Caffè Latte, a warm seasonal recipe with notes of vanilla and clove.

December 3, 2025
See all posts