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  • Writer's pictureSusan R Lin

Operas & Cocktails: Cherubino (Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro)

Updated: Mar 19, 2021


Copyright Susan R Lin, 2021
May the Cherubino cocktail elicit a frisson of ardor!

This is part of my series of opera cocktail pairings to share the experience of fantastic music enjoyed with delicious cocktails. Please find the premise of this project here! This time we feature an aria from Mozart’s timeless dramedy, The Marriage of Figaro.


Opera Selection

  • Aria: Voi, Che Sapete

  • Opera: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart K.492

Love is in the air! Even if it isn’t, this beautiful aria embodying the wondrous mysteries of the heart is pure joy. A good listen with a light cocktail in hand may just bring a little frisson of ardor into your spirit.


In this aria, the young page Cherubino finally summons the courage to confess to the Countess Rosina Almaviva that he experiences strange, wonderful feelings that he can neither comprehend nor fathom. All he knows is that they are magical, and that he longs to be near her. Confusion! Heart flutterings! Love is an amazing thing, and Mozart captures the innocence of this love in a sympathetic and utterly guileless way. He elevates the feelings that Cherubino experiences and brings them a gravitas that only Mozart can.


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Cherubino Cocktail

  • 1.25 oz Vodka

  • 0.5 oz Crème de pêche (peach liqueur)

  • 3 dashes Orange Bitters

  • Sparkling Water

  • Orange peel for garnish


Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice (crushed or not; it’s up to you). Add the vodka, crème de pêche, and dashes of orange bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake up those crazy feelings.


Strain into the ice-filled glass and top with sparkling water. Stir it up! Garnish with a fresh orange peel. For extra fun, sip with a bendy or twisty straw!


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A few thoughts about Voi, Che Sapete and the Cherubino cocktail


“You, who know what love is / Ladies, see if it lies within my heart”


Poor young Cherubino has the double misfortune of being hopelessly infatuated with the wife of his employer, and is about to be sent into military service for a campaign in which he will likely not survive. He bears this with great charm and optimism, however, and is shy yet irrepressible in the Countess’ presence. In this aria he sings of the beautiful pain he experiences and entreats the Countess and her maid Susanna to tell him if he indeed suffers the glories of love. He tells them that he burns one moment and is chilled the next. Although he finds no peace, he welcomes all the sensations.


In this cocktail I wished to capture Cherubino’s youthful, ardent infatuation. He is a little rascal, but he is also too endearing for anyone to find fault with him. Thus, Cherubino the cocktail is lighter on the alcoholic ingredients and is fresh, fruity, and bubbly. There’s just enough alcohol here to feel the wonderful warmth that Cherubino must have felt whenever he was near the Countess!


Copyright Susan R Lin, 2021
The Cherubino cocktail awaits (somewhat) innocently

Cocktail in hand? Have a listen!

The role of Cherubino was written for a woman, to highlight the character’s youth. Having a mezzo-soprano sing a young man’s role (the so-called "trouser role") has been common practice in opera. A mezzo-soprano sings with a rich middle register, and covers a range lower than a soprano.


I’ve selected videos of some of my favorite artists singing this aria. Enjoy!

  • Rinat Shaham - Royal Opera - Rinat does an incredible job of being awkward and yet wonderfully eager. Rinat’s Cherubino is one of my favorites for acting and musicality.

  • Isabel Leonard - Glyndebourne Opera Festival - Isabel is another wonderfully mischievous and shy Cherubino. Throughout the opera, she easily won me over!

  • Frederica von Stade - Glyndebourne Opera Festival - Frederica was my first Cherubino in several productions I watched on fuzzy bootleg tapes when I was a child. She’s golden.

  • Cecilia Bartoli - Solo recital, with subtitles - Cecilia’s voice and delivery are superb.


Until next time, cheers!

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