It is a known fact around the world that Italy has conquered the world of food. They are the creators some of the world’s most beloved and famous cuisines, including the iconic pizza, pasta, and more. But what about drinks? Many of Italy’s liquid creations are just as popular as their food counterparts, but unfortunately these drink’s creators aren’t as well known. However, Italy still does these liquids best, so its only right to taste test them when visiting their birthing place.
Limoncello
Probably the most famous Italian drink; the delicious limoncello. It is known as a digestive, traditionally drank after dinner to help digestion and to cleanse your palate. It is a sickly-sweet taste, sweet tasting limoncello. South Italy is famous for their lemons and limoncello, selling their produce around the world for all to enjoy. So, stopping in to a local restaurant along the Amalfi Coast will guarantee you a free shot of homemade limoncello to end your night beautifully. Try the original as you enjoy the sunset setting over the beachside.
Wine
Wine is a very important drink in Italy, with a long history that ties in with their values, religion, and traditions. With wine not just a drink, but a culture. Its importance began way back to ancient roman times, with wine being a close second to water for the most valued liquid around. It was said to be used in religious purposes, to reduce stress, and to be rid of sadness. A dinner table or celebration without a jug of wine was seen as a travesty. Not much has change, with Italians paring their traditional cuisines with delicious reds, whites, or roses. Try a classic Italian Chianti when you are in Tuscany, a mouth-watering Valpolicella in Veneto, or a simple white wine in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Prosecco
If you prefer a bubbly drink, look no further, for Prosecco is a light, crispy, and delicious drop to try. It differs to a classic sparkling wine due to Italian’s difference in production. They use the secondary fermentation of producing the fizz in large steel tanks rather than in bottles-making it a lighter and less yeasty product. For Italians, prosecco is seen as a pre-dinner drink, a refreshing and delicious treat before you tuck into the heavy foods.
Aperol Spritz
Aperol Sprintz have shot up in popularity in the past years, but the cocktail has been around for centuries. Mixing Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, to make a brilliant orange drink. The Aperol is made from bitter orange, rhubarb and herbs, and has a unique blend of both bitter and sweet. It was invented in Venice to pair with the small snacks served before dinner, named cicchetti. But it transformed into a summer drink, with many locals drinking it not just before dinner, but throughout the day.
Negroni
A mouth-watering cocktail made sweet vermouth rosso, Campari, and gin. normally served over ice and garnished with a piece of orange peel. It is found all over the world, being one of the number one cocktails listed on funky bars or lively restaurants. However, its roots can be traced all the way back to 1919 in the country of Italy. The rumor of its creation states that Florence’s Caffe Casoni was the first to produce this delicious drink. It was said that a local aristocrat and regular to the bar, enjoyed a kick to his usual tipple of Campari and Vermouth. So, the barman Forsco Scarselli added gin instead of the regular soda water and changed the lemon garnish to a twist of orange. The new cocktail soon spread out to other bars, and eventually to the rest of the world.
Campari
Campari, a red herbal liqueur, has a bitter but delicious taste to it, served with soda water or citrus juice usually. It is a refreshing boost to digestion, and today, just like vermouth, is the staple drink for Italians in their Aperitivo, their pre-dinner drinks. It was first sold in Italy during the 1800s by a gaspare Campari. He was the tenth child of a farmer and was a barman at the age of 14. He created the recipe of Campari using 60 different ingredients, including fruits, herbs, and spices. A trip to Italy is incomplete without having the ruby red drink before at least one of your delicious dinners.
Espresso
The first drink that isn’t alcohol! Although coffee is popular everywhere, it is necessary for Italians. With no fancy cameral frappes or almond milk lattes on the menu, rather the typical order can be made by uttering a single word; espresso. A single shot of pure coffee, served in minu cups locals with chug back quickly, or lightly sip. If you don’t enjoy the pure coffee taste, try out a macchiato which pops in a dash of milk to make a creamery delight.
The Italian Drinking Custom; Aperitivo
It is a simple idea, but for Italians, Aperitivo is a traditional ritual. It is time with friends and family, sitting around together pre-dinner from 7-9pm to catch up and to prepare the stomach for an enormous carb-filled dinner. It is meant to sharpen your appetite by opening your stomach for the feast. The tradition began in the 19th century, with the traditional drinks used in it being vermut, Negroni, Americano, Spritz, and finally Prosecco. It is said to bring families, friends, and communities together, giving everyone a happy time in the day to relax, socialize, and cleanse your palette to enjoy your food even more. If traveling to Italy, taking part in Aperitivo is highly recommended. With locals welcoming you to this tradition with open arms.
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