Italian cocktail recipes for entertaining at home
As I mentioned in the last article describing the various parts of an Italian meal, it is customary to have an aperitivo or cocktail before a formal meal. Some Italian cocktails are also catching on in the U.S. as the popularity of Italian liqueurs such as Campari or Limoncello (purchased or home made) continues to rise.
Following are some recipes for enjoyable Italian cocktails that can liven up your next get-together. The Italian words used for a toast include “Salute” (sah loo tay) or “Cin cin” (cheen cheen)!
Cocktail Americano: This drink was invented in the 1930s when the fascist regime dictated using national products, such as Campari (from Milan) or Vermouth (from Turin). It is believed the drink was named to commemorate the victory of Primo Carnera who became the world heavyweight boxing champion in Madison Square Garden in 1933.Ingredients:
1 oz. Sweet Italian (red) Vermouth
1 oz. Campari
Club soda (to taste)
Lemon twist or slice of orange for the garnish
Add a few ice cubes to a tumbler glass. Pour in the Vermouth, the Campari and the garnish (optional). Stir gently. Add more or less soda, depending on how strong your guests like their drinks.
Bicicletta: This cocktail’s name literally means bicycle. There are different stories on its origination. Some say it is named after the elderly Italian men who ride their bikes to the bar/caffé in the afternoon to have their aperitivo.
Ingredients:
1 part Campari
2 parts dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio*
Good splash club soda
Orange slice (optional)
Ice
*I have also seen a version of this cocktail where a dry sparkling wine (like Prosecco) is substituted for the white wine
The Bicicletta is served in a wine glass and is especially popular in the spring and summer. Place a few ice cubes in a wine glass. Pour the ingredients over the ice. Stir to combine. Relax, enjoy the sun, and let the rest of the world go by
Angelo Azzurro (Blue Angel): Here is a Limoncello spin on the Blue Angel drink:
Ingredients:
1 part Cointreau
1 part Limoncello
1 part Gin (preferably Tanqueray Tropical Blue)
1/3 part Sweet (red) Italian Vermouth
Fruit garnish
You will need a shaker and a cocktail glass.
Pour the Couintreau, the Limoncello, the Gin and the Vermouth into the shaker. Add a few ice cubes. Shake well. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a fruit garnish (your choice).
Salute and cin cin!
For more info: Serenella@toscanamia.biz
Campari
Martini&Rossi Vermouth
About Limoncello
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