Campari (a bitter citrus apritif) takes a trip to the caribbean in this recipe for dunderstruck, from matthew roedel at the public house in in bay city, michigan. Its an inventive berry-flavored riff on the always-charming jungle bird, so its easy to love. Campari and strawberry are natural partners, and the addition of rum and pineapple gives that classic pairing a tropical flair. A finishing touch of absinthe softens the bitter edge of campari, making the whole drink more complex and magical. Roedel calls for two james doctor bird, a funky aged jamaican rum. You could use aperol if campari or similar brands are too bitter for you, but even a strident campari-hater really ought to try it as written once; the bitter flavor comes through, but is infinitely sweeter and softer than, say, a negroni.
