The Hi Fi Cocktail

In my last post on the movie OSS 117 Lost in Rio aka OSS 117 Rio ne répond plus (2009), I make mention of a cocktail that I saw on a drinks menu during the movie. To refresh your memory, here is the picture with said menu:

The fifth drink on the menu is what stood out to me: The Hi Fi cocktail. In searching online, I found that the Hi Fi cocktail is basically a variation of The Screwdriver, which is vodka and orange juice. According to the Cocktail Hunter listing for a Hi Fi Cocktail the cocktail is made with 1 1/2 oz Vodka and an Orange soda to top with an orange slice garnish. I also saw on the Cocktails Wiki page the Hi Fi Cocktail that the drink is made with 1 shot of Vodka and 2 shots Orange Carbonated Drink such as Orangina or Orange Crush over ice with an orange slice as garnish.

This wouldn't be the first time that I used Orangina in a cocktail. Back on December 21, 2012, I wrote a post entitled Le Grand Orange whose recipe bears a similarity to the two recipes listed above. In Le Grand Orange, I used 2oz Absolute Mandarin, a Splash of Grand Marnier with an Orangina top off and Orange slice garnish. Since I already used Orangina for this cocktail, I decided to use something else for the Hi Fi cocktail.

In my local supermarket, I found that they stocked Sanpelligrino Aranciata. Here is how the Sanpelligrino Aranciata is described on the Sanpelligrino website:

Sanpellegrino Aranciata, the Italian orangeade par excellence, is a product with an unique taste and a long history, being born in 1932. It has become a status symbol exported worldwide, distinguished by Italian style. The full taste and the naturalness of Italian oranges characterize this delicious non-alcoholic sparkling soft drink. To be enjoyed chilled.

After picking up a six-pack of bottles, I decided to make the Hi Fi Cocktail:

Hi Fi Cocktail
2oz of Grey Goose Vodka
6oz of Sanpellegrino Aranciata orange sparkling water

Build over ice in a Collins glass. Garnish with an Orange slice.

After Momma-San saw me drinking a couple of these cocktails, she stated "It looks like you need an umbrella in that drink", which considering that it came off the menu, at the bar of a hotel pool in the movie it makes sense.

The cocktail was very light and refreshing. The Aranciata gave the cocktail a nice bubbly and silky feel. It felt very tropical. I also decided to make one cocktail with some Diet Sunkist orange soda but found that it wasn't the same as with the Aranciata. It lacked fizz. It was actually kind of bland.

You could very simply substitute the Vodka for Gin (as I did after five cocktails caused me to kill my Grey Goose Vodka bottle). But I find that I prefer it with Vodka. The neutral aspect of the Vodka lets the orange flavors stand out rather than blending in with the Gin.

There you have the Hi Fi cocktail. Next time you're on vacation in Italy or in your living room, feel free to make yourself one or seven like I did =)

Until Then Happy Drinking,
Sisco Vanilla
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