Name: Scarlet Step
Prep time: 3 min
Yield: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Vodka; 1 oz Campari; 1 oz Amber Sweet Vermouth; 0.5 oz Simple Syrup; 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters; Amarena Cherry and Orange Twist, for Garnish

Everything You Need to Know About the Scarlet Step

As the industry prepares for the May 1 return of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt in the The Devil Wears Prada 2, we’re counting down the Grey Goose cocktails inspired by the franchise. The Scarlet Step is a sophisticated, red-hued tribute to those who understand that style isn't just about what you wear, but the conviction with which you carry it (Anna Wintour, we're looking at you). Move past the frantic coffee runs and step into something more substantial—a drink that feels as structured and timeless as a vintage couture gown. This is the sophisticated, ruby-toned Negroni riff you’d expect to see at a high-stakes industry gala, featuring vodka, amber sweet vermouth, and Campari, balanced with simple syrup and two dashes of bitters.

Scarlet Step

Prep Time3 min

Yield1 Cocktail

Base SpiritVodka

Ingredients

2 oz Vodka
1 oz Campari
1 oz Amber Sweet Vermouth
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Amarena Cherry and Orange Twist, for Garnish

The Scarlet Step Is A High Class Negroni Dressed To Impress

Instructions

Add the vodka, bitter liqueur, sweet vermouth, simple syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until the glass is cold to the touch.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe.
Garnish with a high-quality cherry and a fresh orange twist.

Pro Tip

To achieve a "runway-ready" clarity, always stir—never shake—this cocktail. Shaking introduces tiny air bubbles that will cloud the beautiful scarlet hue. A long, steady stir ensures a silky mouthfeel and a crystal-clear presentation that would pass even the most rigorous inspection.

Scarlet Step Riff

Swap the simple syrup for 0.5 oz of Blackberry Liqueur. This modification deepens the color to a moody, dark purple and adds a jammy, forest-fruit sweetness that plays beautifully against the herbal bitterness of the vermouth.