Can I make a Vesuvio without egg white?

Yes, you can omit the egg white, but the drink will lack the smooth texture and frothiness that it provides.

What type of rum should I use?

A light or white rum is recommended for the Vesuvio, as it offers a clean flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Vesuvio?

You can create a mocktail version by substituting rum with a non-alcoholic rum alternative and using the same proportions of the other ingredients.

Vesuvio

Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.

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Method: shake
Glass: Old-fashioned glass
Ice: Served over ice.
Garnish: No garnish required.
ABV: 18%

Ingredients

Light rum — 1 oz (30 ml)
Sweet Vermouth — ½ oz (15 ml)
Lemon — Juice of 1/2 pcs
Powdered sugar — ¼ oz (5 ml)
Egg White — 1 pcs

How to make it

Step 1: In a shaker, combine light rum, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and egg white.
Step 2: Add ice to the shaker.
Step 3: Shake all ingredients until chilled.
Step 4: Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy.

The Vesuvio cocktail is a refreshing drink featuring light rum and a sweet-tart lemon flavor.

The story

The Vesuvio cocktail is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, with some attributing its creation to the famous Italian bar, Caffè Gambrinus, in Naples. Named after the iconic Mount Vesuvius, it reflects the vibrant flavors of Italian ingredients, particularly sweet vermouth and fresh citrus. Its enduring popularity can be linked to its refreshing taste and the use of egg white, which adds a smooth texture.

How it tastes

The Vesuvio offers a balanced flavor profile, combining the sweetness of vermouth with the tartness of lemon juice, while the light rum provides a subtle, fruity base. The egg white creates a silky mouthfeel, making it a refreshing choice for warm-weather gatherings or as a pre-dinner drink.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Vesuvio lies in the proper shaking technique. A dry shake (shaking without ice) before adding ice helps emulsify the egg white, creating a frothy texture. A second shake with ice chills the drink while maintaining that smooth consistency.

Variations

Vesuvio Sour — This variation adds a dash of Angostura bitters to the original recipe, enhancing the complexity of flavors.
Frozen Vesuvio — Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy version, perfect for summer.

Substitutions

Light Rum — White rum can be used as an alternative if light rum is unavailable.
Sweet Vermouth — A good quality Italian red vermouth can serve as a substitute.
Egg White — Aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replace egg white for a vegan option.

Questions

Can I make a Vesuvio without egg white?: Yes, you can omit the egg white, but the drink will lack the smooth texture and frothiness that it provides.
What type of rum should I use?: A light or white rum is recommended for the Vesuvio, as it offers a clean flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Vesuvio?: You can create a mocktail version by substituting rum with a non-alcoholic rum alternative and using the same proportions of the other ingredients.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 10, 2026

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